Comments on: Why Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Help You (and how to use them)

By: Derek

Derek — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:28:08 +0000

@Stephen Sam Walton has a great quote… “High expectations is the key to everything.” But, you definitely can’t be self critical.

By: Stephen - Rat Race Trap

Stephen - Rat Race Trap — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:26:35 +0000

I have high expectations of myself and it leads me to be extremely self-critical. I underwent some tests by a neuropsychatrist this fall because of some physical problems. He showed me how my self-critical behavior creates a self-fulfilling prophecy that enhances the effect of the physical problem. This leads to increased self-criticism and the feeding of a negative spiral. I finally woke up to the powerful impact of your self-image. Changing my self-image has changed me.

Juan, I agree with the part about natural talent. Watering an oak tree like an orange tree won’t create an orange tree. An acorn will only grow into an oak tree.

By: Derek

Derek — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:59:16 +0000

@Vinh Nguyen Fortune tellers and Psychics are some of the biggest con artists around.

By: Vinh Nguyen

Vinh Nguyen — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:56:40 +0000

Great post Jun. When I was teen a fortune teller (it’s an asian tradition/need) told me I would never go far in school. I hated her for that… it was bad seed. I am glad I did not water this seed and made my own seed… Don’t ever buy seeds -good or bad- from fortune tellers!

By: Derek

Derek — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:47 +0000

@yfncg Have you ever heard Warren Buffett’s analogy, “The Ovarian Lottery?” In short, he says he won the Ovarian lottery which refers to the fact that he was born at the right time, in the right place, with the right opportunities. And then proceeds to say something like, it doesn’t matter how great you are, you need the right dirt under your feet. So, good one Matt.

By: Jun Loayza

Jun Loayza — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:57:16 +0000

Thanks YFNCG! You definitely bring up a good point (and keep the metaphor going) with your soil comment.

All the positive suggestion in the world won’t help someone who just doesn’t have the talent to do what you want him to do.

By: Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy

Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:15:21 +0000

Cool post, Jun. Welcome to the Prevential team!

I’m a big believer in the power of suggestion and positive thinking. I can’t stand negative people and I refuse to hang around people who only complain, but never act.

I’d also add that, even before you plant your seed, you need the right soil. The soil is your foundation of solid habits and an environment that will support you through your changes. Without good soil, your seed wont be able to grow as strong and tall as it could. (Can you tell I’m digging this plant metaphor?)

By: Jun Loayza

Jun Loayza — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:43:37 +0000

Derek, thanks so much for letting me write a guest post on your blog. I hope that I am able to contribute to the great community you have going on and that everyone is able to develop personally from my post.

Look forward to contributing more.

- Jun

By: Derek

Derek — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:42:23 +0000

@Jun Positive reinforcement is great. If only more people would get it…

By: Success Factors

Success Factors — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:06:51 +0000

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