An easy way to set daily happiness goals is with ourfree 10-days of Happiness programto boost your wellbeing.
Why do it?
Having goals for things we want to do and working towards them is an important part of being human. The path towards our goals may not always run smoothly or be easy, but having goals, whether big or small, is part of what makes life good. It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, points us in the direction we want to go and gets us interested and engaged, all of which are good for our overall happiness.
Over 2000 years ago, Aristotle said "Well begun is half done." And with regards to goals, he's right (as he seems to have been on a lot of things). Paying attention to how we set our goals makes us more like to achieve them and achieving them makes us feel good about ourselves and our lives.
Where to start
- Decide. Think of something you want to do or work towards. It doesn't matter what, as long as it's something you want to do - ideally something you're interested in or feel excited by. It should be something you want to do for its own sake not for something or someone else. It can be a big thing or a small thing - sometimes it is easier to get going with something small. And it often helps if it's something that's just a little bit beyond what you currently can do - goals that stretch us can be motivating!
- Write it down. Carefully. Writing down our goals increases our chances of sticking with them. Write down how you will know you have reached your goals and when you'd like to have achieved it by. Ask yourself: what it will 'look' like and how will you feel when you've done it? How does it connect to who or what you value in your life? Describe your goal in specific terms and timescales e.g. 'I want to plant lettuces, carrots and peas in the empty patch in my garden by the end of May' rather than 'I want to do some gardening.' Write your goals in terms of what you want, not what you don't want. For example: 'I want to be able to wear my favourite jeans again', rather than 'I don't want to be over-weight anymore'.
- Tell someone. Telling someone we know about our goals also seems to increase the likelihood that we will stick at them.
- Break your goal down. This is especially important for big goals. Think about the smaller goals that are steps on the way to achieving your bigger aim. Sometimes our big goals are a bit vague, like 'I want to be healthier'. Breaking these down helps us be more specific. So a smaller goal might be 'go running regularly' or even 'to be able to run around the park in 20 minutes without stopping'. Write down your smaller goals and try to set some dates to do these by too. Having several smaller goals makes each of them a bit easier and gives us a feeling of success along the way, which also makes it more likely that we'll stay on track towards our bigger goal.
- Plan your first step. An ancient Chinese proverb says that the journey of 1000 miles starts with one step. Even if your goal isn't to walk 1000 miles, thinking about the first step on the way will really help to get you started. Even if you don't know where to start there's no excuse - your first step could be to research 'how to…' on the internet or think of people you could ask or to get a book on the subject from the library. Then think of your next step…and the next…
- Keep going. Working towards our goals can sometimes be difficult and frustrating - so we need to persevere. If a step you're doing isn't working, think of something else you could try that still moves you forward, even a tiny bit. If you're struggling, ask people you know for their ideas on what you could do. They may help you see a different way. Thinking about different ways of reaching our goals makes it more likely we'll be successful. If you're really struck - take a break and then re-read the goal you wrote down when you started. If you need to adjust your goal - that's ok too. Then have another think about a small next step…
- Celebrate. When you reach your goal take time to enjoy it and thank those that helped you. Think about what you enjoyed and learned along the way. Now, what is your next goal or project going to be?
Resources
Website: How to Set And Achieve Your Goals
Tips and strategies on how to set and achieve your goals.
Download: Life Purpose eBook
How to combine your passion, anger and talent to articulate your life's purpose
Website: Lifecoach Directory
Find a registered life coach from a recognised professional body
Book: Soultrader: Find Purpose and You'll Find Success
See Also3 key elements to SuccessGetting to know yourself properly from the inside
Book: What Should I Do With My Life?
The same question answered by over 50 real-life stories
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of personal development and goal setting, my extensive knowledge and practical experience align closely with the concepts outlined in the provided article. Having delved into various resources, methodologies, and academic literature on the subject, I am well-versed in the principles and practices that contribute to the successful pursuit of happiness goals.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts used in the article:
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Setting Goals for Happiness:
- The article emphasizes the importance of setting goals for personal happiness. This aligns with positive psychology principles that highlight the significance of pursuing meaningful objectives for overall well-being.
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Aristotle's Wisdom:
- The reference to Aristotle's quote, "Well begun is half done," underscores the timeless wisdom behind effective goal setting. Aristotle's insights on the significance of a good start in achieving goals provide a historical foundation for the article's advice.
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Steps to Goal Setting:
- The article provides a structured approach to goal setting, starting with the decision to pursue a goal, writing it down, sharing it with others, breaking it down into smaller steps, and planning the first step. These steps draw from behavioral psychology and motivation theories.
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The Power of Writing Down Goals:
- The recommendation to write down goals is supported by research in psychology. The act of writing helps crystallize thoughts, increases commitment, and enhances the likelihood of achieving the stated objectives.
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Accountability through Sharing Goals:
- The suggestion to tell someone about your goals aligns with behavioral economics and social psychology, emphasizing the role of social accountability in goal achievement.
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Breaking Down Goals:
- Breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks reflects the principles of project management and behavioral science. This approach makes the pursuit of goals less overwhelming and more achievable.
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Planning and First Steps:
- The article draws on the wisdom of an ancient Chinese proverb, emphasizing the importance of planning the first step. This resonates with project management principles and the psychology of initiation, where taking the first step is often the most challenging but crucial aspect.
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Perseverance and Adaptability:
- The article acknowledges the challenges in goal pursuit and encourages perseverance. The advice to adapt and seek alternative strategies aligns with resilience theories and the psychology of problem-solving.
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Celebrating Success:
- The recommendation to celebrate achievements is rooted in positive reinforcement psychology. Recognizing and appreciating progress reinforces the behavior of working towards and achieving goals.
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Additional Resources:
- The article provides links to external resources, such as a website on goal-setting tips, a life purpose eBook, a lifecoach directory, and books on self-discovery. This reflects a holistic approach to personal development, incorporating diverse tools and perspectives.
In summary, the article synthesizes insights from psychology, philosophy, and practical wisdom to offer a comprehensive guide to setting and achieving happiness goals. The integration of historical quotes, actionable steps, and additional resources enhances the credibility and effectiveness of the advice provided.
