Good Excuse #2
Let a co-worker know that you appreciate them. It’s so much nicer at work when you enjoy the friendship of those you work alongside. When they lighten your load with their work ethic, their humor, or their positive outlook your day is better for it. Let them know they are making a positive difference in your life.
08.05.13 at 10:57
Just wanted to let you know I’ve been lurking.
Also, I think I might actually have a goal!
Do you think it’s helpful to tell other people about your goals – how do you decide when and who to tell?
Thanks!
08.05.13 at 18:42
It can be helpful to share your goals with others. My criteria for deciding when and who to tell is completely selfish: Will sharing with this person help me achieve my goal in any way? Perhaps they know someone, have some information I can use, or can help in some other way.
Goals are extremely personal. They reveal who you are by revealing what is important to you.
Some people use that knowledge to help you. These are the “dream enablers.” They want to see you succeed. They are happy for you when you do well, even when you do better than they happen to be doing.
Some people use that knowledge to hinder you. These are the “dream stealers.” They want to see you fail. Especially when you are doing better than they are currently.
There are people who are neutral. They don’t care either way.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell these people apart. If you have the fortitude to withstand the dream stealers I encourage you to share your goals with as many people as you can. You never can tell from which direction help will come. If you keep it all to yourself you’re the only one on your team.
It’s kind of like being in search of a lost watch. If you let others know what you’re looking for you’ll have more eyes to see.
I believe most people are decent. You probably know who the dream stealers are in your life. Take their negative comments in stride and keep moving forward.
Realistically, most people will be more than happy to stand by and watch you work toward your goals (i.e. most people care more about their own lives than yours).
The key is to open yourself to the ones who are on the same path. Soccer players achieve their goals by joining soccer teams and getting coached. Photographers achieve their goals by working in the field and learning from those more knowledgeable.
Sharing your goals with people who have done what you want to do or those that have the same goals is probably the best sharing you can do. In these types of environments there is tons of support.
Good luck with your goal.
P.S. In elementary school the reoccurring teacher’s comment at the bottom of my report cards was “Korey needs to ask for help more often.” I have an independent streak. I like to do things for myself. Add to that my private nature and you get a picture of my reluctance to share. This is an area that I am working on myself.
08.05.15 at 13:01
I have done so badly with goals in the past, that I am afraid to tell people for fear that they will be naysayers (as they have seen me fail so often), and that I will jinx myself.
But I think at this point, although they may be a little skeptical, most people I know are neutral at worst, and still try to be supportive.
Occasionally, people seem a bit negative, but I really can’t blame them given my track record.
Thanks!