When asked "What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?", two-thirds of respondents said it was someone who saw potential in them and took a chance on them before they had a track record of success. This act of early belief is deeply transformative and memorable.

Harris credits her success not to innate talent, but to key figures like teachers and parents who told her she was special when she was young. She emphasizes that the crucial element was not whether it was true, but that she believed them, which shaped her self-perception and ambition.

Cramer shares how his father's nightly call saying "that was the best one yet" became a cherished motivator. This highlights the profound impact of consistent, positive reinforcement on performance and morale, even if it feels repetitive or formulaic. It became a powerful memory after his father passed.

Mary Kay’s core philosophy, learned from her mother's "You can do it" calls, was that ordinary people achieve extraordinary things when someone relentlessly believes in them. This principle—transferring belief before ability is proven—became her company's unofficial motto and operating system for success.

A defining trait of truly impactful leaders is their ability to see and nurture potential before an individual recognizes it themselves. This external belief acts as a powerful catalyst, giving people the confidence to tackle challenges they would otherwise avoid and building deep, lasting loyalty.

Terry Smith advocates for externalizing your ambition to be the best, even at the risk of public failure. Citing Theodore Roosevelt's 'Man in the Arena' speech, he believes this transparency sets a high bar, fosters accountability, and prevents you from becoming a 'timid soul who never knows either victory nor defeat'.

Artist David Choe's mother brainwashed him into believing he was the world's greatest artist, despite his own low self-opinion. This unwavering, almost blind faith, acted as a powerful psychological foundation that he later consciously adopted, fueling his ambition and resilience against constant rejection.

The 'Michelangelo Effect' suggests positive affirmation can unlock a person's potential. Like Michelangelo seeing a statue within a block of marble, your belief in someone's ideal self helps 'chip away' at their insecurities, making that potential a reality. What you affirm is what you become.

Anastasia Soare jokingly told her husband she watched Oprah to learn how to answer questions for her future appearance on the show. This act of vocalizing a seemingly impossible goal, even in jest, can plant a seed in your own subconscious and the universe, making it more likely to happen.