How Positive Thinking Could Be Hurting Your Productivity

Lauren Finney
Sep 04, 2015

We know that you’ve kept yourself on the right mental track when it comes to #selflove, love-hate work relationships and your romantic endeavors. But what if positive thinking isn’t enough? A new study might help you think differently.

According to New York Magazine, who first reported on an NYU psychologist’s research, there’s reason to let go of a little positive thinking in exchange for some positive action based in reality. The study, helmed by Gabriele Oettingen, points out that if all our time is spent thinking about positive things happening to us, then what time is left for us to act on those thoughts? Oettingen suggests a four-point system to help you make the leap from thoughts to actions, and we just love the acronym: WOOP.

WOOP is an actionable plan you can take to make those happy thoughts come to fruition. The first is Wish, where you define a specific goal. The second is Outcome, where you daydream a little and visualize your wish coming true. The third is where it gets tricky for some — Obstacles. Instead of stopping at the Outcome stage, where your goal of running a marathon or starting a company most likely got lost in all the positive thinking, you move on to focus on Obstacles, which can make your Wish and Outcome ideas into a reality. Imagine that roadblock and then think about how to get around it, says Oettingen, which is the last phase: Plan.

This method is the culmination of 20 years of research and has helped in all sorts of realms, including weight loss, academia and interpersonal relationships. The bottom line? Dreams and *just* positive thinking lead to little investment, but a plan based in reality will help you really succeed. WOOP, there it is!

Tell us how you’d use this system to make your dreams come true in the comments!

The 'We Live in Time' Ending Is More Hopeful Than Heartbreaking

If you knew you had limited time, how would you spend it? That's the question at the heart of We Live in Time, which movie lovers have been waiting for since Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh proved they have amazing chemistry at the 2023 Oscars. I do intentionally use "heart" of the movie instead of "center" because the film is so overwhelmingly rich in beauty and emotion that it's the only word that fits.

You'll definitely want to bring tissues to the theater because, just like we all predicted, this romance movie is a tearjerker. Here's exactly what happens at the end of We Live in Time — and the impact of that final scene. If you haven't seen the movie yet, bookmark this and come back after your tears have dried.

What happens in We Live in Time?

A24

In We Live in Time, Almut, a chef and former figure skater, and Tobias, a Weetabix cereal employee, unexpectedly cross paths when Almut literally hits him with her car. All it takes is a single trip to the ER and a diner, followed by a visit to Almut's restaurant, for the couple to fall for each other. They embrace their newfound romance with reckless abandon, but their vision of the future comes to a screeching halt when Almut's ovarian cancer returns.

Instead of using a typical storytelling arc, the movie actually opens with the diagnosis, taking viewers by surprise almost as much as Tobias and Almut. The story jumps back and forth between their early relationship, starting a family, and life post-diagnosis, highlighting the beauty of both the boring and special moments of a life lived together — and it's way more hopeful than heartbreaking. (It's also pretty easy to keep up with thanks to the length of Florence Pugh's hair in any given scene).

A24

The couple's relationship is marked by reveling in quiet moments, like Almut showing Tobias the perfect way to crack an egg or eating an entire sleeve of Jaffa Cakes in the bathtub while nine months pregnant. But those simpler moments are interspersed with parties and passion, and Almut, who'd rather live six incredible months than agree to chemo and wait for a remission that will never come, is determined to keep up the momentum.

She begins leading a sort of double life, hiding her involvement in a new cooking competition from Tobias, and hiding her cancer from her fellow chefs. (One moment of levity comes when Almut's second finds her throwing up in the bathroom and asks if she's on drugs).

A24

But while many viewers can understand dedicating yourself to a goal, Almut's driving force goes much deeper than that: she's terrified of being forgotten. When competition training means she forgets to pick up their daughter Ella, and winds up fighting with Tobias, Almut reveals how scared she is of only being "the mom with cancer." She wants to give Ella another identity to remember her by. So, they move forward together and finally make it to the cooking competition — but despite all the work it took to get there, it's not the beautiful dishes or the applause or the overall success that make the greatest impact.

How does We Live in Time end?

A24

Almut ditches the competition before it's over, taking her family to a nearby ice skating rink instead. After leaving Tobias and Ella at one end of the rink, she waves and takes off, and it's the final image we see of her — like an angel on ice skates.

When the film flashes forward to the period after Almut's implied death, we see Tobias teaching their daughter how to crack eggs the way Almut showed him at the beginning of their relationship. And that is the part that left me weeping. Instead of romanticizing death, We Live in Time truly romanticizes life in every sense of the word. It's a reminder that the simple ways we honor our loved ones, the inescapable moments that are totally interwoven in our lives, end up being the most powerful. And the fact that no matter what comes, memories mean we can live forever.

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OMG Paris Hilton And Nicole Richie Are Bringing The Opera To 'The Simple Life' Reunion Special

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'The Simple Life' reboot debut?

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That's TBD! All we know is that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are hard at work to bring a special reiteration of it to our screens. They were seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What's the official name of 'The Simple Life' reboot?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

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This post has been updated.

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Every Thought I Had During The 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Premiere

Grab your surfboard and your cutest 'kini because Outer Banks season 4 part 1 is finally here!! Like all you Pogues out there, I've been waiting for this show to return for more than a year — and I don't think I'll ever stop talking about it. We're back on the OBX, the Pogues vs. Kooks rivalry has returned, and we get plenty of adorable JJ and Kiara moments. Here's every thought I had watching the Outer Banks season 4 premiere.

1. I love Papa Heyward — but I can also see where Kie's parents are coming from.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

I know Kiara's parents get a bad rep on the show, but I understand where their brains are at. To them, their teenage (unsupervised) daughter has gone totally off the rails and won't listen to anything they say. Not to mention she steals their car. Was sending her to Kitty Hawk the right move? No, but now that's she's 18, establishing some boundaries might be.

2. THE POGUES ARE FINALLY RICH!! (Um, why isn't JJ happy?)

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Woogity woogity! After four years of treasure hunts and defying the odds, our ragtag group of surfers finally cashed in the gold for over a million US dollars. But while everyone is over the moon, JJ looks a little less pleased at the prospect of having almost as much money as Rafe and Topper. Kie reassures him the cash won't turn them into Kooks, but wouldn't he have thought of that before now?

3. Pope deserves so much hype — and a huge cut of the money TBH.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

C'mon Pope, with the budget and the charter shop business plans. We love a forward thinker. He's the ultimate brains behind the operation here, and he absolutely does not get enough credit. He willingly carries so much of the financial responsibility and makes a ton of sacrifices (like never finishing school). Team Pope 4ever.

4. Buying JJ's house after John B.'s home burned to the ground makes me EMOTIONAL.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Outer Banks fans have come to know and love The Chateau — which is why Topper setting the house on fire in Outer Banks season 3 was devastating. I'm so glad they're able to establish a new home, and redeem JJ's house at the same time.

Rumor had it season 4 would focus on JJ, and it's already shaping up to be that way. I love him, your honor.

5. Once again, I need EVERYTHING the girls are wearing.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Outer Banks' costumes are always incredible, and I love every single look. Cleo looks better in a tank top or a jersey than literally anyone, and I need Sarah's pink top and overalls expeditiously. It feels like Kie's already had more hairstyles and accessories in this first episode than she's had in the previous three seasons combined, and I'm obsessed.

6. Wow, these kids are handy. Wouldn't they need, like, a contractor?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Don't get me wrong, I know some pretty handy young adults. But having six 18-year-olds build a dock and a bait, tackle, and charter shop from the ground up is some serious teen drama logic. Also watching them hang out on the dock makes me miss the coast!! (Although I do not miss the swamp).

7. JJ and Kiara are still the ultimate 'Outer Banks' couple.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ's hilarious happy dance, followed by Kiara telling JJ she loves him, might be my favorite moment from the opening episode. Although I couldn't help but notice JJ didn't say it back. Is this going to become a devastating "I should have told her" moment? I've been hurt by too many teen dramas in the past!!!

8. I'm very impressed by the attention to detail.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Watching Cleo make sandwiches already made me hungry, but I got even hungrier when I noticed she was using Duke's mayonnaise. This is the only correct mayo to eat if you live in the South, and I commend Netflix for this attention to detail.

9. Lightner actually terrifies me.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Okay, did anyone else heart start literally pounding when Lightner showed up, and opened a knife? Creepy men are simply not the vibe.

10. Does Rafe have a heart now?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Wow, totally didn't expect to see Rafe scattering Ward's ashes. This is actually so wild for Rafe's arc because all he wanted was to make his dad proud. Where does he go from here? I'm torn between wanting him to stay totally evil (because I find his villain arc so compelling), and getting the chance at redemption, but that's only because I love Drew Starkey so much. All I know is if anyone can get Rafe to change his ways, it's Sofia.

11. JJ should NOT have bet all the Pogues' money.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

I've seen plenty of surf competitions on the real OBX, and we have an annual biker week, but I've never seen a beach bike race. There's a first time for everything, I guess! Not only is the JJ & John B. vs. Topper & Rafe dynamic always messy, but now we learn JJ bet the rest of the Pogues' savings on the race?! JJ I love you, but if I learned you took all my money, we'd have some serious problems.

12. RIP The Outer Banks Sentinel.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

In real life, The Outer Banks Sentinelpublished its last issue in 2019. I love that they included this in the episode!

13. P4L

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

More than anything, the first episode of Outer Banks season 4 just reiterates how much these kids love each other, and that no matter what, they're family. Pogues for life!

Let us know what you thought about the first half of Outer Banks season 4 in the comments! Here's an explainer of every detail, so you don't miss a thing. Outer Banks season 4 part 2 premieres on Netflix November 7.
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