Share your progress, not your goals, and you’ll always be motivated.
When it comes to motivation, many of us focus on setting goals and striving to achieve them. However, research suggests that sharing our progress, rather than merely our goals, can have a more positive and lasting impact on our motivation. In this article, we explore the concept of progress-sharing and how it can serve as a powerful tool to maintain motivation and propel us forward on our journey towards success.
The Limitations of Goal-Sharing: While sharing goals can provide initial excitement and accountability, it may also lead to unintended consequences. When we share our goals prematurely, we receive social recognition and validation, which can trick our brains into experiencing a false sense of accomplishment. This can diminish our motivation and decrease our drive to take necessary actions to achieve the goal. Additionally, external judgment or unmet expectations from others can create unnecessary pressure and detract from our progress.
The Power of Progress-Sharing: On the other hand, sharing our progress allows us to celebrate the small wins and milestones along the way. Progress-sharing shifts our focus from the end goal to the journey itself. It enables us to recognize and appreciate the continuous effort and growth we are making, reinforcing a positive feedback loop that fuels sustained motivation.
Intrinsic Validation and Self-Affirmation: Sharing progress taps into our intrinsic motivation and self-validation. When we share our accomplishments and milestones, we experience a sense of pride and self-affirmation. This internal recognition strengthens our belief in our capabilities and propels us forward. By focusing on progress, we cultivate a growth mindset that encourages us to keep pushing ourselves and striving for further achievements.
Accountability and Support: Progress-sharing also provides an opportunity to create a supportive network around us. By sharing our journey and progress with trusted individuals, we can seek guidance, advice, and encouragement. This support system reinforces our commitment and helps us overcome obstacles that may arise along the way. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experience, making our journey towards success more enjoyable and sustainable.
Inspiring and Motivating Others: Sharing our progress not only benefits ourselves but also has a positive impact on others. By sharing our growth and achievements, we inspire and motivate those around us. Our progress becomes a source of encouragement for others who may be on similar paths, creating a ripple effect of positivity and motivation within our communities.
Balancing Progress-Sharing and Privacy: While progress-sharing is beneficial, it is essential to strike a balance between sharing and maintaining privacy. Some aspects of our journey may be personal or require a certain level of confidentiality. It’s crucial to be discerning in what we choose to share and whom we share it with. By setting boundaries and being selective, we can protect our journey while still reaping the benefits of progress-sharing.
Progress-sharing offers a transformative approach to sustaining motivation on our journey towards success. By focusing on sharing our progress rather than solely our goals, we tap into intrinsic validation, create a support network, and inspire others. Through progress-sharing, we cultivate a growth mindset and maintain a positive feedback loop that propels us forward. Embrace the power of sharing your progress, celebrate your accomplishments along the way, and enjoy the sustained motivation that comes from recognizing your continuous growth.
