You Can Do Anything.

Today's Marketing Cookie discusses the power of predictions, but questions if they are truly self-fulfilling.

My mother used to say, "If you set your mind to something, you can accomplish absolutely anything in your lifetime." I used to look at my accomplishments thinking she was right. I had set my mind on doing something, believed that I could do it, and eventually, I did. I thought believing in myself was the source of my power, but today, when I look more closely, I see something in the background I hadn't noticed before.

The belief that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to was hers. Well, both of my parents really. They believed I could. They believed I would, and so then I did. I cannot say that the origin of my determination and dedication for any accomplishment I've enjoyed was derived from my own beliefs. I must transfer such credit to my mother and the many others in my life who have encouraged me to believe in myself. My self-confidence today is but a reflection of their generous support.

There are amazing stories of people who have overcome tremendous personal obstacles and achieved wonderful things with little or no encouragement to get them started. I was homeless and broke at seventeen years old, but I was lucky enough to have people around me who believed in me. It always kept me going. I am amazed by some of the most successful people in history who had no one to say, "You can do anything and I believe in you."

Is this you?

If you are without support, let me be the first to say, "You can do anything you've set your mind to." If you are alone out there without believers, please let me say, "I believe in you." If you need some advice or just a word of encouragement, I'd be happy to chat with you if you'd like.

If you, on the other hand, know someone who needs a word of encouragement, I ask that you pass on to them the same spark of confidence that was first given to you, so they can get to work accomplishing their biggest dreams. Then perhaps, the prediction in today's fortune can come true: "You will be successful in your work."