Psychology: Over-sharing Goals May Hinder Achievement

SadaNews - Science reveals a harsh paradox: the elation a person feels when telling everyone about their big plans is nothing but a trick of the brain that makes them think they have already succeeded, sabotaging the goals they are eager to achieve.

According to a report published by VegOut, some individuals fall into this trap with fitness goals, career path changes, and creative projects, experiencing a notable drop in their desire to start.

Psychology has found that the good feeling one gets from sharing their goals can actually be an obstacle to success. Research shows that people who constantly announce their intentions are less committed to executing them, not more.

The brain plays a stunning trick; it records the announcement as a form of action, reducing the true motivation to take steps.

The Illusion of Progress

Dr. Marwa Azab, an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Development, explains it perfectly: "The more one commits to their goals, the more they need to keep them under wraps."

When a person shares their goals, especially frequently, they feel a sense of satisfaction. They receive congratulations from those around them who admire their ambition and feel appreciated. The brain interprets this social acknowledgment as a partial accomplishment of the goal. The person has already received some reward without any effort.

Reasons for Disclosing Goals

Therapist Carolyn Cole offers this perspective, stating that "when people over-share, they often deeply desire to connect with someone."

Another side to this issue is that sometimes a person shares their goals thinking it will motivate them to commit. They believe that if they tell others, they will be more committed to achieving them to avoid embarrassment. While this may work under certain conditions and with the right people, announcing them to everyone often has the opposite effect.

The Motivation Trap

David DeSalvo, a science writer, states that "excessive motivation may hinder goal achievement."

Constantly talking about goals drains the energy needed for actual achievement; even the positive feedback one receives from sharing plans gives them a false sense of accomplishment.

Benefits of Disclosing Plans

Research shows that sharing goals with like-minded people can intensify the pursuit of those goals, especially when working within a supportive group that aims for the same objective. In other words, sharing plans and goals is beneficial when it is a strategic step with individuals on a similar journey.

The Power of Silence

Psychologist M. Salibian offers this inspiring perspective, noting that sharing secrets or goals is not always beneficial. There is power in keeping goals to oneself while working on them, as it maintains the inner motivation and passion that drives real work.

Achieving Goals through Action

Research shows that setting specific plans about when, where, and how a person acts increases the chances of achieving their goals. Transitioning from mere announcement to application changes everything. When a person stops talking about their goals and focuses on taking executive steps, they can achieve a transformative shift in their career path.

Finding the Balance

Communication is important, and sometimes one needs support, so complete isolation is not necessary. However, the secret lies in being aware of what one shares, with whom, and when. A person can ask themselves whether they are sharing their plans and goals because they want connection and affirmation or because they genuinely need specific help or accountability. If the answer is the first question, it may be better to write about it in a journal. If it's the second question, then goals should be shared with one trusted person who can support the steps, not with all acquaintances and friends on social media.