Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

sivers.org

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

11–20 of 179 posts

Re: Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

#11

Post by angel_j »

I always had some uncanny notion of this, and would keep my plans to myself. For some things, it's the way to go (like quitting your job and traveling). Probably b/c you don't need the external input; it only adds noise.

Yet I wouldn't be so quick to discourage sharing and doing what it takes to stay motivated. External motivation is great, I wish I had more of it!

I reckon there is greater glory in stating what you will do and following through ftw... and yummy humble pie for you if you give up or fail.

Re: Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

#14

Post by realbarack »

jniedrauer wrote: post #7

I sometimes wonder if a similar mechanism might be at play when you imagine accomplishing your goal in a Walter Mitty sort of way. There are many projects which I can envision completing, and which I know I have the technical skills for. But I gain a certain amount of satisfaction just from picturing the completed work, and in the end I don't actually put in the effort to make it reality.

This mechanism (but applied to good deeds) is described hilariously by Louis C.K.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eiCyT5pY_E

Re: Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

#15

Post by jhoechtl »

JohnJamesRambo wrote: post #13

I had never seen these ideas put down on paper but it is true for me. My mind can be pretty satisfied with just thinking it knows how it would be if I accomplished something instead of actually doing it.

While I share your sentiment I think the article means sthg. Different. What I think it says is: If you have a plan and tell others about it's realization, you are less motivated to actually implement your plan.

Thinking about me it is bexause others start to monitor my doings, causing pressure and somewhat forcing me to work according to others schedules instead of my own. That's what workflife is about, no?

Re: Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

#17

Post by drakonka »

I watched a TED talk about this years ago and recognized myself and my habits. I've since stopped announcing plans until I have a certain amount of concrete progress. Sometimes I still misjudge, and lose motivation. For me this applies for both small and big things.

Eg say I make plans to go to the gym tomorrow. If I tell someone I'm going to go to the gym, I am less likely to actually do it. If I keep my mouth shut I'll probably follow through. I currently have an idea of something I'd like to do. It will take a lot of physical and emotional work. I've tried to make plans before and discussed them with some friends, and always after the discussions it never ends up happening. This time I'm not telling anyone until the plan is actually in motion.

Re: Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

#18

Post by jhoechtl »

mzkply wrote: post #8

That has the exact opposite effect on me. I actually use that method to shame myself into accomplishing what I've announced...

That's gernerally true for polster-types who brag around with what they have done wjile others see their contribution rather miniscule.

I know this could be understood insulting, still my observation though.

Re: Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

#19

Post by topkai22 »

growlist wrote: post #16

53 days sober. Announced it at the start.

I think the difference here is it is announcing an accomplishment, not an intention. Since its already happened, you can build pride around it.

I believe the article is saying is that announcing "I'm going to quit drinking." Is not a good way to get and stay sober.

Re: Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them (2009)

#20

Post by taeric »

drakonka wrote: post #17

I watched a TED talk about this years ago and recognized myself and my habits. I've since stopped announcing plans until I have a certain amount of concrete progress. Sometimes I still misjudge, and lose motivation. For me this applies for both small and big things. Eg say I make plans to go to the gym tomorrow. If I tell someone I'm going to go to the gym, I am less likely to actually do it. If I keep my mouth shut…

I'm interested in seeing that talk, if you can remember who it was. Or have a link.

I had thought the opposite was true. Announcing was supposed to be like committing. Curious if it just became a form of virtue signaling.

Post reply on HN