Sometimes, people ask me if discussing your goals with other people is a good idea. I think it’s a tradeoff:

There’s a theory that the more you talk about your goal with other people, the more your brain feels like it’s achieved it already. Your ego feels good, which actually drains it of motivation. Another way to say it is this: if you don’t talk about your goals, your ego—hungry for recognition—will push you towards completing it so that it can brag. 

At the same time, if you talk about your goals, other people can offer you support and contribute to its success. They can provide you with valuable information, connections, or just personal energy to help move you towards your goals. You can improve your plans, quickly course correct, or quit and move on to a better project. 

If you feel like you’re drained of energy, talk to fewer people and get back in the lab. Focus on completing tasks that will move your project forward. Simplify and scope your project down so you can complete it as soon as possible.

If you feel confused about your plan, show your progress to more people to get a feel for how they’re responding. People will offer support in all sorts of ways—enthusiasm, expertise, or an actual cash exchange. You can use this support to make adjustments and address your own blind spots. All of these things can help you move towards your goal.