WOOP

WOOP — Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan — is applicable to most any of your goals, from career to relationships to exercise and weight loss.

First, you get to dream. What’s the thing you wish for? What are you dreaming about? Make a plan to get it.

I want an awesome job. Really crystallize it in your mind and see the outcome you desire. (I want to work as a VP at Google.)

Then it’s time to face reality. What obstacle is in the way? (I don’t know how to get an interview there.)

Then address it. What’s your plan? (I’m going to check and see if I know anyone who works there and can connect me with HR.)

It’s like a personal litmus test for feasibility. When what you want is something reasonable (I’m a qualified candidate who wants a job at Google but isn’t sure about the next step).

WOOP will give you a plan and the energy to carry it out.

But when your goal is more unrealistic (I want to be the emperor of Australia by Thursday) you will find yourself less energized and you’ll know it.