- Don’t tell people your plans. They will sabotage you.
- Don’t tell people your weakness. They will use them against you.
- Don’t tell people your failures. They will always see you as a failure and never give you the opportunity.
- Don’t tell people your next big move. Move in silence, Take action , and shock them with your results.
- Don’t tell people your secrets. Only a fool reveals secrets.
- Don’t tell people your income or the source of your income. Always make them wonder.
6 Things You Should Never Tell People
Sometimes, we talk without thinking. We share our plans, our fears, or personal details, thinking it’ll help us connect or get support. But the truth is, some things are better left unsaid. Let’s dive into six things you should never tell people, why you should keep them to yourself, and what you can do instead. Trust me—this will make a big difference in how others see you and how you protect your energy.
1. Don’t Tell People Your Plans. They’ll Sabotage You
Ever notice how, when you tell people about your dreams or plans, some of them just can’t help but point out all the reasons it might not work? You get excited about an idea, share it, and suddenly, someone has a dozen doubts. These doubts can seep into your mind and discourage you, even if the person meant no harm.
Real-Life Example:
Think about when you tell a friend about a business idea you’re excited about, and they respond with, “That’s great, but isn’t the market already flooded?” It might feel like they’re being realistic, but all they’re doing is planting seeds of doubt.
Why It’s Harmful:
Sharing your plans too early opens you up to criticism, even when it’s not needed. It can derail your focus, and in some cases, people might even intentionally or unintentionally sabotage you by steering you away from your goals.
What You Can Do Instead:
Keep your plans close to the chest until you’ve made some solid progress. Instead of talking about what you want to do, focus on taking action. Once things are moving, the results will speak for themselves—and then, people won’t be able to argue with success.
2. Don’t Tell People Your Weaknesses. They Will Use Them Against You
We all have areas we’re not the strongest in, and it’s okay to admit that. But revealing too much about your weaknesses, especially in a competitive or unsupportive environment, can lead to people using them against you.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine you’re working on a project, and you casually mention that you’re not great at public speaking. Fast forward a few weeks, and suddenly, you’re being asked to present in front of a large crowd. If your weakness is known, it could be used to put you in uncomfortable situations.
Why It’s Harmful:
When you share too much about what you struggle with, people might take advantage of that information—whether it’s to push you beyond your limits or use it to question your abilities. You never know when someone will try to put you in a position that highlights your weakness instead of supporting your growth.
What You Can Do Instead:
Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, talk about your progress and what you’re doing to improve. For example, instead of saying, “I’m bad at this,” try, “I’m working on getting better at it and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.” People will appreciate the effort, and you’ll also shift the narrative away from limitations.
3. Don’t Tell People Your Failures. They’ll Always See You as a Failure and Never Give You the Opportunity
We all fail. It’s part of life. But constantly bringing up your failures can keep people stuck on them rather than seeing you for who you are now—someone who’s learned, grown, and moved forward.
Real-Life Example:
You might have failed at starting a business in the past. If you’re constantly bringing it up in conversations, potential clients or collaborators might start to view you as someone who “can’t get it right” rather than someone who’s learned from their mistakes.
Why It’s Harmful:
Talking about failures too often can create a narrative that you’re incapable, even though you’ve grown and developed since then. People may start judging you based on past mistakes, not your current potential.
What You Can Do Instead:
Focus on what you’ve learned from past experiences. Instead of saying, “I failed at this before,” say, “That didn’t work out, but I learned a lot from it and applied those lessons to my current projects.” This shows resilience and growth instead of staying stuck in the past.
4. Don’t Tell People Your Next Big Move. Move in Silence, Take Action, and Shock Them with Your Results
This is one of the hardest ones, especially when you’re super excited about a new project or idea. It’s tempting to tell everyone your plans. But here’s the thing: moving in silence means avoiding unnecessary pressure and keeping distractions at bay.
Real-Life Example:
You’ve been working on a big project or product launch, and you can’t wait to tell everyone about it. But once you do, people expect you to deliver, and suddenly, all eyes are on you. If things don’t go as planned, you end up explaining yourself or facing criticism.
Why It’s Harmful:
The more you talk about something before it’s even happened, the more pressure you put on yourself. You risk people judging you, giving unsolicited advice, or just expecting more from you than you’re ready to give.
What You Can Do Instead:
Keep your big moves to yourself until you’ve made significant progress. Instead of hyping up an idea, focus on executing it and let your results speak for themselves. When you shock people with your success, it’ll have way more impact.
5. Don’t Tell People Your Secrets. Only a Fool Reveals Secrets
Secrets are deeply personal, and while it can feel freeing to share them with someone you trust, not everyone will handle that information with care. Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back.
Real-Life Example:
You confide in a friend about a difficult time in your life, and then, months later, you find out they’ve told others about it. That sense of betrayal can feel worse than the original secret itself.
Why It’s Harmful:
Once you tell someone a secret, you lose control over how it’s shared or protected. Even if they promise not to tell anyone, it can still come up in conversation or be used against you in the future.
What You Can Do Instead:
Keep the most important things to yourself. You don’t need to share everything with everyone. Practice healthy boundaries. Instead of unloading your deepest secrets, find healthy outlets like journaling, therapy, or trusted confidants who will truly keep your confidence.
6. Don’t Tell People Your Income or the Source of Your Income. Always Make Them Wonder
Money talk is always tricky. Sharing how much you make or where your money comes from can cause jealousy or lead to awkward situations. It’s better to keep this information private.
Real-Life Example:
You tell someone how much money you’re making, and next thing you know, they’re treating you differently. Or worse, they start to make comparisons and judge your success. It can put you in a weird position, especially if you’re in a different financial bracket than the person you’re talking to.
Why It’s Harmful:
Talking about money can create unnecessary tension. People might feel envious or start measuring their worth against yours. It can also invite unwanted opinions about how you should spend or save.
What You Can Do Instead:
Keep your financial details to yourself. If someone asks, just say, “I’m doing well, thanks for asking!” If you need to talk about money, make it about the lessons you’ve learned, not the amount you have.
Wrapping It Up: Choose Your Words Wisely
At the end of the day, it’s not about keeping everything a secret or being mysterious—it’s about protecting your peace, your energy, and your future. The way you communicate with others matters, and it’s important to be mindful of what you share. By choosing your words carefully, you create space for growth, success, and healthy relationships.
So, take a step back and think before you speak. Are you sharing things that are making you vulnerable or creating unnecessary tension? If so, consider holding back a bit more. By doing so, you’ll feel more empowered and in control of your life.
