Setting Goals for a Happy Life

Going through life, jumping from project to project with no real plan or aim is not very fulfilling. It can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. As a strong, modern woman, this is no way to live!

You deserve happiness – but happiness and satisfaction don’t just fall in your lap. You have to work for it. And the first steps is to set goals. There is a lot of research on the effect that goal setting h
as on happiness and health. It is important to note that it is not just about choosing any arbitrary goal and then expecting to be happier.

Good goals have a specific structure. The first step is to know your intention. In other words, what do you want to achieve? What outcome do you want to get to? What you wish for needs to be difficult enough so that it motivates you to work towards it, but also realistic.

If you are not sure what your goals could be, spend some time day dreaming and brainstorming about your ‘ideal life’. What does it look like? What are you doing? Where are you doing those things? This will help you decide what it is you want, and then you can set objectives in order to work towards them.

Limit your big goals – too many will be overwhelming. Start with a big one, and a couple smaller ones. For example, a big goal could be to do a multi-country backpacking trip in two years. Smaller “tasks” could be to pay off your car, and start learning a new language.

Once you know what your priorities are, you can now break down the bigger goal into small, actionable steps. What can you do every day to get you closer to these?

Finally – start taking those steps! Even if they are small – learning one new word today, resisting the urge to purchase a new bag and putting that money towards your car tomorrow.

Simply the act of setting and pursuing your wishes will give you focus, ambition, and ultimately make you a happier person.