Imagine someone telling you they know you are going to succeed before you even try. That expectation can make all the difference.
It could be your parent telling you, “I know you can achieve that dream job,” before you have even submitted your application, or your manager saying, “I believe you’re the one who can hit this target.” These words of affirmation can slowly bring about a shift in your mindset, pushing you to work harder and aim higher, knowing someone expects you to succeed.
This is where the Pygmalion effect comes in—at its core, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. When high expectations are placed on someone, they begin to internalize those beliefs and the expectation of success eventually creates the conditions for success.
On the other hand, low expectations, whether from others or yourself, can lead to underperformance. The same applies to your own self-expectations and beliefs. Your beliefs about your own potential directly shape your actions, which in turn determine your results.
By recognizing how this effect works, you can harness both your own expectations and those of others to move towards success. Here are two ways to leverage this effect to your benefit with your expectations.
1. Foster High Expectations with a Growth Mindset
A fundamental step in leveraging the Pygmalion effect for personal success is by setting high yet realistic expectations for yourself. High expectations inspire determination and resilience. They encourage you to push beyond your comfort zone and achieve results that might have seemed unattainable.
Adopting a “growth mindset” is key to this process. Conceptualized by psychologist Carol S. Dweck in her 1968 research published in Psychological Review, this mindset reflects the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through learning and perseverance.
A fixed mindset, on the other hand, sees abilities, intelligence and talents as inherent traits that cannot be significantly changed or developed. People with a fixed mindset tend to believe that they are either naturally good or bad at something and often avoid challenges due to a fear of failure or the belief that they cannot improve.
Instead of thinking, “I’m not good at this,” a growth mindset individual might say, “I can improve with practice and dedication.” This perspective not only boosts resilience but also creates a love for learning and willingness to embrace failure as part of the journey. Research published in Frontiers in 2016 confirms that a growth mindset is positively connected to resilience, school engagement and psychological well-being.
Combining the pygmalion effect and a growth mindset creates a cycle of positive reinforcement. It promotes learning by focusing on progress and helps you avoid perfectionism, which can hold back growth.
The Pygmalion effect boosts your belief in your ability to succeed, while a growth mindset encourages you to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and keep improving. Together, this creates an environment where persistence and self-belief lead to greater success and achievement.
2. Find Value In Your Goals To Enhance Motivation
When you recognize the value of what you do, your motivation levels up. It can also affect how others perceive your potential.
Jacquelynne Eccles conceptualized the “Expectancy-Value theory” in the 1980s, with her research published in Psychological Science. According to the theory, our motivation is influenced by two factors:
- Expectancy or our confidence in succeeding
- Value or the worth of the outcome, according to us
In simpler terms, we are more likely to pursue a goal if we believe we can achieve it and if we care deeply about the result.
To use this practically, start by reflecting on the tasks or goals you are working towards. Ask yourself:
- How strongly do I believe I can succeed at this? Does this goal seem within my grasp?
- How important is this goal to me? Do I care enough about this goal to go through with the process?
If you’re not confident in your ability, you must work on building that belief by setting smaller, more achievable goals that gradually increase in difficulty. This will strengthen your self-efficacy—the belief that you can succeed. As your confidence grows, your motivation will follow.
Next focus should be on the value of the goal. The value you place on your goals determines how much effort and persistence you are willing to invest in achieving them.
For instance, if your goal is to launch a business, it may not just be about financial success—it might be about creating something that reflects your creativity or making an impact on your community.
When you connect with the personal significance of your goal, the process becomes far more rewarding and inspiring. This ensures you stay engaged and disciplined even when things get tough.
By aligning your expectations and beliefs with the value of your goals, you create an environment that fosters meaningful progress. This allows the Pygmalion effect to drive consistent growth.
Visualizing Your Way To Success
As you work to utilize the Pygmalion effect for your growth, remember that success is not just about external expectations—it’s about the beliefs you hold about yourself.
One powerful way to elevate your potential is by being clear about what you want and then intentionally visualizing your success every day. Take a few moments each morning to picture yourself achieving your biggest goals. This simple practice can shift your mindset and align your actions with your aspirations.
In addition to this, consider using positive affirmations to shift internal beliefs and regularly filter out the noise of negative self-talk or external doubts. It is equally important to celebrate small wins along the way. Do not wait for the big achievements to acknowledge your progress.
Are you curious about your mindset towards success? Take this quick Growth Mindset Test to find out: Growth Mindset Scale
