Positive expectation when dealing with others truly works, but there’s absolutely nothing mystical or magical about it.
It’s actually quite rational.
Key Point: Expecting someone to be kind or helpful doesn’t change *them,* it changes *you.*
And *that* is what changes them.
How It Works: When you’re about to engage with someone potentially difficult (e.g., a prospective customer, a city hall bureaucrat from whom you need a permit, a committee member who is often negative, an upset family member, etc.), and you go in believing *they’re* going to be difficult, you will naturally take on the attitude of a person being treated that way. They will then react negatively to *your* negative attitude.
On the other hand, believe that they’re going to be open, welcoming, kind, helpful, etc., and *you* will take on an attitude of absolute gratitude, love, and kindness yourself. You will genuinely *like* them. 🙂
And you know what? It’s awfully difficult for that person — regardless of how they *normally* are — to not like someone who likes them and is so very grateful for them.
Exercise: Begin doing this consistently. You won’t believe how differently (and positively) people will respond to you from now on — it’s a game-changer!
Actually, you will believe it. No magic involved. It will only seem that way. In reality, it is nothing more than human nature in action.
