Concerning matters of dedication. Lofty heights are often drawn but not easily attained. It is in the interest of the prospect to undertake his commission with collection and astuteness, as it ought to be in any instance. The prospect, however, under typical circumstances is not benefitted by advertising his end. That is, the prospect would be best to toil silently while displaying the utmost devotion to his effort. Conventional wisdom – more precisely defined as misinformation – often prescribes the circulation of an ambition within social environments. The motivation for doing so is understandable and usually difficult to refuse. We enjoy making our goals known. “I’m going to be a teacher, a CEO, a Navy SEAL, the president.” Tragically we may take a back-step when we introduce our goals to our counterparts.

In a TED talk from March of 2014, Derek Sivers – an entrepreneur and founder of “CD Baby” an online CD store tailored to independent musicians – explains how advertising specific ambitions does not necessarily bring about achievement. “[But] when you tell someone your goal and they acknowledge it, psychologists have found that it’s called a ‘social reality.” Sivers continues by explaining what psychological research has defined as “social reality.” That is, the act of explaining an intention in a social environment – whether to a group or individual – affects an affirmative emotional response. Our prospect feels a sense of premature accomplishment which may set them back.

It is conceivable that the dispersion of personal hopes would often lead to the hope not fully or even partially realized. Nonetheless there are those who find that exclaiming ambitions is the best course of action. One motivation might entail friendly encouragement. To this I wonder whether the second individual’s support would be beneficial? Would they take an active role? Does this person even care what your goal is? From a social standpoint, the cost may outweigh the benefit. That is, if the first individual tells the second individual their hope, the first person may not complete the task and is obligated to notify the other party.