One of the things that I go back and forth on sometimes is whether or not to tell people my goals. On the one hand, I know that it’s dangerous to tell your goals to certain people. After all, some people will try to talk you out of your goals. NEVER tell those people your goals. EVER. On the other hand, we usually want to tell people our goals. We’re excited about our goals. We want to tell people what we’re excited about so they can be excited too.
It’s a fine line to walk. We have to tell some people about our goals, because they can help us. In general though I still fall on the side of keeping my goals to myself unless absolutely necessary. Tell your spouse, unless they really will try to kill your dreams. In that case, your first goal should be to work on your relationship. Tell your friends, family and co-workers ONLY if they’re people whose help you need. Why? Because they’ll tell people too. The fewer that know that don’t need to know, the more likely you are to achieve your goals.
I know this sounds counter to logic and some gurus’ advice, but others will tell you the same thing too. Once bitten, twice shy and all that.
That said, we should tell as many as we can when we achieve some goals. Not all perhaps and not everyone still. But when we hit a milestone or overcome some major obstacle, we absolutely must celebrate. So when you make progress, tell people that will be happy for you. Tell people that will encourage you. Go out and celebrate with loved ones. Do something to mark the occasion.
Progress is worth celebrating, because so few make progress. So few have a destination they’re working toward even. That’s another reason not to tell people about the goals. To others goals are wishes and wishes don’t come true. Progress on the other hand is concrete and tangible. Most people will be happy for you when that happens.
So let them know!
