WHEN TO SHARE YOUR GOAL INTENTION

There is interesting research into the effect of others taking notice of one’s behavioural intention (e.g. goal). Where this intention is identity-relevant (e.g. becoming a better engineer, parent, dancer), and strongly felt, what happens to the person’s motivation when the intention is made known to others? Are they more motivated to achieve the intention? Does accountability kick in?
 
Counter-intuitively, the neuroscience shows that motivation decreases, the intention is compromised. The recognition creates a level of subconscious fulfilment, through a dopamine reward, reducing the drive to perform. Those that kept the intention to themselves performed better.
 
This also applies to sub-goals that can then compromise the final goal.
 
A solution is to set Implementation Intentions that specify the exact behaviour you want to perform, e.g. WHEN I get home from work THEN I will spend 20 minutes working on my goal. This sets a process in place that can develop into a habit.
 
One key to incubation is a higher status mentor you respect and trust, who is not threatened by your success, to seek cold, hard advice and feedback. Expect both your commitment and performance to improve.
 
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#GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment

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