The Secret to Goal Achievement: Keeping Quiet!
By: Paul Segreto
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, send an email to [email protected].
About Paul Segreto
With over 40 years of extensive experience in franchise, restaurant and small business development, management, and marketing, Paul Segreto stands as a beacon of knowledge and guidance in the entrepreneurial world. As a seasoned executive, consultant, coach, and entrepreneur, Paul has dedicated his career to empowering both current and aspiring business owners. The mission is clear: to pave the way to success by connecting entrepreneurs with the right people, brands, and opportunities.
Currently at the helm of Acceler8Success as CEO and Founder, Paul offers invaluable consultancy to startups and emerging brands and coaches individuals, families, and partners on realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations. In the role of Visionary and Managing Partner at Acceler8Success America, he is passionately introducing resources to aid immigrant entrepreneurs in achieving the American Dream of business ownership.
As President Franchise Operations & Chief Franchise Officer at Pepperoni’s, Paul is spearheading the growth of a 34-year-old successful pizza restaurant concept, navigating the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities of the modern food industry. He also co-founded and serves as a Senior Advisor at Accelerated Business Services, supporting the launch of a new local venture that provides comprehensive business development and digital marketing services primarily for independent restaurants.
Paul’s expertise is further solidified by numerous professional accolades, including Certified Franchise Executive, Certified Franchise Broker, Certified Business Broker, and recognition as a Top 100 Champion Small Business Influencer and Top 100 Global Franchise Influencer. An active voice focusing on entrepreneurship, small business, franchising, and restaurants, he has founded and hosted several successful podcasts, produces daily content, and frequently contributes to industry blogs and digital publications. Currently, Paul is penning his first book, “Tales of the Entrepreneurial Spirit,” promising to be an insightful addition to entrepreneurial literature.
“Driven by a passion for igniting entrepreneurial spirit and empowering others to achieve the American Dream, I am always enthusiastic about exploring possibilities and connecting the right people, brands & opportunities,” Paul Segreto.
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