Shhh….Quit Telling People Your Goals!
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Don’t Talk…Do!
As you’ve read so far, 2016 is all about accomplishing goals. TRY! In keeping with that I have heard many people say that talking about a goal is bad luck. I have never been superstitious, so I never really considered this. But, some wive’s tails have a grain of truth in them and this may be one of them.
During a TED talk, Derek Sivers noted that psychological studies have proven that when we tell someone our goal, and they acknowledge it, we are less likely to do the work that is necessary to accomplish the goal. Our brain mistakes the talking… for doing. Basically, we get gratification because we get acknowledged for “writing the book” or “making our weight loss goal” before we actually do the work. That gratification tricks our brain into feeling that the goal has already been accomplished. If you are a dieter, you know the routine.
Lose 5lbs towards your goal. Someone notices and says “you look great”. Reward, reward, reward and reward yourself for it. Gain the 5lbs back. Toss the weight-loss plan.
The satisfaction we experience when someone validates our goals can remove the motivation to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
On the other side of that, you may tell someone your dream and they don’t validate you, or they remind you of other times you’ve failed. That can also feed those pesky doubts in your mind. Remember that other people, even those who love you, have doubts in themselves that they can knowingly or unknowingly transfer to you. Be wise in who you share your goals with. Find other people who have common goals, or who are also self-motivated in their own journey. You can get boosts of confidence, energy and resources!
What more inspiration? Get my free e-fact sheet DOUBT KILLERS: 9 Ways to Keep You on Track to Accomplish Your Goals. KILL Your Doubts This Second!
Share your comments and insights below! -MJ