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But something magical happened to me when I went to…

“But something magical happened to me when I went to Reardan. Overnight I became a good player. I suppose it had something to do with confidence. I mean, I'd always been the lowest Indian on the reservation totem pole - I wasn't expected to be good so I wasn't. But in Reardan, my coach and the…” quote by Sherman Alexie
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“But something magical happened to me when I went to Reardan. Overnight I became a good player. I suppose it had something to do with confidence. I mean, I'd always been the lowest Indian on the reservation totem pole - I wasn't expected to be good so I wasn't. But in Reardan, my coach and the other players wanted me to be good. They needed me to be good. They expected me to be good. And so I became good. I wanted to live up to the expectations. I guess that's what it comes down to. The power of expectations. And as they expected more of me, I expected more of myself, and it just grew and grew.”

Sherman Alexie

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Expectations from others can boost self‑belief, leading to rapid improvement and confidence growth.

In simple terms: Others' expectations can raise self‑confidence and performance.

Key Takeaway

Use positive expectations to motivate yourself.

Themes

confidence expectations self‑belief growth

Mood

inspired reflective

Type

motivational psychological

When to use this quote

  • sports
  • school
  • career
  • personal development

Key Concepts

psychology social influence self‑fulfilling prophecy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you turn others' expectations into personal motivation?
  • What limits can expectations create?
A Different Perspective

If expectations are unrealistic, they can cause pressure and disappointment.

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