By Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah
Common belief dictates that publicly announcing your goals increases the chances of success because you feel the pressure of having to follow through on your goal or otherwise let everyone down. At least, that’s what we believe. On the contrary, the opposite is the case.
I agree with findings of psychologists that, telling people what you want to achieve creates a premature sense of completeness that doesn’t motivate you to carry it through.
The main takeaway therefore is: keep your thoughts and plans to yourself if you want to get things done. Announcing your plans is to supply naysayers with the ammunition they need to shoot down those plans. Rather, let your victories announce you instead. Be like a cook who doesn’t ring bell when they’re cooking until they are done cooking. Cook in the kitchen, not in the public. You can then dish it publicly when it is ready.
I believe that one should be silent about their goals until accomplished. I don’t think that you need to announce to the world as soon as you set a goal. Whatever you’re setting your eyes on, it’s better to keep that thought to yourself. Don’t get me wrong, not everyone is a well-wisher.
While you’re telling naysayer about your next ambitious move, it could be overwhelming for them and might even show them a mirror highlighting their incompetence and flaws.
They might even try to sabotage your efforts to make themselves look better. Such people could derail your progress even before it starts. Since your goals are still in development, stay away from people who live in disbelief.
Telling others about your goals need a lot of time and energy. From making them understand your goal to explaining why you’d like to accomplish it. It is a hell lot of an effort. The whole process is quite time-consuming in itself that your energy starts leaking out before it is even put into action.
Instead of spending your energy, convincing naysayers, you better stay low-keyed, work hard in silence and let your success make all the noise.
Have a grand weekend and let your success tell your story, not you!
* Dr. Ogah is the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development