A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when a belief or expectation about a situation or person leads to behaviors that cause that belief to come true. For example, if a teacher expects a student to excel, they may provide more encouragement and support, which can boost the student's performance. This concept can apply in various contexts, including education, workplaces, and relationships. When people anticipate certain outcomes, their actions often align with those expectations, reinforcing the original belief. Thus, self-fulfilling prophecies highlight the powerful influence of perception on reality.