> were 33% more likely to achieve them than those that merely formulated goals.
I've heard this before and I've also heard the exact opposite. That telling other people your goals reduces the chances of finishing them. The theory I remember (I google but was unable to find a good link) was that telling someone a goal feels 60% as good as actually doing the goal itself. So it is easier to just tell everyone your goals and then invent new goals.
I'm not trying to contradict Alex Maccaw. I've just noticed this dichotomy before and been curious how people reconcile the two theories.
Has anyone else noticed these two recommendations or know what I'm referring to?
I can't speak to the accuracy of the studies he's quoting here, but Derek Sivers talks about this in a post on his blog (https://sivers.org/zipit). Central quotes:
"Once you've told people of your intentions, it gives you a “premature sense of completeness.”"
"You have “identity symbols” in your brain that make your self-image. Since both actions and talk create symbols in your brain, talking satisfies the brain enough that it “neglects the pursuit of further symbols.”"
But, as others have pointed out, what Alex is talking about is (I believe) more of a list for your own benefit, rather than a publicly-shared list.
I've heard this before and I've also heard the exact opposite. That telling other people your goals reduces the chances of finishing them. The theory I remember (I google but was unable to find a good link) was that telling someone a goal feels 60% as good as actually doing the goal itself. So it is easier to just tell everyone your goals and then invent new goals.
I'm not trying to contradict Alex Maccaw. I've just noticed this dichotomy before and been curious how people reconcile the two theories.
Has anyone else noticed these two recommendations or know what I'm referring to?