Stephen Covey famously said, “Everything happens twice—once in your mind and then in reality.” At first glance, it sounds like a motivational poster, right? But here’s the twist: it’s not just about what you envision; it’s about how you think. If your inner dialogue is screaming, “This year’s going to be a disaster!” guess what? Reality will follow suit.
And as business owners, we know how powerful our thoughts can be. If you’re already convincing yourself that your goals are impossible or that every obstacle is insurmountable, you might as well put “Procrastination” on your to-do list because you’re halfway there.
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Doubt
Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: You Think It
If your mindset is stuck on “I’m too busy,” “This idea will never work,” or “I’m not good enough,” you’re already setting the stage for mediocrity. Your brain, like the loyal assistant it is, will go, “Got it, boss! I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen!” - Step 2: You Prove It
With doubt in the driver’s seat, you’ll unconsciously start making decisions that match your inner monologue. Missed deadlines? Lackluster effort? Avoiding the big opportunities because they feel “too risky”? Yep, those are all courtesy of step one. - Step 3: You Wonder What Happened
By the end of the year, you’ll look around and say, “Why didn’t I hit my goals?” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the market or your competitors. It was the narrative you played on repeat in your head.
Flip the Script
The good news? Covey’s quote works both ways. If everything happens twice, then why not let your first mental draft be a success story? Instead of imagining all the ways you could fail, picture yourself thriving. Your brain is still your assistant—just now it’s working for, not against, you.
2024: A Case for Optimism (with a Side of Realism)
Does this mean blind positivity? Not at all. It means grounding your goals in belief and effort. Dream big, sure, but also believe that you’re capable of tackling the curveballs.
- Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get that client,” shift to “What’s the best way to connect with them?”
- Replace, “I don’t have time,” with “What small steps can I take today to get closer to my goal?”
- And for the love of all things caffeinated, stop thinking, “I’ll do it later.”
The Year of Can
If you start this year believing you’re capable, you’ll find that opportunities, energy, and success tend to follow. Sure, there will be challenges—this isn’t a Disney movie—but by focusing on what’s possible, you’ll see the path to making it real.
So, as you step into the new year, remember: everything happens twice.
Don’t let your first draft be a disaster. Believe in your vision, take small but consistent steps, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll look back in December and think, “Wow, I really did it.”
Here’s to proving yourself right in all the best ways.
