Silence may be key to achieving goals, as studies show keeping them private boosts motivation and success rates.
Silence aids goal achievement
Psychologists have conducted a large study to explore whether silence plays a key role in achieving one's goals. The research suggests that keeping goals private might lead to better outcomes than sharing them publicly.Understanding behavior leads to change
According to psychoanalyst Christian Richomme, many people make lists of changes they wish to make, such as eating better, exercising more, or being happier. However, these resolutions often collapse in February, sometimes even before the month begins.Change comes from understanding
Richomme explains that real change emerges from understanding rather than constraint. He states that behaviors are not permanently changed simply because one decides to, but because of an understanding of what the behavior is trying to fill, protect, or avoid.Progressive steps matter more
He emphasizes the importance of progressivity, noting that a small step repeated has more impact than an ambitious resolution that is abandoned. The brain, he says, values regularity over abrupt changes.Keeping goals secret boosts effectiveness
A study conducted by the University of New York found that keeping one's goals secret and taking time to achieve them was more effective in achieving them. People who kept their goals secret worked an average of 45 minutes per task, compared to only 33 minutes for those who announced their intentions in advance.Silence prevents premature satisfaction
Despite working about 25% less time, those who remained silent felt closer to their goals. According to psychologist Peter Gollwitzer, who led the research, this is because once one has shared intentions with others, a premature sense of satisfaction can occur, potentially reducing motivation.Social media supports the concept
This concept is also gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok. Content creators such as @noemoneyyy and @mandanazarfhami have shared their experiences, suggesting that keeping goals private until they are achieved can be more effective.Private efforts yield better results
@noemoneyyy, who previously shared everything with friends, family, and partners, claims that things go better when kept to oneself. Similarly, @mandanazarfhami advises keeping personal aspirations private until they are realized, emphasizing that the best way to achieve goals is to work on them in silence.
