While it’s natural and tempting to want to announce big goals, it’s smarter to keep them to yourself. In a 2009 experiment at New York University, 163 subjects were given a difficult work project and forty-five minutes to spend on it. Half the subjects were told to announce their goals, while the other half were told to keep quiet. The subjects who announced their goals quit after only an average of thirty-three minutes, and reported feeling satisfied with their work.

Those who kept their mouths shut, however, worked the entire forty-five minutes, and remained strongly motivated. In fact, when the experiment ended, they wanted to keep working. Telling others about your big goals makes them less likely to happen, because it creates an unconscious payoff, tricking our brains into thinking we’ve already accomplished the goal. Keeping our big goals to ourselves is one of the smartest goals we can set.

When we share our ambitions with others, we often receive a burst of approval and admiration. This social acknowledgment can create a false sense of accomplishment. Our brains can mistake this positive feedback for actual progress, leading to a reduction in the drive needed to achieve the goal. Essentially, by talking about our aspirations, we satisfy our psychological need for recognition without putting in the necessary effort.

The NYU study illustrates this phenomenon clearly. Participants who kept their goals private were more dedicated and motivated to complete their tasks. This suggests that internal motivation is significantly more powerful when it isn’t diluted by external validation. When we work silently towards our goals, we maintain a higher level of focus and commitment, driven by the intrinsic reward of achieving something meaningful.

Moreover, keeping goals to oneself can help avoid unnecessary pressure and expectations from others. When we broadcast our plans, we might feel obligated to succeed not just for ourselves, but to meet the expectations of those who know about our goals. This added pressure can be counterproductive, increasing anxiety and potentially leading to burnout or discouragement if progress isn’t as quick or smooth as hoped.

In contrast, private goals allow for a more personal and flexible approach to achievement. We can adjust our strategies and timelines without the fear of public failure or judgment. This flexibility can lead to a more sustainable and resilient pursuit of our ambitions, as we are free to navigate challenges and setbacks in our own way.

Therefore, the act of keeping goals to ourselves is not just about maintaining motivation, but also about fostering a healthier and more self-reliant approach to personal and professional development. By resisting the urge to announce our ambitions, we protect the purity of our intentions and ensure that our drive to succeed remains strong and undiluted.

Make today a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

About Acceler8Success

Acceler8Success is an innovative firm dedicated to advancing the success of entrepreneurs and business owners across various industries. With focus on franchise, restaurant and small business management and development, Acceler8Success offers comprehensive services and fractional C-Suite leadership tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Learn more at Acceler8Success.com.

If you’re a current or aspiring entrepreneur that needs assistance, guidance, or just someone to talk to, please send an email to paul@acceler8success.com.