How to Be Happy When Your Goals Keep Changing
Success is great, but not at the cost of your happiness.
It’s no secret many of us are addicted to chasing success. We spend our lives working toward goals we believe will make us happy.
We save up to buy a house, a car or nice clothes. We aim for a promotion at work. We search for the perfect soulmate. We seek out experiences that provide excitement in our lives.
At the root of everything we’re chasing a desire for happiness. But once we achieve our goals, a predictable pattern occurs.
- Our satisfaction is surprisingly fleeting.
- What we once wanted is no longer enough to make us feel happy.
- We feel compelled to level up our game.
- We set our sights on bigger, more audacious goals.
Chasing and achieving goals is important. Yet when you’re overly competitive, happiness links to success in a way that may prevent life satisfaction.
When will you achieve enough to be happy?
Many people think happiness and success are proportional to each other. This is not the case. Research shows happy people have a much better chance of attracting success into their lives.
Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success!
Here are eight ways to maintain a happy outlook while you chase success throughout your life.
Be grateful
When you are competitive it pays to “take a time out” every so often to reflect on things. Think back to where you started to appreciate how much you have accomplished along the way.
Be present
Try to be conscious of living in the present and appreciating all the wonderful things in your life. Purposefully quiet your racing mind. Stop and smell the roses to feel happy.
Be silly
Successful people in all walks of life maintain a youthful sense of play in their work as adults. So remember to be silly and have fun!
Be realistic (goals are dreams with deadlines)
The more realistic and attainable your goals are, the more likely you are to feel good about yourself.
Don’t compare yourself to others
We are all moving through life at our own speed. Be inspired by others and emulate them. Don’t feel your achievements are less worthy by comparing negatively.
Be sociable
Optimism like pessimism can be infectious. Surround yourself with as many positive, uplifting people as you can muster.
Be patient
Embrace healthy and respectful relationships. Be kind to your family and friends. You will feel good about your efforts.
Be rested
Get a good night’s sleep. A balance of sleep, healthy food and regular exercise is essential for a happy life.
This list is by no means exhaustive. I would love to hear your thoughts on what it takes to achieve happiness in life.
