The Positive Fantasy Trap: Why It’s a Bad Idea to Tell People Your Goals
Some things are better kept to yourself…
Be careful about telling people your goals.
Better yet… Don’t!
Well, there’s a catch — we’ll get to it later.
Several studies have shown this seemingly innocent act turns out to be bad for your bottom line.
This is because telling people your goals releases a premature spike of dopamine, similar to that of one who’s already achieved what they want.
Since you feel like you’ve succeeded, your motivation to put in the hard work is zapped away.
In other words…
Telling people your goals unintentionally deters you from achieving them.
Instead of telling people what you will do, tell them what you’re doing.
This gives others the opportunity to praise the process of what you’re in pursuit of rather than the result.
Making this simple switch significantly increases your chances of getting what you want.
As I always say, “Success is never certain; it’s just about tilting the odds in your favor.”
