In this episode, I talk about whether you should announce your goals to the world with great fanfare—or just quietly plug away and pursue them.

The topic was inspired by a couple of social media clips, including a “sub-11 second 100 meters in 90 days” project, which sounds exciting…but also highlights what we’re seeing more and more today—spouting big goals, getting instant attention, and receiving that payoff without having to continue on and struggle and suffer through the process.

I get into the brain science behind this, including how simply announcing a goal—“I’m working on a book,” “I’m training for an Ironman”—can trigger a dopamine spike that tricks you into thinking you’ve already made progress. I also cover the flip side, with research showing that sharing goals can increase accountability and support when done correctly.

From there, I break down the nuances: why announcing vague or unrealistic goals can backfire, how you risk turning into a “dilettante” chasing attention instead of results, why process-oriented goals beat outcome obsession (with insights from elite sport and my own experience), and when it actually does make sense to share what you’re working on—like being fully immersed in the journey or reporting real progress, not just talking about it.

I also explain why who you share your goals with matters, and how the wrong approach can leave you stuck while the right one can push you forward.

It’s a thoughtful look at motivation, accountability, and what it really takes to follow through on meaningful goals in a world full of hype.

TIMESTAMPS:

We have some differing expert opinions about the value or the strategy of announcing goals to others. Some say it helps keep you accountable. There's good research there. Others reference the emptiness and the risk [01:06]

Troy is an example of announcing to all that he will be breaking 11 seconds in the 100 meters. [01:35]

Josh is another example of sharing his ambition to try a feat and asks that you follow along to see what goes into this attempt. [03:13]

Brad discusses the differences in these two styles. [03:37]

It is harmful to attach your self-esteem to specific outcomes. [09:37]

Try to let go of the pressure and enjoy the process with a positive attitude. [11:49]

Brain research confirms that we can elicit a spike of dopamine by simply announcing a big goal to the public or to your friends. [13:40]

The same dopamine hit—with potential backlash—happens when we announce success prematurely. [17:50]

There is a meta-study from the American Psychological Association in 2025 that found that sharing a goal was linked to receiving more support from others. [23:41]

Do not broadcast vague goals that might be deemed unrealistic by an expert outsider observer. [26:27]

Set process-oriented goals. Basketball coach John Wooden said, "Worrying about the scoreboard is a big mistake. Instead, focus on the perfect execution of every possession." [29:02]

Announcing goals when you're actually immersed in the difficult and meaningful journey works well. [31:11]

LINKS:

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