NYNL Day 29: Be Careful Who You Tell

Shhhh�

Today is all about secrets. Or, at least, not broadcasting all of your life information to everyone you know. And no, I�m not talking about posting Facebook statuses about what you had for breakfast (but� you know� please don�t do that either). 

I�m talking about this: 

Telling someone your Identity Goals makes you less likely to achieve them.

Which goals are Identity Goals? The ones that are personal. The ones that will change you a little bit as a person once they are completed.

The biggest one that comes to mind is when (at the beginning of the year, every single year) people start announcing via social media: I have decided to stop smoking! Everyone (me, included) responds with things like good job! and I�m so proud of you! 

And unfortunately, a few weeks later� the goal is abandoned. 

Why does that happen? 

Check out this 3:16 minute TED Talk by Derek Sivers:

Keep Your Goals to Yourself

Now, does this apply to all goals? No. What if you�re trying to start your own business? Obviously, you�ll need investors, support, etc. 

But here is the dangerous thing that we�re trying to avoid:

Telling others your goal makes it a Social Reality.

The satisfaction that you get from simply announcing the goal(s) takes away your motivation to actually WORK towards it. This is because, when it�s acknowledged by others, it feels real in your mind. 

So, carefully select your audience. Try to only announce goals and life plans to the people who will actually play a part in helping you achieve them.

And let the rest of the world be surprised by all of the awesome things that you do! :)

Sources:

Shut Up! Announcing Your Plans Makes You Less Motivated to Accomplish Them