10 Keys to Happier Living - Direction

Goals are ''The stepping stones from where we are today to our hopes for the future.''

Psychologist Rick Snyder describes hope as ''a positive motivational state'' made up of three elements:
* our goals ... What we want to achieve
* our psychological energy ... the driving force behind hope
* our pathways ... how we go about fulfilling our goals

Hope and optimism are two different things. Optimism is about a positivity, an expectancy that things will turn out well. Hope goes beyond this, as hope encompasses our thoughts and beliefs regarding how we will achieve our goals.

So, ask yourself ...
1. What goals am I working towards at this momentum?
2. What goals are important to me and why? 
3. What goals am I feeling most excited about?
4. What are some of the obstacles that might stand in my way?

''Goals connect our present

to our future."

Goals give us direction and purpose. They give us a sense of control over our lives. Goals help us to structure our time both in the short and the long term. Goals boost our confidence and give us something to look forward to and aim for.

Goals, or tasks, that are external, those thrust on us by others, ie. family, uni, work, may not all feel good to us. However, those we freely choose, those we find interesting have a more positive impact on our well-being.

Your strengths, interests, abilities and values will all influence your goals setting.  You may find that writing your goals down will help to reinforce them in your mind.
* Be specific, yet flexible.
* Understand the why behind your desires to pursue certain goals.
* Identify but don't be overwhelmed by obstacles.
* Know that big isn't always better, there is power in taking baby steps.
* Hang out with the right people - those who will important source of encouragement and moral support.

Quotes taken from '10 Keys to Happier Living' by Vanessa King