The confusing thing about personal happiness is that there is no one size fits all. What makes someone happy and content with their life is different from person to person. So no matter what all the therapists or influencers say, only YOU know best what will make you happy. However, a general piece of advice that is relevant to everyone is this. Setting your own goals will help you achieve your own version of happiness. Only you are able to meaningfully work toward those goals. Here’s a look at some of the best goal setting tips that will help you get on the path to happiness.
Get SMART
SMART goals are goals which are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Bound. This is particularly true for challenging goals. Because this method helps you make sure you are committed and held accountable to your goals. Be specific about what you want to achieve with a particular goal. Make sure that you are able to measure your success or failures in what you do throughout the year. Keep in mind that attainability is critical, especially for challenging goals, because if you give up on a big goal because it’s unrealistic, then you are less likely to be motivated toward other challenging goals. Make sure that your goal is relevant to your life and your work. And give yourself and your goal a schedule and stick to it.
Make a Plan and Write It Down
Writing down your goals helps to solidify them in your mind and in your life. It gives them a certain tangible and real place in your life. If you have a spot in your home or workspace where you turn to for inspiration, then that is a great place to keep a hard copy of your goals. This helps keep your challenging aspirations at the front of your mind.
Goals are little more than daydreams if you don’t have a plan to achieve them. Goal setting is a dynamic and constantly changing activity. You need to be able to think through the steps you need to take to achieve your goal and constantly evaluate your progress. Set up regular reminders and check-ins for yourself to make sure you are on the right track.
Set Goals that Motivate and Inspire You
When it comes to evaluating your career path, it’s important to be honest about where you are and where you want to be. Setting smaller, achievable goals is a good tactic to get you through your workday or month. But you also need something big to aim for so that you are inspired in the long term. Set challenging goals that make you want to get out of bed in the morning, do your best work, and celebrate when you achieve your smaller goals. Focus on achievements that are important to you and that you will value in the long run, rather than just reasonable achievements that help you get your work done.
Don’t focus on goals that are unreasonable or which have no clear path to achievement. But don’t sell yourself short by setting a goal that you have no vested interest in the outcome either. Make it a priority and go to work every day with that goal at the top of your mind. Success and happiness doesn’t just fall in your lap. It is a process built on the stepping stones of thoughtful planning and actions taken to live your values and achieve your goals. Start thinking about your happiness this way and see what changes you can make to help yourself move forward in a meaningful way.
