You’ve got big dreams and shiny goals – but here’s the question: should you share your goals with others or keep them locked up like a diary? The answer might just transform how you approach success.
The Great Goal Debate: Share or Don’t Share? If you’ve spent any time scrolling through self-help advice, you’ve likely encountered two opposing camps:
- The “Keep It to Yourself” Crew
This crowd believes your goals are sacred. According to their school of thought, sharing your goals:- Opens the door to negativity (hello, bubble-bursters!).
- Triggers a psychological effect called “goal substitution” – you feel a tiny hit of accomplishment just by talking about it, which can zap your motivation to actually do it.
- The “Share It with the World” Squad
These folks argue that sharing your goals:- Builds accountability. When others know, you’re less likely to quit.
- Creates opportunities for collaboration and growth. The more input you get, the better your ideas become.
Both Arguments Miss the Point. Here’s where things get interesting. Whether you share or don’t share, focusing too much on this decision is a distraction. The real problem? It pulls you away from what actually matters: doing the work.
My Take: Stop Overthinking, Start Doing. Forget about whether to announce your goals to the world or keep them private. Instead, adopt this mindset:
- Do the work first. When you’re in action mode, the goal naturally takes shape. Whether you’ve shared it or not becomes irrelevant because progress speaks louder than words.
- Let results do the talking. If sharing your wins feels right in the moment, do it. If not, keep building behind the scenes. The key is to stay focused on what moves the needle.
How to Focus on Action Over Decisions. Here are three steps to keep you on track:
- Set “Actionable” Goals
Goals like “get healthy” or “build a business” are too vague. Instead, break them down into actionable steps. For example, “exercise 3 times a week” or “create a business plan by the end of the month.” - Start Small, but Start Now
Don’t let analysis paralysis stop you. Whether it’s a 10-minute brainstorming session or drafting a single email, progress compounds over time. - Track Progress, Not Opinions
Use a journal, app, or checklist to monitor what you’ve accomplished. It’s about measuring your growth, not gathering applause.
The Bottom Line
The next time you’re tempted to post your big dreams or keep them tightly guarded, ask yourself: Am I using this as an excuse to procrastinate? Remember, the secret to achieving your goals isn’t about who knows or doesn’t know. It’s about what you do, consistently.
So, don’t worry about whether to share. Lace up your sneakers, open your laptop, or grab that paintbrush. The world doesn’t need your announcement; it needs your action.