Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty

Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty

John Selden, a 17th-century English jurist and scholar, is often quoted as saying, "Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty." This statement speaks to the idea that when we publicly declare our intentions or goals, we are more likely to feel pressure to follow through on them. Selden believed that keeping our resolutions private allows us to work towards them without the added burden of external expectations.

Selden's words are particularly relevant in today's society, where social media and constant connectivity make it easy to share every aspect of our lives with others. When we announce our resolutions or goals online, we open ourselves up to scrutiny and judgment from others. This can create a sense of pressure to succeed, which can actually make it harder for us to achieve our goals.

Furthermore, when we share our resolutions with others, we may also be seeking validation or approval from them. This external validation can be fleeting and may not provide the motivation we need to stay committed to our goals in the long term. By keeping our resolutions private, we are able to focus on our own internal motivations and values, rather than seeking validation from others.

Selden's advice also speaks to the idea of accountability. When we keep our resolutions private, we are solely responsible for our own success or failure. This can be a powerful motivator, as we are more likely to hold ourselves accountable for our actions when we know that no one else is watching.