Did you know you can help others be better people just by expecting more? How can I say that? In the Oak School Experiment, teachers were told that certain students had the ability to excel in their classes. At the end of the school year, these students did in fact excel. What the teachers didn't know until later was that these students were picked at random.

It was surmised that the teachers expected better results and thus unknowingly treated them differently. This is called the Rosenthal Effect, Pygmalion Effect, or Self-fulfilling Prophecy. This was not only found in people but has also shown up in laboratory animals where researchers were told that one group of rats were slower than another group (when in fact they were the same).

I have also experienced this "Rosenthal Effect" personally. Several years ago I had a supervisor that would give me projects beyond my regular work. When she gave me the projects I did not believe there was any way to finish it by her deadline. When I would approach her with this she would insist that I was capable of completing the task on time. She was right! I always got it done!  

So what would happen if you and I believed that we were more capable? Perhaps this confidence would give us the ability to be more successful in life, our relationships, and all our endeavors. 

If we do have the ability to change ourselves and others just by believing in each other, what would happen to your neighborhood if you alone would make this mental shift? What about a small percentage of people in your city making the change? I think it would be a much better place! So my challenge to you, the reader (and to myself), is to begin to believe in yourself, your friends, your family, and co-workers. Then sit back and watch things change for the better.

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(The images are public domain from pixabay.com.)

All scripture quotations taken from the NASB©.
Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.