The Goal-Sharing Fallacy

I have done some research into goal-setting recently. That's because I want to find clarity in many parts of my life and I believe that goal-setting could help with that. I am very much torn between setting SMART goals and trying to create a love for the journey. I know that one does not exclude the other, yet it feels so to me. Either I plan my goal from start to finish like my exams – this is done through time-blocking and a constant reflection on what needs improvement. The other, easier option, is to go with the flow.

More often than not there is less time pressure on personal goals. It is why I tend to put them on the back burner and go with the flow. I only act on them when I have leftover time and motivation. Having a vague goal towards which little action is taken is quite detrimental to intrinsic motivation.

For example, at the start of every holiday, I get very motivated to mix music. This is great, but since I do not practise a lot during school time it takes me some time to get back into it. This is often very frustrating and sometimes it even breaks me.

There is one thing NOT to do with your personal goals: telling everyone about them. You'd think telling your friends about your goals is a great way to keep yourself accountable. On the contrary, this gives us the illusion of making progress. In fact, you'd be better off not telling anyone and making your actions speak for themselves. I have fallen for this fallacy a number of times. This list includes but is not limited to the aforementioned holiday mixing.

Next time, instead of sharing your New Year's resolutions maybe try to keep them to yourself and grind it out. It is harder but you have a bigger chance of achieving what you set out to do!

This Week's Suggestions:

🎶 "Where Do We Go" by Dimension featuring Poppy Baskcomb:

This song came out this Friday. I have been waiting for it for a very long time. The vocals are just so damn good. Poppy Baskcomb is easily one of my favourite drum and bass vocalists. Since Dimension is one of my favourite drum and bass producers it makes quite a lovely mix!

🎬 Why the majority is always wrong | Paul Rulkens:

Paul Rulkens has a really captivating speech. He has a way with words – he manages to go off on many tangents and smoothly transition back to the main topic. I enjoy this quote from his speech: "The purpose of thinking is to stop thinking." I highly suggest this video, it is a very entertaining watch.

More about today's topic:

1. TED talk: Keep your goals to yourself | Derek Sivers:
2. Scientific Study: Why We Don’t “Just Do It”: Understanding the Intention-Behavior Gap in Lifestyle Medicine

Have a lovely Monday!