These are examples of how your beliefs about your ability to handle a task can actually influence the outcome.
Click below to listen now.
Here are a few ways to tell:
Self-fulfilling prophecies aren’t always a bad thing.
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images
Sometimes, expecting good things can give you the push you better make them a reality.
Recap
Pessimism and rumination can be signs of self-fulfilling prophecies.
On the other hand, positive self-fulfilling beliefs can help motivate you to achieve your goals.
In both cases, your beliefs influenced your behavior and performance, basically sealing the deal on your expectations.
Other examples:
Self-fulfilling prophecies can be much more serious, however.
How Can You Use Self-Fulfilling Prophecies?
Believing that you’re able to succeed is an essential part of making it happen.
If you keep expecting things to go wrong,you will likely sabotage yourself.
It’s also important to be aware of other-imposed prophecies.
Pay attention to the expectations of those around you and how they might influence your behavior.
Be sure to stay true to your goals and beliefs, even in the face of others' expectations.
People’s expectations can impact the responses of study participants, jurors, students, employees, and patients.
Research suggests that having negative expectations about your peers can continue to affect your social life well into adulthood.
Motivation and Self-Esteem
Self-fulfilling prophecies can also take a serious toll on your motivation andself-esteem.
Identify beliefs or expectations that might limit your potential and take steps to change them.
Takeaways
Self-fulfilling prophecies show just how much our expectations for a situation can influence the outcome.
In:The ECPH Encyclopedia of Psychology.
2016;40(6):555-564. doi:10.1177/0165025415618274
