Tolfioow: What does MCII (Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions) do?
Prof. Oettingen: MCII increases motivation and perseverance. It’s a method of choosing between what you really want and what you can or should put off, delegate, or even give up altogether. The MCII method helps to turn a wish into a goal that is also pursued with commitment. It is then no longer a wish of many, but the goal to which I feel committed. With MCII I separate the wheat from the chaff: I pursue this goal, I give up that one.
In which areas does your method help?
You can use MCII for all your different concerns and desires. It is only important that you consider the principles and the structure, then the strategy can be filled with any content.
Why is it so difficult for us to put good intentions into practice?
Good intentions are often preceded by a short-lived elation. If it then becomes difficult, obstacles and temptations appear, this exhilaration disappears. That’s where MCII comes in.
How exactly does MCII help?
MCII creates the obligation to actually realize the desire. It forces the person to find out what the real obstacles are: temptations, certain situations, personal emotions. If I know the obstacle, I can immediately find ways of dealing with this obstacle. I’m then much better prepared in the actual situation.
How does an MCII training work?
It takes place at the DAK as part of seminars. An important aspect of MCII training is teaching people how to create the psychic space to really get to their obstacle. This is often difficult because people have to face their weaknesses. Finding desires and obstacles is eye-opening. Once I have completed the training program, I no longer have to worry about my obstacles, no longer have to make new decisions. I’ve done all this before, in anticipation of what happens later. In the situation I act automatically, like when driving a car. Incidentally, I can do MCII exercises anywhere: on the bus, on the train, in the shower.
Can MCII also help with a diet?
The method can be applied to a short – term or long-term diet wish. The strategy fits all wishes. What is important is that the person recognizes the desire that is close to their heart and also the obstacles that are centrally involved. MCII forces the person to drop the excuses.
With MCII, is it impossible for me to fall back into old habits?
No, but then I have a strategy to do it less and less. So we can fight bad habits more and more effectively.
