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Prophecies are plentiful, and once in a while one even comes true. But the best prophecy of all, the most powerful by far, is a self-fulfilling one.

That happens when the people doing the predicting are the same ones who determine the outcome.

What usually happens is that people offer their opinion and then keep walking down the street, content to let someone else do the heavy lifting, or not.

Real power results when the dreamers are the dedicated workers; when the ones who know how to get things done are also obsessed with the idea.

The excitement surrounding last week’s inauguration of President Barack Obama may have seemed naïve to some weary observers of American government. They know for a fact that starry-eyed determination always turns into a tangled ball of red tape.

But we have so many people who think we really are entering a new era. Wouldn’t it be a fine thing if they rolled right over the pessimists for once? Wouldn’t it be exciting to see them volunteering and demanding results six months from now, and a year, and a decade?

The Obama era is like every other in its susceptibility to natural disasters, unprovoked attacks and unforeseen economic setbacks.

The key to progress is not hoping for calm, but being prepared for turbulence.

The naysayers are right to point out that Obama has a slim record, and that his fine oration may be no more than a gentle nudge toward accomplishment.

But there’s no reason to doubt him yet, either.

Look at the support he has, measured by scientific polls and giddy faces alike, and decide if you’re willing to set aside your skepticism, just this once.

Obama is calling upon Americans to pitch in and help. He wants to turn those naïve hopefuls loose with shovels, books and ideas.

That’s how prophecies get fulfilled.