We discuss why constantly talking about your goals actually makes you less likely to achieve them. Learn the science behind why vocalizing dreams rewards procrastination and how to stop self-sabotage.

Summary

Do you set big goals but somehow never seem to accomplish them? We unpack the counterintuitive reason why.

It turns out that talking about your ambitions creates a false sense of achievement. Your brain rewards you with a dopamine hit just for vocalizing desires. This provides short-term satisfaction that replaces taking action.

We share studies proving that people who talk often about their dreams are less likely to achieve them. Silent achievers actually accomplish more.

To stop sabotaging your own success, pursue goals quietly. Resist the temptation to discuss plans and instead focus relentlessly on small daily progress. Don’t reward yourself for procrastination. Taste victory when you have concrete results to show, not just words.

Shift your mindset to value process over chatter. The secret is forgetting about the big goal and making consistent action the main aim. Outsiders may be shocked when an overnight “success” was actually years in the quiet making.

Vocalize finished goals, not unfinished ones. Inspire others with what you have done, not just what you will do. Achieve in private first before announcing in public.

Embrace the power of silent achievement. Talk less and do more. Your life will speak for itself.

Top 3 Growth Tips

• [4:31] Talking about goals triggers dopamine which provides short-term satisfaction that replaces taking action.
• [15:51] The secret is forgetting about the big goal and making consistent action the main aim. Progress comes from tasks completed, not just dreams discussed.
• [18:31] Only talk about achieved goals so your words have maximum impact. Don't get rewarded for procrastination.

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About Ken Ott:

Kenneth Ott is an owner of multiple businesses, entrepreneur, husband, father, and Christian leader. Ken is the co-Founder of Metacake, an Ecommerce Growth Team and Dough Capital. Ken is an author, speaker, and business coach. To connect or learn more, visit: 

• KenOtt.com
• Ken on LinkedIn
• Ken on Twitter/X
• Ken on Instagram
• Ken on Facebook
• Metacake - An Ecommerce Growth Team
• Dough - We own amazing DTC brands
  
  

Show Highlights

[00:26] Hey, my name is Kenneth Ott, and welcome to Grow Time where we explore ideas to help you live a high performance life.

[00:49] Most people believe that talking about their dreams creates accountability. But vocalizing goals actually makes you less likely to achieve them.

[02:25] I began to notice the loudest people with the biggest dreams rarely accomplished what they envisioned. Meanwhile, silent achievers consistently achieved goals others didn't even know they had.

[03:57] I stopped talking about my goals until after I achieved them. My results improved dramatically.

[06:02] Studies show that people who talk about their goals are less likely to accomplish them than those who don't discuss plans.

[06:48] Talking about yourself releases dopamine just like extremely pleasurable activities. This provides short-term satisfaction that replaces doing the work.

[08:39] Money itself should not be your ultimate "why" behind pursuing a goal. The reason needs to have deep personal meaning.

[14:17] You cannot accomplish an actual goal. You can only accomplish component tasks which together produce the larger aim. Make consistent action the main focus, not the big dream.

[15:32] Embrace "action habits" as daily progress benchmarks on the way to your ultimate goal.

[18:17] Resist the urge to discuss unfinished goals that excite you. This will only provide hollow short-term satisfaction instead of meaningful fuel to keep you working.

[20:15] Set goals in quiet dedication, execute them diligently in obscurity, then discuss them only after completion.