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

Selden warns against announcing one’s intentions in advance. Publicly declaring a resolution turns a private act of will into a social obligation: you must not only carry out the difficult task itself, but also manage expectations, scrutiny, and the risk of embarrassment if you fail. The remark also implies that premature self-advertisement can substitute for action—talking about a plan may provide a false sense of accomplishment while increasing pressure. In this view, discretion protects resolve: commitments kept inward remain lighter, more flexible, and more likely to be completed for their own sake rather than for reputation.