The Idea: Should we declare our goals to the world or keep them to ourselves? Recent research has made me question this idea and all that goes along with it. Setting goals is a widely accepted part of progress, but it can also be one of the traps that actually hinders our execution. In fact, Derek Silvers recently brought forward a very compelling argument which runs contrary to most people’s beliefs. He argues that sharing (or declaring) your personal goals with others actually hinder results. How do you avoid setting yourself up for a fall?
All of us are vulnerable to believing things that are not true. Half-truths, twisted thinking, reckless research and poor critical thinking liter our airwaves. We used to believe that people were born as a “blank slate” and that their knowledge came exclusively through personal experiences. Research later showed that we are a special blend of experience and the inheritance of personal traits creating our identity.
Einstein believed the universe was static and not expanding. But further research by Edwin Hubble proved otherwise. The universe is constantly expanding.
Aristotle once believed that the origins of life were founded in the act of spontaneous generation. This idea was later nullified and proven wrong by the experiments of Louis Pasteur.
- Research now shows that sharing your goals with others doesn’t encourage accountability or serve as a positive catalyst for change; it actually encourages lack of progress. In Silvers’ words, “talking becomes a substitute for doing.” Telling the world about what you are going to do for many replaces the activity of going after the outcome.
- Peter Drucker once stated, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” Setting long term goals can actually encourage delays. Instead, use short-term actions to jump start yourself. Be quick, realistic, reward progress and hire a personal coach to help you uncover the patterns that are limiting your performance.
Who knew that vocalizing your goals may actually hinder your ability to achieve positive outcomes?
Could going public with your goals actually be detrimental to results?
