So, you may wonder why I have started a blog. It began quite simply actually. Randal made a comment Friday night and on Sat. morning I took action. The idea of starting a blog had been swishing around in my head for a few weeks so the concept had been digesting for a bit. What was this comment that made me act with such speed?
The people who talk about their plan(s) are less likely to follow through with them. Huh! Immediately I dismissed this idea, but when I stopped feeling like it was a personal stab I agreed. Obviously I felt it personally because I AM one of those people that ‘talks’ about their plans and I do not always go through with them. For example, after completing my Bachelor’s degree I decided that I should go on and become further educated. I was going to do law! I called my mom and told her, she told her sisters and what do you know…I am NOT a lawyer!
So why does this happen? Research says when we announce our intentions it “satisfies your self-identity just enough that you’re less motivated to do the hard work needed”.
What else prevents us from allowing our intentions to become realities? If we have success in one sub-goal then we feel a sense of accomplishment and therefore we actually do not put the needed effort in on other sub-goals that are just as important. Here is a classic example of something I do:
I want to get healthy (the goal) so I decided to get back into running (one sub-goal) but get side tracked telling myself I need a new pair of runners to be able to run (this becomes a sub-goal), right! But really, who doesn’t love a new pair of runners? Because I have these new runners I feel less motivated to actually go running because I have made at least a third of the effort in my running regime. Ha! Funny but totally true – thanks Randal!
In short, keep your plans to yourself! As well, to increase the likelihood of being successful it helps if you make a list of your goals so you can keep on track. It is reported that people that write down their goals are more likely to complete them. This is just some food for thought. See the link below for a direct article on the subject as well as some information on studies that have been around for eons, since 1933.
Make you feel better that you are not alone with this habit? The good thing is, now that you are aware of this phenomenon you can prevent it from running your life and restricting your actions. Best of luck with your plans but I do not want to hear about them until you have succeeded!
To all of us that like to “talk” about our plans, stop and think about sharing it next time if you really want to have your plan come to fruition!