Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them

Announcing Your Plans Makes You Less Motivated to Accomplish Them

Have you ever noticed that whenever you announce your plans or goals to others, you feel less motivated to actually accomplish them? This phenomenon is something that many people have experienced, and it has even been supported by psychological research. In fact, announcing your plans can often be counterproductive and hinder your progress towards achieving your goals.

When we announce our plans to others, especially in a public setting, we may receive social acknowledgement and validation. This external validation can give us a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, tricking our minds into feeling as though we have already taken significant steps towards achieving our goals. As a result, we may lose the internal motivation that initially fueled our desire to accomplish those goals.

Moreover, when we announce our plans, we expose ourselves to potential criticism or judgment from others. This can create a fear of failure or embarrassment if we do not achieve what we set out to do. Subconsciously, we may start to associate this negative outcome with our self-worth, leading to a decrease in motivation and an increased likelihood of giving up on our goals.

Additionally, announcing our plans can create a false sense of completion. Studies have shown that sharing our goals with others activates the same neural pathways in our brains as when we actually complete those goals. Therefore, the act of announcing can trick our minds into believing that we have already achieved what we set out to do, diminishing our motivation and drive to take action.

It is important to remember that our motivations and intentions should come from within ourselves. We should strive to set goals that are meaningful to us personally, rather than seeking external validation or acknowledgement. By keeping our plans to ourselves, we eliminate the distractions and pressures that can come from sharing them with others.

There is certainly merit in having a support system or accountability partner who can provide guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. However, it is crucial to select the right individuals who genuinely want to see us succeed and who will support us in our journey.

In essence, to maintain a high level of motivation and focus, it is advisable to zip it and keep our plans private. By doing so, we can preserve our internal drive and determination, reducing the risk of external influences derailing our progress. Remember, it is not about the announcement, but rather about the actions we take to achieve our goals.

References:

• Sivers, D. (2010). Keep Your Goals to Yourself.