What happens when we believe in ourselves, in something, or someone?
Often when faced with a challenge we bring doubt before inspiration can arise. It is easy to see ourselves not able to cope with the situation due to past events and current struggles. Somewhere in our minds there is a creeping doubt that rationalizes our planning to head away from conquering what lies in front of us. It becomes all to familiar to hesitate from stepping outside of what we have known and where we have gone, not seeing a new path to tread or opportunity to arise.
Again and again, we set our expectations to slow our step. Think again about what I have said, for in each situation there is one common thread. More often than not, it is ourselves that hold back the flood of growth and progress that surrounds us. "It's too late for me", "I've never done that so I wouldn't be good", or "I can't" are all prophetic words that carry us in a direction. At times chance gets the best of the situation and you succeed anyway, but you certainly weren't helping the situation.
I fear we underestimate the power of expectation. Contemplate how often we set expectations for ourselves; each day when we wake, every event or activity we partake in, and our lives as a whole. Whether we are aware of it or not, our memories of the past and feelings of the present can set a vision of our future, a vision that molds and twists as we move along, shifting the sands of the day as we take each step.
Hear the science behind my words. You've heard of the placebo effect, but what what extend do you know its effects? How about for arthroscopic knee surgery?
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013259
The New England Journal of Medicine published this article several years back that shook the foundation of the surgeons involved. In a study designed to test which procedure of a knee surgery was most effective, Dr. Bruce Moseley did a blind study of his two techniques, and a placebo control group. Shockingly, a difference could not be found between the three groups. Meaning that the placebo group showed equal improvement as those who had the surgery.
Imagine walking into a clinic to get a surgery, noticing the medical atmosphere; doctors, clean rooms and solemn faces. You know that you are in good hands, these experts have been trained for years to treat you injuries and pain. You are given the protocol and how the surgery will help you recover. You say your prayers or give your thoughts and the antitheses are administered, the world fades. As you come back you can see an incision crosses your knee, and comfort comes in the thought you have been 'fixed' or 'treated' as you lay in a spotted gown on a white hospital bed. Your brain responses, the central nervous systems feeds to your body and you feel the healing process the doctors have started. Barely able to walk on your own two feet just this morning, the thought of mobility is exciting and closer than ever. Time goes on and you regain strength, dexterity, and you are grateful for the surgery that got you back on your feet. Years pass and the idea of hobbling around seems long ago.
Then you get a call from the doctor, chills shoot across your body, you were part of the placebo group, you had no surgery. Looking down at your knee, you know the difference, you can FEEL a difference, it's very real, but it wasn't the surgery, it was you. The entire process was interpreted by your brain as a expectation for this event that would benefit you, a surgery that would give you something you were missing. Everything was just as you imagined, the setting, the doctor, the room, even the incision. For all you know, the surgery did happen. But it didn't.
Do not think this is magic, a miracle, or something superhuman. It is the power that lays between our ears, the patients in the study were not exceptional in any way aside from their belief in what would happen to their body. It was not a angel that came and touched their knees, it was a physical, neurological process that set their bodies in a different direction than it once was.
This study is one of many that shows the capabilities of expectation. Everyday these expectations are set by our thoughts and cemented by our actions. The power of this idea has not been wringed out as many are scientists and physicians are hesitant to push the envelope on the topic. But this is inspiration, for the empowerment our expectations may hold is astounding, and the more I can learn and spread about the phenomenon, the better.
