3454: The 3% Rule: The Forgotten Harvard Study That Predicts Your Success
July 21, 2025
3454: The 3% Rule: The Forgotten Harvard Study That Predicts Your Success
July 21, 2025
MM: The 3% Rule: The Forgotten Harvard Study That Predicts Your Success
Can writing out your goals make you more successful?
A study from Harvard suggests that this simple practice could dramatically improve your results in any area of life.
On today’s Cabral Concept 3454, I dive deeper into this fascinating research, share the results with you, and help you create an action plan to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Join me as I explain how a habit practiced by just 3% of people can lead to exponential success across all areas of life.
Enjoy the show—and let me know your thoughts!
Show Highlights & Big Takeaways
1. Research & Written Goals A study done at Harvard showed that only 3% of the 1979 Harvard graduating class had written goals with action plans. 20 years later those that wrote out their goals were making 10x more than their peers.
2. Goals Without Plans Drift into Nothing Most people have vague goals but no written direction. Without a plan, distractions and life challenges will derail you from your path.
3. Writing Goals Activates the Brain & Body The act of writing stimulates the prefrontal cortex, strengthens neural pathways, and even activates the Reticular Activating System (RAS)—making your brain more aware of opportunities aligned with your goals.
