Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Positive Thinking

Transform your Thinking

According to Wikipedia, it is Robert K. Merton, a sociologist, who is credited with coining the expression “self-fulfilling prophecy” and formalizing its structure and consequences. In his book Social Theory and Social Structure, Merton gives as a feature of the self-fulfilling prophecy:

“The self-fulfilling prophecy is, in the beginning, a false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior which makes the original false conception come ‘true’. This specious validity of the self-fulfilling prophecy perpetuates a reign of terror. For the prophet will cite the actual course of event as proof that he was right from the very beginning.”

What we can learn from the self-fulfilling prophecy is that when we feed our minds with negative beliefs it will come true as we think and act according to our negative thoughts.

It is in the right frame of our mind that we provide our minds with positive thoughts so that we act according to our positive beliefs which is beneficial and conducive to our success in life.

Here are some ways to strengthen your positive mental attitude and boost your self-confidence so that you can reap the benefits of a more satisfying life:

1. Think of your success: Your achievements and victory will confirm your capabilities and your personal contributions. It will fortify your positive outlook in life.

2. Connect with positive people: Be inspired and motivated by people with positive thinking. You will also be influenced positively.

3. Positive self-talk: Continue to feed your mind with thoughts of success, optimism, respect, prosperity, and trust. It will invoke positive thoughts in your mind

4. Health and fitness: Your vitality and energy will give you calmness and concentration in your daily life. I t will impact your mental attitude positively.

5. Reinforce your PMA by reading motivational materials: Read books, listen to tapes and watch videos relating to motivation to stimulate and strengthen your positive mental attitude

6. Look at the bright side of things: Look for opportunities in every adverse situation. Positive thinkers will look at a glass of water as half full and not half empty.

7. Positive emotions: Positive emotions complement positive thoughts. Be happy, be kind, be polite, be sincere, be truthful, be courageous…

Life may not be a bed of roses, but with a positive mental attitude, you look at life with an affirmative perspective.