Optimism and self-fulfilling prophecy are embedded in our resilience, affecting how willing we are to get out of our comfort zones to grow. If you are a coach or leader, you have observed what I have: optimism, self-fulfilling prophecy, and resilience can accelerate success.

We know that optimism is the tendency to maintain a hopeful outlook on the future, expecting positive outcomes even in the face of adversity. Optimists generally believe that they have control over their future and that their actions can lead to successful results. The self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when an individual’s expectations or beliefs about a situation lead them to act in ways that cause that expectation to come true. Essentially, the belief influences actions that make the belief a reality.

For educators, managers, mentors, and coaches, we should work to foster some optimism to push a more positive self-fulfilling prophecy through its influence on behavior. If an individual is optimistic about achieving a goal, they are more likely to take proactive steps towards that goal, increasing the likelihood of success. Their positive expectations motivate them to invest effort, persist in the face of setbacks, and adopt strategies that enhance the chances of a favorable outcome.

We need to be realistic also and provide honest feedback. Optimists tend to interpret situations and feedback more positively, which can shape their reality in line with their expectations. For example, they may see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles, which propels them forward and often leads to the realization of their positive expectations.

This dynamic is important for psychological resilience as optimism contributes to greater resilience, enabling individuals to cope better with difficulties and recover from setbacks more quickly. This resilience supports the continuation of behaviors that are aligned with their positive expectations, further contributing to the likelihood of those expectations being met. It's a virtuous cycle.

To assess your resilience, check out myGiide.com.