"The Economy is Gonna Be Just Swell Doris -Let's Remodel Right Away!

Have you ever wondered if the economy is influenced by our expectations?  What I mean to say is, if we all believe that the economy will be great next year at this time, might such beliefs - coupled with actions consistent with them - become self-fulfilling?  Might our expectations about our economic future actually operate to create it?

I hasten to inform the reader that I don't really know anything about economics. I might have attended three or four class meetings of the obligatory Econ 101 & 102 courses I completed as an undergradate.  When did attend, I was usually under the influence of intoxicants. Still, I have wondered - for quite a long time - if fears about the economy, taken together with negative talk, cut-backs on personal spending and investment, etc... might fuel or actually create economic downturns. Could it be that we actually make a horribly uncomfortable nest and then sleep fitfully in it until we begin to have happy thoughts about our financial future?  If so, is it rational to believe that when that happy day dawns, a virtual explosion of home remodeling, new-business start-ups, and brisk retail sales will result?