It has been found that setting and pursuing our goals can lead to increased happiness. However, not all goals are created equal. That is not to say that some goals are better than others but rather that some goals are a better fit for some people. Have you ever identified a goal and ended up giving up on it or just losing interest?
Ken Sheldon, a positive psychologist who studies goals, motivation and psychological well being, has researched what makes some goals better than others in the attainment of happiness.
What has been found is that when goals are aligned with our needs, values and identity, our sense of satisfaction increases with its pursuit. These types of goals are called self-concordant goals.
Self-concordant goals ignite our inner motivation to pursue something we feel is an extension of who we are. Someone with values related to justice and social order may be motivated to pursue a career in law enforcement whereas someone who values the expression of beauty may feel drawn to the arts. The desire to do something for the sake of inner satisfaction as opposed to external factors such as money, praise or material gain is referred to as intrinsic motivation.
When our motivation comes from within, we are more likely to accomplish our goals and feel a sense of self-expression and pleasure from its pursuit. How then can we identify and work towards our goals in a way that can increase our happiness? Here is a little exercise to help you do just that.
First of all, identify your values and personal strengths. Write down what it is that is really important to you and what your personal strengths are. Next, what need or desire do you have in those areas? Write a goal mission statement such as “How can I…” By answering this question, you have identified your self-concordant goal. The next step involves breaking down your goal into daily or weekly actions you can take to get closer to reaching your goal. When you achieve your goal, repeat this exercise and continue to benefit from higher levels of happiness and purpose in your life.