In my book Resolutions Life Planning Tools, I suggest when writing goals; you make them for your eyes only. This is because when others see what you write, you tend to write for them. Your goals are your personal plans for achievement; sharing before they are defined can lead to others making decisions about your life script. However, once you are working on your life plan, there are several ways to engage with others to help you achieve your goals.
After establishing your goals, sharing them with others can help you succeed in several ways. I will discuss the pros and cons of sharing your goals and some ways you might go about sharing.
Increased Accountability
Sharing your goals with someone can create a sense of being answerable to them and not wanting to disappoint them. You feel more committed to achieving your dreams and aspirations when you tell someone about them. Working with others promotes creativity and productivity. You can discuss your goals, brainstorm, and share ideas on the best strategies to achieve your goals.
When you share your goals with someone you respect or consider a higher status, you become more motivated and less likely to quit. Focus on progress and keep the person you share your goals with updated on your progress. This keeps you accountable and allows them to offer specific encouragement.
“Accountability is the Glue that ties Commitment to Results.”
Bob Proctor
Support and Encouragement
Other people can become your cheerleader and help you stay positive. Sharing your goals can encourage you during tough times. Talking it through.
Sharing your goals with others allows them to offer support and encouragement along the way. The support could be words of encouragement, practical advice, or help in overcoming obstacles. Having a support system can make the journey towards your goals easier and more enjoyable. When family, friends, or a partner provides support, they celebrate your successes. Enhancing your feeling of accomplishment. It is a big deal!
If you share with someone more successful or respected, it can boost your commitment. An example would be talking about your goals with a mentor or manager, which could be beneficial in several ways.
You want to be careful. This could backfire if you are overly focused on impressing that person. You are looking for support, not a codependent relationship.
Feedback
We each have unique life experiences; another person can lend a different perspective. This advice could help us navigate the roadblocks and find better strategies if the person you share your goals with has experience and achieved a similar goal.
Constructive feedback from family or supervisors can help you improve. We often cannot see the barrier we place ourselves; others may identify things we do not see in our lives. By providing feedback, they can highlight your blind spots.
Humble acceptance of criticism gracefully allows you to evolve personally and professionally. Refrain from overreacting to hearing feedback you were not expecting. The feedback is to help guide you on the right path to your goal. Others may offer insights or suggestions you had not imagined, which can help you reframe your strategies.
Finding a Buddy for Personal Goals
If you share your goals, you may find someone who has the same goal. A buddy system can create a sense of partnership. You can hold each other accountable and provide support for each other. An example would be walking daily. If you have a walking buddy, this is an added motivational tool. Together, you can achieve a similar goal. This can be used to change your eating habits, maybe by learning to cook healthy foods as a team.
Or a Mentor for Professional Goals
Finding a mentor or manager to share your career goals with can be valuable in your professional development. Define what you hope to learn from a mentor. Outline specific goals you have set for your professional growth.
Having a mentor can accelerate your professional growth. They provide guidance, share experiences, and help you navigate challenges. Interacting with diverse people exposes you to new perspectives, skills, and knowledge. Be patient, build genuine connections, and be open to learning from those who have walked the path you aspire to follow.
You can find mentors anywhere; you just need to ask!
- At your job
- Reconnect with former colleagues or bosses
- Explore industry-specific platforms
- Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars
- Connect with professionals who inspire you, perhaps via LinkedIn
- Investigate formal mentorship programs
How to Find a Mentor in 8 Steps (Plus Mentorship Tips)
Networking is an excellent way to find a mentor. You can also make new connections; it introduces you to new opportunities, potential clients, and collaborators. Attending industry events, joining online communities, and building relationships.
Choose Carefully
You want to make sure the person you share your goals with is trustworthy, supportive, and will be happy for you when you succeed. Be careful about sharing goals with suppressive or competitive people. Their pressure can hinder your progress, and some may even work against you. Jealousy and envy have no room in this process; you may find that sometimes people do not want to see you succeed. Avoid negative influences from those who consistently doubt or undermine your goals. Do they believe in you?
Role Models
Another source of inspiration and motivation is observing others’ achievements and success. You can envision what is possible for yourself and feel inspired to pursue your own goals with enthusiasm. Role models do not have to be a person in your life; you may follow a famous person or find inspiration from people around you, people you admire.
Role models may embody qualities and traits we admire and aspire to reach. By studying their behavior, strategies, and decision-making processes, we can learn lessons and gain insights into our path to success.
So, again, role models do not have to be someone before you; we get inspiration and guidance from many sources. I am an avid reader and seek wisdom and guidance from books.
Role models set standards of excellence that we can incorporate into our lives. Benjamin Franklin is one of my role models; 13 virtues were his standard: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.
Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues path to personal perfection, by David G. Allan
Einstein is another role model of mine. Einstein’s 7 rules included putting effort into the things that matter, doing things you love, even if you’re terrible at them, having a puzzle mindset, and thinking deeply.
Einstein’s 7 rules for a better life.
Role models can also demonstrate positive behaviors and attitudes that contribute to success. Watching how they approach their goals teaches us valuable lessons about hard work and ethical conduct in achieving our aspirations.
Conclusion
Remember that meaningful connections with others contribute to a fulfilling life. Be open, compassionate, and willing to give as well as receive. Setting goals and sharing them with others can increase motivation, accountability, support, and perspective, ultimately leading to a greater likelihood of success in achieving your goals.
Role models and mentors serve as powerful sources of inspiration, guidance, and encouragement on our journeys toward achieving our goals. By learning from their experiences and emulating their positive qualities and behaviors, we can enhance our chances of success and fulfillment in life. Role models come in many sizes and forms, such as the President of your university or an iconic historical character like Benjamin Franklin. The question you want to ask yourself is: Does that person have the knowledge or skills to help you fulfill your dream?
As with any endeavor, sharing your goals has pros and cons. You need to carefully choose who you share your goals with and be able to accept their guidance. Not everyone has your best interest in mind; watch for toxic people.
Are You Letting Other People’s Opinions Stop You From Your Goals? by Bradley Pierce.
Sharing your goals can provide social support, feedback, and vision validation. But don’t get over-focused on others; sharing can be good. In the end, it is up to you to achieve your goals.
Recommended Reading
Does Sharing Goals Help or Hurt Your Chances of Success? – Dataquest
Should You Tell People About Your Goals? By JD Meier
Citations
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