“No man is an island, entire of itself

every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”

~ John Donne

When some individuals start setting goals and discover they can fully realize their potential, they often want to share their goals with just about anyone who will listen. Is this a good idea?


I don’t think it is always a good idea to share what your goals are with everyone you know. The majority of people simply do not set real goals for themselves, even though they have probably been given advice to do so. Many often confuse dreams with goals. Many people do want things to get better for them, but don’t like the thought of having to endure any change - even change within the way they have formed habits of thinking.

Depending on how much influence you allow such individuals to have over you, it is likely unwise to share your goals. Most people have come to expect failure in their lives, and they may see your goal setting exercises like they see their own “New Years Resolutions;” a fun thing to do that has become a tradition but seldom does anyone ever carry them through. Those New Year Resolutions aren’t really resolutions at all; they are simply wishes but once the excitment of the moment in making them has passed, and some difficulties begin, it becomes obvious that the “resolve” in the resolution was never there.

On your way to achieving your goals, you will experience setbacks. Accept that. You will face situations that you had not counted on, and you will need to spend the effort learning new things. Some call this “failure,” when what it really is are lessons presented to us that we need to learn before we can realize the goal we have set. Some of the best home run hitting baseball players strike out two out of every three times they are up to bat. What makes them the best though is that when they are striking out, they are learning, examining, and thinking of ways to improve. Studying what the pitcher might throw at them next and what they need to do to hit the ball.

When others who are not willing to spend the time and effort in achievement see you have a setback, they may end up harboring a little bit of happiness that you are just like them; you “failed.” Misery loves company.

On the other hand, sharing your goals with others who are of like mind, who understand that there will be bumps in the road, obstacles to walk around, climb over or move, can provide you with encouragement and congratulations as you progress toward your goals. Often they will be able to help you figure out what obstacles should be climbed over and which ones you try to move.

Sharing your goals with like minded individuals can also help during discouraging times when you feel some accountability for what you’ve told others about your goals. Those who will keep you accountable and encourage you are the ones you should share your goals with. Those who have no idea about how “resolve” is related to “resolution” will likely not be of much assistance to you at all when you face those challenges.

And regardless of what you think of your own inner strength and individuality, the adage that evolved from John Donne’s poem above: “No man is an island unto himself” will always remain true. You will need the help of others along the way, and in order for you to be achieving your goals, you will be helping others yourself, achieve theirs.

So, do share your goals with others, but give it some consideration as to whom you will share them with.

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