Dear Magicians,

January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of gates and portals—a deity who could simultaneously gaze backward and forward. Appropriate, then, that we use this month to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Since we’re already one-twelfth through the year, it seems like a good moment to revisit those goals you set. Or didn’t set. Or set and immediately forgot while binge-watching something on Netflix.

No judgment.

I’ve found some additional research that might help. And I’ve included a short private video message just to you, my Magicians! (Please don’t share).

Write It Down

A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who commit to action and build in accountability see roughly a 25% boost in goal achievement compared to those who merely scribble intentions on paper (like writing “exercise more” and then using the notebook as a coaster).

Dr. Gail Matthews’ research showed an even larger effect when people shared their goals and submitted progress reports. So if you want results, tell someone what you’re working toward.

Better yet, tell someone you admire.

There’s something clarifying about announcing your intentions to a person whose opinion you actually care about. Suddenly “I’ll get around to it” becomes significantly less convincing—even to yourself.

Get Accountability

The real engine of goal achievement isn’t willpower.

It’s witnesses.

If someone is going to ask you about your progress regularly, it becomes much harder to rationalize procrastination. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that sharing a goal with just one other person increases your likelihood of success by 25%.

Why? Because public commitment creates social pressure. You can’t make excuses when you’ve told a friend you’re training for a marathon and posted your schedule online. The cost of failure suddenly includes embarrassment—a currency we all prefer not to spend.

This is one reason I wrote an entire book on accountability systems and focus techniques: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner. I figured if I put my methods in print, I’d have to actually use them. Mostly this has worked. Mostly.

Share Your Goals With Me

I can’t respond to every email—I’m one person with finite hours and an infinite capacity for distraction—but I do read every reply. 😀

One goal I had this year was to publish my fourth book — Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner… and publish it I did!

Done.

Now on to losing that stubborn last five pounds. Right after I lose the first twenty. 😂

You’ll also notice improvements coming from my upgraded home studio soon—thank you to my Patreon patrons and YouTube Members for making that possible.

And as I mentioned in my recent video, look for the first-ever audiobook by Galileo, produced by yours truly, featuring my voice alongside Carlo Rovelli, Lucio Piccirillo, Frank Wilczek, Fabiola Gianotti, and Jim Gates. More on Galileo Galilei below…

Good company for an amateur like me.

Until next time, have a M.A.G.I.C. Week,

Brian