Chapter 1: The Wright Brothers vs. Samuel Langley

The quest for the first successful flight was marked by a fascinating rivalry between two significant figures: the Wright Brothers and the less celebrated Samuel Pierpont Langley. As we explore this narrative, the reasons behind Langley’s obscurity will become clear.

In elementary school history classes, you likely came across the inspiring tale of the Wright Brothers, who engineered the first successful aircraft. You might remember the details, like how on a chilly, windy day in December 1903, in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Orville anxiously watched as Wilbur entered the plane they had refined for years, which astonishingly flew for 59 seconds over a distance of 852 feet.

While today the name "Wright Brothers" is synonymous with flight, they were once considered the underdogs. During this ambitious endeavor, the majority of the nation had its faith placed in Langley. An articulate astronomer, physicist, and aviation innovator, Langley was determined to secure his place in history. His role as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution gave him credibility and visibility, drawing extensive support.

Additionally, the War Department's generous funding of $50,000 aimed to assist him in achieving flight first. Despite the significant backing and buzz surrounding him, Langley's aircraft ultimately failed, while the Wright Brothers’ invention ascended into the skies.

One party had widespread recognition, ample resources, and substantial financial support, while the other operated from a modest bicycle shop, driven by sheer passion for aviation. You may wonder: what led to the Wright Brothers’ triumph over Langley?

Understanding the Impact of Early Praise

The Wright Brothers' victory can be traced back to their intrinsic motivation and passion, contrasting starkly with Langley’s ambition fueled by status. The latter's premature acclaim may have contributed to his downfall. While Langley was busy boasting about his aspirations and soaking in accolades for achievements he hadn't yet realized, the Wright Brothers labored in relative anonymity, receiving little attention.

Research by Peter Gollwitzer in his article, 'When Intentions Go Public,' raises an intriguing question: Do scientists produce more research papers if they disclose their goals to colleagues or keep them to themselves? Gollwitzer’s studies revealed that sharing one's identity-related intentions can create a false sense of accomplishment.

In essence, when individuals set a goal closely tied to their identity and share it, they are less likely to attain it. For instance, if your goal is to drink more water and you announce it to your friends, this declaration might not significantly impact your actual water intake. Conversely, if you aim to lose 40 pounds, publicizing this goal may backfire. Praise from friends can foster a sense of fulfillment that reduces your motivation to actually lose the weight.

This finding challenges the traditional advice from educators and coaches that advocates sharing goals to promote accountability. However, many successful entrepreneurs, like Derek Sivers, have embraced this theory. In a TED Talk nearly a decade ago, Sivers urged the audience to consider how they feel after sharing their goals with others:

"Imagine their congratulations and the elevated perception they have of you. Doesn’t it feel fulfilling to express it? Don't you already feel closer to your goal? Well, here’s the downside: you should have kept it to yourself. That pleasant sensation diminishes your chances of achieving it."

Sivers emphasizes that this premature satisfaction can stall our progress. When we share our goals, we often feel a sense of accomplishment that typically accompanies achievement, which can lead us to neglect actually pursuing our ambitions.

Alternative Approaches to Goal Achievement

In a recent discussion, I shared three practical business strategies for realizing your 'big hairy goals.' Now, let’s delve into two counterintuitive yet effective methods: 'fear-setting' and creating a competitive environment.

Section 1.1: Embracing 'Fear-Setting'

Tim Ferriss, an entrepreneur, angel investor, and author, delivered an insightful TED Talk on the significance of 'fear-setting' for achieving aspirations. Ferriss encourages individuals to confront the fears that obstruct their progress. For example, if your goal is to start a business, Ferriss suggests listing all your fears related to entrepreneurship, such as 'losing all my savings' or 'being judged if I fail.'

After identifying these fears, Ferriss advises outlining steps to minimize or prevent these fears from coming true. For instance, to address the fear of 'losing all my savings,' you might decide to limit your initial investment to $2,500. Lastly, devise a plan to manage your fears if they do occur, such as securing a part-time job to recoup the initial investment.

By prioritizing 'fear-setting' over publicly announcing your goals, you can dismantle the obstacles that prevent you from achieving your ambitions.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Competition

In addition to 'fear-setting,' immersing yourself in a competitive atmosphere can be tremendously beneficial. A little competition can be a powerful motivator in business. For example, at JotForm, we leverage competition to our advantage by organizing events like hack weeks to drive progress toward our product release goals.

A study published in Preventive Medicine Reports analyzed the impact of competition on goal achievement. Involving 800 undergraduate and graduate students in an 11-week exercise program, the researchers found that students in competitive teams were 90% more likely to attend their scheduled exercise sessions compared to others.

This remarkable statistic highlights the importance of competition and its ability to boost commitment among individuals striving to achieve their goals. Surrounding yourself with competition doesn’t mean you need to disclose your goals to others; instead, immersing yourself in a competitive environment can elevate your efforts and consistency, both vital for success.

Understanding the dynamics of goal achievement is always an engaging topic. While some entrepreneurs argue against the necessity of goals, my experience over 12 years in entrepreneurship has emphasized the value of carving your unique path. What works for some may not suit you, and effective strategies may evolve over time.

Thank you for reading. I invite you to share your thoughts and insights.

In the first video, titled "Why You Shouldn't Tell People About Your Goals," the speaker explores how sharing aspirations can lead to a false sense of accomplishment and hinder progress.

The second video, "NEVER Tell People Your Goals - Or You Won't Achieve Them," delves into similar themes, discussing the psychology behind goal-setting and the impact of public declarations.