Another Good Reason to Shut Your Mouth

For some time now I’ve been wanting to write a post about why I think it’s important NOT to talk with anyone about your projects or goals. This is not because they need protecting from outsiders (though that may be true with some things). The real reason is that every time I’ve ever done this I’ve found myself feeling a little less motivated to actually follow through on that goal, whether it’s writing a song, losing weight, learning a new skill, or getting in a solid weekend of yard work.

Thankfully, Derek Sivers (probably best known as the founder of CD Baby) has articulated this idea rather well in a TED Talk from September 2010. He offers some insight into why it is that we can become less motivated after telling the world our big plans, and how are brains can trick us out of actually doing the work.

Check it out: