Keep Your Goals to Yourself?

A recent study published in Psychological Science reported that people are often more successful at achieving their goals if they keep them a secret.

This goes against what a lot of people say, even myself. In a recent post about the 101 Things in 1001 Days, I suggested people post their lists of goals online.

But should you?

The study says that it’s a bad idea to tell people about your goal if they are personal identity goals. These are things that define who we are. For example, you may want to avoid telling people about your goal to be a lawyer – and not just because lawyers have a bad reputation.

Then again, some people do better if they have people rooting for them. It adds motivation and inspiration.

Should I keep my goals to myself?

Follow these tips to see if you should hide your goals…

• Do you need motivation from peers to help you succeed? Tell people your goal.
• Do you like keeping your personal business private? Keep it to yourself.
• Are you highly affected by the opinions of the people around you? Keep it to yourself.
• Do you like approaching a goal with a partner who has the same aspiration? Tell people your goal.

Personally, I’m keeping my 101 Things in 1001 Days list private. I’m like the second option on the list above. I just don’t want strangers knowing my personal business.

Then again, that may work for you. Just because some study showed that it can be a bad thing to share your goals, doesn’t mean that’s the case for everyone.

Photo by jk5854