Sharing goals is not just a social activity; it’s a scientifically backed strategy that significantly enhances the likelihood of achieving them. Various studies and research highlight the numerous benefits of goal sharing, from increased accountability to enhanced motivation and better outcomes. Let’s delve into the scientific evidence that supports the concept of sharing goals, especially within the context of our goal-setting social network.
Public Commitment and Accountability
One of the primary benefits of sharing goals is the increased sense of accountability it fosters. Research by Locke and Latham (2002) indicates that “goal sharing can lead to higher levels of achievement by fostering a sense of accountability and providing a support system that helps individuals stay on track” [01]. This sense of accountability is further supported by findings that “sharing goals with peers can lead to increased motivation and accountability, as individuals are more likely to follow through on their commitments when they know others are aware of their intentions” [02].
Publicly declaring one’s goals taps into the power of social accountability. Williams (2015) emphasizes that “publicly declaring one’s goals can enhance performance by leveraging social accountability and the desire to maintain a positive self-image in the eyes of others” [03]. This idea is echoed in a practical context by EmployeeConnect, which notes that “sharing your goals with others makes you accountable towards that particular goal. For instance, if you share with a colleague that you intend to smash 120% of your sales target, it goes without saying that the next time you catch up, they will ask how your sales quota is coming along” [04].
Furthermore, making a public commitment significantly enhances goal achievement. Research shows that “the goal–performance relationship is strongest when people are committed to their goals,” and public commitment makes one’s actions a matter of integrity in both personal and social contexts (Hollenbeck, Williams, & Klein, 1989) [01].
Influence on Motivation
Sharing goals also has a profound impact on motivation. Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining persistence and performance in goal achievement contexts. Matthews (2002) highlights that “the presence of social support and accountability partners can provide the necessary motivation and encouragement to stay on track” [05]. Similarly, Midson-Short (2021) explains that “the act of sharing creates a sense of accountability and provides the necessary social support to maintain motivation” [06].
Visibility of Goals
Making goals visible in social settings is another powerful motivator. Research indicates that “visibility of goals in social settings increases motivation” [07]. Sharing goals or making them visible allows for public verification, which inherently increases accountability. As one study notes, “one of the significant aspects of setting goals is sharing your goals or making your goals visible so that they can be verified openly in public” [08].
The presence of an audience can enhance commitment to goals, especially when the audience holds a higher relative status. This is supported by findings from ScienceDaily, which state that “the presence of an audience can enhance commitment to goals, especially when the audience is of a higher relative status” [09].
Moreover, writing down goals and sharing them with a friend can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving those goals. Redmond (2011) found that “writing down goals and sharing them with a friend increases the likelihood of achieving those goals by 33% compared to those who do not write down their goals” [10].
Therapeutic Implications
The benefits of goal sharing extend into therapeutic and rehabilitation settings as well. Goal setting in these contexts shows that structured goal plans enhance preparedness and motivation, leading to better outcomes. Research published in Positive Psychology indicates that “goal setting in therapeutic and rehabilitation settings shows that structured goal plans enhance preparedness and motivation, thus leading to better outcomes” [11].
Additionally, sharing goals with supportive friends or family members can reduce stress and provide necessary encouragement. As highlighted by Harvard Business Review, “research indicates that individuals who share their goals with supportive friends or family members are more likely to achieve them, as the social support provides encouragement and reduces stress” [12].
Supportive accountability combines social support with accountability to enhance adherence to health-related goals. Mohr, Cuijpers, and Lehman (2011) found that “supportive accountability, which combines social support with accountability, has been shown to significantly enhance adherence to health-related goals. This approach leverages the presence of a supportive individual to maintain motivation and commitment” [13].
Conclusion
The scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the concept of sharing goals as a powerful tool for achieving them. By fostering accountability, increasing motivation, and leveraging social support, goal sharing transforms aspirations into accomplishments. Our goal-setting social network aims to harness these proven benefits, providing a platform for users to share their goals, receive encouragement, and stay committed to their objectives.
References:
1. Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Goal setting and performance. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/goal-setting-and-performance
2. Psychology Today. (2020, January). The power of sharing your goals. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/motivation-matters/202001/the-power-sharing-your-goals
3. Williams, K. D. (2015). Goal setting and social accountability. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/goal-setting-and-social-accountability
4. EmployeeConnect. (n.d.). The benefits of sharing goals. Retrieved from https://www.employeeconnect.com/blog/the-benefits-of-sharing-goals/
5. Matthews, G. (2002). Goal setting and performance: Social support and accountability. Retrieved from https://scholar.dominican.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=psychology-faculty-conference-presentations
6. Midson-Short, D. (2021). Should you share your goals with others? Retrieved from https://midsonshort.com/should-you-share-your-goals-with-others/
7. American Psychological Association. (2019). Visibility of goals in social settings. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-45131-001
8. ScienceDaily. (2019, September 3). The presence of an audience can enhance commitment to goals. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190903084051.htm
9. Redmond, B. F. (2011). Goal setting case study. Retrieved from https://wikispaces.psu.edu/display/PSYCH484/Goal+Setting+Case+Study
10. Positive Psychology. (n.d.). Goal setting psychology. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting-psychology/
11. Harvard Business Review. (2020, May). The benefits of sharing your goals. Retrieved from https://www.hbr.org/2020/05/the-benefits-of-sharing-your-goals
12. Mohr, D. C., Cuijpers, P., & Lehman, K. (2011). Supportive accountability: Combining social support with accountability. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221353/