We’re all painfully aware of the litany of economic issues and circumstances affecting our world, our businesses, our staffs and our brides.
   The media is full of throaty opinions about rising inflation, the impact of hardening divisions in our political discourse, and conflicting predictions about a looming recession.
   For some, fears of a recession and economic uncertainty combined with the mounting challenges of selling and serving an increasingly stressed and entitled bride are pushing them close to a breaking point.
   For others, it’s an opportunity to outshine competitors, to gain market share by concentrating on that which got them through other periods of economic and societal turmoil.
   From both I see the workings of self-fulfilling prophesies.. examples of how powerfully these beliefs can impact our lives both positively and/or negatively.
   This is something of which I’m very familiar with, having struggled through my own “prophesies” during a recent long walk.
   What I came to understand is that a self-fulfilling prophesy has more power and lasting impact than merely positive or negative self talk or attitudes as it is often infused with and driven by strong emotions attached to the “story”, whether those emotions are fear, joy, anger, or love.
   Wikipedia defines it such:
   “A self-fulfilling prophecy is the psychological phenomenon of someone "predicting" or expecting something, and this "prediction" or expectation coming true simply because the person believes or anticipates it will, and the person’s resulting behaviors align to fulfill the belief.”
   Psychologist Michelle Maidenberg, writing for Psychology Today, expands that definition:
   “There are two types of self-fulfilling prophecies: Self-imposed prophecies occur when your own expectations influence your actions. Other-imposed prophecies occur when others’ expectations influence your behavior. All opinions you value can cause this prophecy…and can be positive or negative.”
   Yes the future is uncertain, with crazy times at our doorsteps. But the world has always been crazy. . . you’ve survived, been tested and found success by dipping deep into your inner well of resilience, perseverance and character. You survived COVID.
   That’s the script you need to write, the prophecy you need to follow.
   Not only because it is a powerful affirmation of who you are, what you’re capable of.
   Because it is the truth.