"If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be "

The essence of this quote is pretty straightforward: people tend to rise (or sink) to the level of expectations placed upon them. If you expect someone to stay the same, they probably will. But if you believe in their potential and treat them accordingly, they're more likely to achieve it. It's a bit like planting seeds and nurturing them with care in the hope that they'll grow into strong, healthy plants.

Let's dive into some context. This quote is often attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer and statesman who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. Goethe was all about human potential and self-improvement; he believed deeply in the idea that people could grow and change. This line reflects that philosophy perfectly—encouraging us to see the best in others and support their journey toward becoming the best versions of themselves.

Think about it in a real-life setting, like in a classroom. Imagine two teachers. The first teacher sees a student who struggles with math and assumes they’re just not "good at it." They give this student easier problems and don't push them to try harder. The student, feeling the low expectations, doesn't put in much effort and continues to struggle. The second teacher, however, sees potential. They believe this student can excel in math with the right support. They provide challenging problems, offer extra help, and encourage the student to keep trying. Over time, the student begins to improve, gaining confidence and skills they didn't know they had. This is the power of expectations in action.

So how can you use this wisdom in your own life? Start by examining your own expectations of others—whether it’s your friends, family, or coworkers. Are you unconsciously holding them back by not believing in their potential? Challenge yourself to see them not just as they are, but as they could be. Offer encouragement, opportunities for growth, and a little bit of faith in their abilities. It might take time, but you’ll likely be surprised by the results.

Here’s a little story to illustrate this concept. Picture a small-town coffee shop. Every morning, a young barista named Alex greets customers with a shy smile. The manager, seeing Alex’s timidity, assigns them the easiest tasks, thinking they can’t handle more. One day, a new supervisor comes in and notices Alex’s meticulous attention to detail and kindness. This supervisor starts giving Alex more responsibilities, like managing the register during busy times and training new employees. At first, Alex is nervous, but with the supervisor’s guidance and belief in their potential, Alex starts to thrive. They become more confident, more skilled, and eventually, they’re promoted to assistant manager. All it took was someone believing that Alex could be more than just a shy barista.

Next time you’re in a position to influence someone’s path—whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or even yourself—remember this idea. Treat them as if they’re already the person they have the potential to become. It’s amazing what people can achieve when they feel genuinely believed in.