In the modern age of constant connectivity, it’s tempting to broadcast every thought and intention to the world. However, there is a growing body of evidence and wisdom, emphasising the importance of action over talk.
This difference is akin to the distinction between planning to bake a cake and baking one. Merely announcing your intention to your friends doesn’t get the job done. You need to make a list of ingredients, go shopping, and, perhaps, consult an expert, like your mum.
The actionable steps involve preparing and executing the task, while prematurely celebrating can lead to distraction and complacency. Endlessly discussing your aspirations with friends instead of getting off your phone and into the kitchen won’t get you anywhere.
Similarly in life, it’s essential to focus on the outcome rather than the process. The true sense of achievement comes from accomplishing a goal, not merely intending to do so.
Focus on the Outcome, Not Just the Process
Achieving significant goals can take time. And along the journey, there will be moments when you need to open up and share your progress. However, it’s crucial to balance this with a focus on outcomes rather than just intentions. Inviting friends over for your metaphorical cake makes sense when the cake is halfway done, ensuring it doesn’t get cold before they arrive. Your sense of achievement should stem from the finished product, not just the idea or intention behind it.
When you focus on the outcome, your brain works differently. Instead of getting a premature sense of satisfaction from discussing your plans, your brain remains driven to achieve the end goal. This focus channels your energy more effectively, making you work harder and smarter toward the desired result.
The Energy of Silence
Energy management is critical in this context. Constantly sharing your plans dissipates energy that could be better spent on action. The more you internalise your plans and work towards them, the stronger and more focused you become. This concept, while speculative, holds practical value.
Take an example of holding things to yourself in emotionally charged situations, when it’s better to process things internally rather than immediately venting.
Or a repetitive sharing of negative experiences. That can alienate friends and hinder your growth. Instead, seeking professional assistance from a coach or psychologist — depending on the situation — can provide an unbiased perspective and facilitate personal development.
Discussing business ideas with friends, who lack the required expertise, can lead to premature satisfaction. When friends praise your ideas, your brain releases feel-good chemicals, giving you a false sense of accomplishment. The brain’s tendency to seek shortcuts means it might treat the discussion of an idea as the completion of it. This can diminish your motivation and can cause you to abandon your goal.
Constructive Sharing
On the flip side, sharing your detailed plans and strategies with an industry mentor, who has experience in your field can be incredibly beneficial. This person can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping you avoid pitfalls and accelerate your progress. Your brain, recognising the commitment required, understands there’s no turning back and marshals your resources accordingly.
Conversely, sharing incomplete plans or ideas with uninformed individuals can lead to discouragement. Negative feedback from someone who isn’t an expert or doesn’t share your vision can lead to self-doubt and discourage you from pursuing your goals. Therefore, it’s crucial to discern whom you share your aspirations with, seeking advice from those with the experience and expertise to provide valuable insights.
The Rule of Thumb
A simple yet effective rule is to keep your plans and resources to yourself while discarding the unnecessary. This approach conserves energy and resources, allowing you to focus on meaningful actions.
Think of your goals as products in a supermarket. Would you pay for just labels of food items? Similarly, in life, it’s your completed accomplishments that hold value. Share these with the world once they are ready, offering something of substance that others can appreciate and learn from.
When you achieve something significant, that’s the time to share your journey. Successful experiences motivate others and establish you as a credible source of inspiration. They also reinforce your positive beliefs in your abilities encouraging you to move to the next challenge. That’s why it’s about delivering results, not just intentions.
Practical Steps for Effective Action
To maximise your energy and resources, it’s helpful to adopt a practical approach:
- Keep Plans Close: Protect your ideas and plans until you are ready to act on them. Sharing them too soon can dilute your motivation.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult with specialists or mentors who can offer constructive feedback and guidance. Their experience can help you navigate challenges more effectively.
- Act on Intentions: Transition from planning to action as quickly as possible. Making a list of ingredients is just the first step; the real progress happens when you start mixing and baking.
- Share Accomplishments, Not Just Ideas: Once you achieve something tangible, share your success and the journey with your friends. Not only will this validate your hard work but also inspire others. It’ll also boost your self-esteem.
Conclusion
Announcing your intentions without concrete actions can lead to complacency and loss of motivation. Channel your energy into productive tasks and seek guidance from knowledgeable mentors rather than uninformed peers. By doing so, you not only increase your chances of success but also conserve your energy for meaningful endeavours. Remember, the world values complete, tangible results over mere intentions. So, focus on achieving your goals and share your success stories aferwards, inspiring others with your accomplished outcomes.
