What Goals will Make You Happiest?

This sounds like an easy question.  Surely, you know what makes you happy, right?

Let’s assume you do.  How do you go about setting goals to achieve it?

Rudd et al (2014), in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, explored this question over the course of six separate experiments and came out with an interesting finding.

When we set broad, all encompassing goals, we become less happy.  People tend to achieve greater levels of happiness when they set specific and achievable goals.

Why?

There are two main culprits.  First, we can develop unrealistic expectations of how happy we can be by a particular goal. Second, what we achieve may lead to more unhappiness in the long-term. Or said another way, (include a quote below that takes the place of a picture and says, “Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.”)

To make this concept breathe a little, let’s assume you have a goal to make more money.

A concrete goal would involve setting a specific, realistic attainable amount of money you can earn this year.

An abstract goal would involve setting a goal to become rich this year.

The concrete goal is far more likely to lead to happiness, as it is specific, well-defined and attainable.

The abstract goal is likely to lead to unhappiness, as it is vague and likely unrealistic, especially given the relatively short time frame of a year.

Take Home Message:

When setting goals, always strive to set concrete goals, as opposed to abstract ones.  Below is a handy acronym you can use.

S – Specific

M – Measurable

A – Achievable

R – Realistic

T – Timely

Are you looking to set any goals in the coming year? What kind of strategies do you use to help achieve your goals? Please let me know in the comments section below.