Positive visualization is ineffective?

 

So if not crafting positive fantasies of success, what might be a better use of our time and imagination?  Kappes and Oettingen suggest we try critical visualization, in which realistic obstacles, setbacks, and other decidedly not-so-positive factors are considered.  Even failure itself, in all its rawness, should be thrown in and dabbled with as a possible outcome.  As odd as it sounds, this research suggests that even random daydreaming is less deflating than positive fantasizing.

Ironically, shifting into positive fantasy mode is most effective when we need to decrease our energy expenditure, when, for example, anxiety is getting the better of us.  In that case, the healthiest move is denying the fire more fuel, and it seems that positive visualization is a commendably effective tool for doing exactly that.