Goals restrict your happiness


The assumption that happiness is contingent on achieving a goal can lead to delayed satisfaction and unnecessary pressure.

Examples:

  • Thinking, “I’ll be happy once I get that promotion,” postpones happiness until a milestone is achieved.
  • Focusing solely on goals creates an “either-or” conflict: either you succeed and feel happy or fail and feel disappointed.

Where does this idea come from?

  • Goal-oriented thinkingGoal-oriented thinkingGoals focus on the results you want to achieve, providing direction and motivation for your efforts. Examples: * Setting a goal to lose weight or save money provides a clear target to work towards. * Goals serve as benchmarks for success and milestones in progress. Where does this idea come from? * Prevailing wisdom * Having something to work towards What's similar to this idea? * Vision planning What's opposite of this idea? * Systems thinking Where does this idea lead to? * Winners
  • Self-fulfillment

What's similar to this idea?

  • Work hard now, enjoy later
  • Milestone-based satisfaction

What's opposite of this idea?

  • Fall in love with the process
  • Love the journey, not the destination

Where does this idea lead to?

  • Delaying happiness
  • “Either-or” conflict
  • Habits that are AtomicHabits that are AtomicAtomic habits are small, consistent routines that form the building blocks of larger systems, driving remarkable long-term results. Examples: * A 1 percent daily improvement builds on itself to create significant progress over time. * Just as atoms form the foundation of molecules, atomic habits form the foundation of extraordinary achievements. * Small routines, like writing a single sentence daily or doing a 5-minute workout, multiply into bigger wins over time. Where does this idea come f
  • Systems thinkingSystems thinkingSystems focus on the processes and routines that lead to desired results, emphasizing consistent actions over end goals. Examples: * Developing a daily workout routine to stay healthy rather than focusing solely on a weight-loss goal. * Building a habit of saving a percentage of income rather than aiming for a specific savings target. What's similar to this idea? * Project Planning * Breaking down tasks What's opposite of this idea? * Goal-oriented thinking * Result-focused strategies Wh

Status: #idea
Tags: goals, happiness, self-fulfillment, systems


References

Atomic Habits by James Clear > Chapter 1