How Setting Goals Now Effects Your Future Happiness
Understanding the intricate relationship between goal setting and future happiness is paramount for fostering personal and professional growth.
This article delves into the psychological underpinnings and practical applications of setting goals and how they significantly influence future happiness, drawing upon research in positive psychology, organizational behaviour, and neurology.
The Science of Goal Setting and Happiness
Research in positive psychology has consistently highlighted the positive correlation between goal setting and an individual’s sense of well-being and happiness. Goals provide direction, purpose, and a sense of meaning, which are fundamental components of happiness (Seligman, 2002).
Moreover, the process of setting and pursuing goals activates neurological pathways associated with motivation and reward, leading to increased dopamine levels, which play a key role in how we experience pleasure and satisfaction (Schultz, 2000).
Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience Reviews says the following: Goal-setting restructures your brain to make it more effective.
First, emotional significance is evaluated pre-attentively by a subcortical circuit involving the amygdala; and second, stimuli deemed emotionally significant are given priority in the competition for access to selective attention.
The part of your brain that creates emotion (your amygdala) evaluates the degree to which the goal is important to you.
The part of your brain that does problem solving (your frontal lobe) defines the specifics of what the goal entails.
The amygdala and frontal lobe work together to keep you focused on, and moving toward, situations and behaviours that lead to the achievement of that goal, while simultaneously causing you to ignore and avoid situations and behaviours that don’t.
While that process sounds as straightforward as a computer program, what’s actually happening is much more complex.
Because your brain has something called neuroplasticity.
Goal-setting literally changes the structure of your brain so that it’s optimized to achieve that goal.
The science of goal setting and how it changes the makeup of our brain is a key area of exploration in our NLP Practitioner & Coach Certification programme.
The Importance of Setting Meaningful Goals
Not all goals are created equal in the pursuit of future happiness. The nature and orientation of the goals significantly influence their impact on our well-being.
Goals aligned with personal values and intrinsic motivations are more likely to foster satisfaction and happiness (Ryan & Deci, 2000).
These goals, termed “self-concordant,” are pursued out of a genuine interest or desire to fulfil one’s personal values, rather than external pressures or expectations.
Going Beyond SMART Goals
The SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) have been a staple in both personal and professional settings for setting clear and attainable goals.
However, to enhance future happiness, goals should also incorporate elements of flexibility and compassion towards oneself, acknowledging that paths to achievement can vary and setbacks are part of the growth process (Dweck, 2006).
This is one of the key reason the NLP concept of Well Formed Outcomes is so vital and quite frankly successful within the coaching process and for those setting personal “Well Formed Futures” (Nutley 2023).
The Role of Progress and Achievement
The journey towards goal achievement plays a crucial role in influencing happiness. Regular progress checks and celebrating small victories are critical, as they not only boost morale but also provide a sense of accomplishment and competence, which are crucial for happiness (Amabile & Kramer, 2011).
The anticipation of achieving a goal can be just as rewarding as the achievement itself, contributing to a sustained sense of happiness over time.
The Impact of Goal Adjustment
Adaptability in goal setting is crucial for long-term happiness. The ability to reassess and adjust goals in response to changing circumstances or insights about one’s desires and values ensures that goals remain aligned with what genuinely contributes to an individual’s happiness (Carver & Scheier, 1998).
Social Goals and Connectedness
Goals that enhance social connections and relationships can have a profound impact on happiness.
Humans are inherently social beings, and goals that foster meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging contribute significantly to our overall well-being (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).
Setting goals is not just about achieving specific outcomes; it’s about creating a life that is rich in purpose, meaning, and joy.
As a coach, guiding clients to set meaningful, flexible, and value-aligned goals can lead to profound effects on their future happiness.
This process involves not only the articulation of clear and achievable objectives but also fostering an environment where progress is celebrated, setbacks are viewed as growth opportunities, and personal values and social connections are at the forefront of goal-setting efforts.
Through this holistic approach, goal setting becomes a powerful tool in enhancing future happiness, contributing to both personal and professional fulfilment.
