The Pygmalian Effect, in Effect

Landon is 12 and on the little league all-stars. He hit 3 home runs during the regular season, but hasn't really "found his bat" yet in the all-star games.

He's been to the batting cages a little more lately, and once Suzanne told him to go back to his comfortable stance, (even though the coach had suggested something that looked dreadfully uncomfortable), he has started to, at least knock some singles and doubles.

Just before Landon's last at bat in tonight's game, I whispered to him, "Hey, I'll be just over the center field fence, I want you to hit it to me....,Or would you like me in right or left field?".

He confirmed the center would be fine, and I proceeded to trot out there with Eliana(5), as Landon stepped up to the plate.

On the 3-1 pitch, [carrrraaack!], he launched it beautifully over the right-center field fence for a 3 run homer.

...Am I taking some credit? .....Heck YES! I'm a super proud dad, and really he's got the talent, and he's doing all the hard work and practice. I didn't just tell him I "thought" he could..... I assumed, and knew he could,and only asked him, "Where?". I love that 'limited choice' technique.

Did you ever accomplish something, because someone believed that you could?

There are some studies that show how powerful our expectations really are..... the elementary school study in San Francisco and the study involving welders. Do your own study!