Can We Transform Our Relatives' Lives Through the Power of Thought? This Secret Could Change Everything

There is a fascinating psychological phenomenon known as the 'Pygmalion effect,' which suggests that one can influence another's performance through the internal beliefs of their environment. In an experiment conducted by researchers Professor Robert Rosenthal, a social psychology professor at Harvard University, and Lenore Jacobson, a principal in San Francisco, intelligence tests were administered at the beginning of the year to 18 school classes. Teachers were told that these tests aimed to identify students with 'late blooming'—high intellectual potential and expected future intellectual elevation, and they were given the names of the students identified by the tests.

In reality, Rosenthal and Jacobson randomly selected 20% of the students in each class, regardless of test results. At the end of the year, the students were given another intelligence test, and the improvement in scores from the beginning of the year was compared between the control group (80% of the students about whom nothing was said to the teachers) and the experimental group. It was found that the students whose names were given to the teachers as academic bloomers showed a significant increase in their IQ scores compared to the rest of the students. The difference in improvement between the experimental and control groups was statistically significant. The researchers concluded that teachers' beliefs about their students' potential could become a self-fulfilling prophecy and affect their future performance.

The researchers explain that an adult's internal belief about a child influences their attitude and behavior towards the child, even in ways that aren't planned or consciously directed, affecting the child's performance.

The important point is that the expectation of flourishing in the other person can only happen when there is an actual internal belief in it. For this reason, the researchers did not tell the teachers 'we chose five students for you to believe in their achievement improvement,' but instead, they created a genuine belief in the progress and improvement of selected students by telling the teachers they were identified as having potential after evaluation tests. From this, we understand that in order to bring about improvement and advancement in others, it's not enough to display external behavior of encouragement and compliments, but we must genuinely and internally believe in their future success.

A similar study with an opposite effect was conducted by Professor Robert Rosenthal and Kermit Pod. The researchers asked laboratory students to teach genetically identical mice to run. Students were told that some of the mice were 'smart' and easy to teach, while others were 'dumb' and would be difficult to teach. After a year, it was found that despite having the same genetic makeup, the group of mice believed by students to be 'dumb' struggled to learn to run.

A mother or teacher who thinks a child is not successful/smart/mature enough transmits her belief through the way she talks to or behaves with the child, or even conveys her feelings on a more subtle level. The other person will always sense what is thought about them, consciously or unconsciously, and will act accordingly.

If we imagine and feel others' success, we can indeed influence their reality. A mother who thinks and believes her son will succeed transmits her thoughts to him, even on an unconscious level, instilling in him the confidence in his abilities and boosting his self-esteem.

The Gemara says: 'Rav Avira says... A person should always eat and drink less than they can afford, dress according to their means, and honor their wife and children more than they can afford, for they are dependent on him, and he is dependent on Him Who spoke and brought the world into being' (Chullin, page 84).

Rabbi Chaim Leib Shmuelevitz, of blessed memory, head of the Mir Yeshiva, explains in his book 'Mussar Talks' (Essay 64) that 'Since he supports them and their eyes are upon him, through their faith in him, he is granted the power to provide for them. Therefore, Chazal said to honor them more than what he has and beyond his ability, for there is truly no limit to his ability, but rather, according to their faith in him - to that extent, he will be able to fulfill their desires.'

When the wife and children feel that there is abundance in the home, they are filled with positive belief in the family's breadwinner's economic capability. This belief instills in him the self-confidence needed for success in providing for the family. The belief that develops becomes reality, bringing about success and blessing in the household's sustenance.

The belief in others plants in them the strength to achieve boundless attainments, in any field.

How important it is to think well of our family members and acquaintances. The way we think about them can create that reality itself.

To purchase the book "Thought Creates Reality - The Power of Thought Based on Jewish and Scientific Sources, Along with Guidance to Improve Our Quality of Life and Fulfill Our Heart's Desires" -Visit Hidabroot Shopsor call: 073-222-1250.