21–30 of 179 posts
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.
That has the exact opposite effect on me. I actually use that method to shame myself into accomplishing what I've announced...
So true it happens to me many times. When I tell about the new idea or half done projects I feel less motivated to complete it. So right now my lips are sealed on the current project that I am working and it's coming in good shape as of now
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.
Could it be Derek Sivers' TED Talk "Keep your goals to yourself"?
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.
Can't be bothered to look it up, though :D
Earlier quoted context omitted.
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.
Right but growlist is providing a counterexample since Announced it at the start .
Not guaranteed to succeed. Not doomed to fail if you announce. Just like getting dealt an ace as the first card doesn't determine if you win. Has better chances than getting a two, though.
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…
When you announce your plans to people close to you, such as family and friends and coworkers, you start getting input which is not necessarily useful even if their intentions are good.
Moreover, your announcement might make some people uncomfortable to the point where they try to sabotage you, either intentionally or subconsciously.
I'm exactly opposite of that. If I announce plans, that adds an additional cost (embarrassment) to failing to accomplish them, which makes it less likely that I'll procrastinate or abandon the effort.