If you have something you want to do, something that’s big and seems difficult, the best thing you can do is tell as many people as you can about it. Don’t hide it, don’t keep it your little secret, don’t think it will be a huge surprise to everyone when you do it because more then likely it will never happen.
Telling people provides a unique sort of motivation, one that ties in with some basic but very powerful psychology. The more people you tell the more your subconscious will keep you in line, keep you going, and make you do something. Why? Because if you don’t do it all those people you told will look on you as someone who doesn’t follow through and no one wants to be thought of like that.
In fact, find someone whose respect you desire (or wish to keep) and ask them to check up on you once in a while to
see how your plan is progressing. You will be surprised how powerful a motivator trying to keep that persons respect and knowing that someone is following your progress is.
Another benefit to telling as many people as you can is that you will get a lot of feedback. Whether it is, ‘You’re crazy!’ or ‘Have you thought about X?’ Everything will in some way be helpful. Conversations with people about your idea will help you to refine things and to come up with things you wouldn’t have thought of by yourself.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk to strangers about your idea. They can be a great source of inspiration and feedback because they have nothing invested in you and can be honest, sometimes brutally so.
I’ve told as many people as I know (and some I don’t). At first I was timid about it, knowing that if I didn’t follow through they would look at me differently but then as I realized how important this trip was to me I have become bolder (though not more specific). I am set on going and those around me, whether actively or passively, are helping me to move forward.
Have you told the people around you about your dream or are you the only person who knows?
Related posts:
If you will keep us abreast of your travels, we would obviously two people that will be very interested and concerned as to where you are and what and how you are doing!!
[...] I started this blog I wrote a post, Shout it from the mountaintops, and recommended that if you want to get something done you should tell as many people as possible. [...]