Very Happy Phil

Hello,

Goals are good for happiness. When we pick the right ones! And goals increase our energy. I’ll give you an example; I write down a goal every night that will get me to jump out of bed! And when I tick it off the next day it gives me a little happy boost.

When selecting goals check against my tick list; meaningful, personal, positive, written down, viewed regularly, within control, committed, fits values, fits purpose, fits strengths and skills, confident, visualise it, publicise it, bite size it, motivated santa claus effect, happiness activity, do it for charity. The more of these you tick the better.

“Having written goals is like having a shopping list and going into a supermarket....when you go into a supermarket with a shopping list, you tend to remember, see and get what you want.” –Phil McNally, ‘Winning Mentality’

I like the happiness research that was done on goal setting. Participants were taught a set of four strategies for enhancing their experience and attainment of their personal goals; “own the goal”, “make it fun”, “keep a balance” and “remember the big picture”.

“Participants whose goals “fit” their interests and values benefited from the intervention. Those with self- concordant goals...evidenced the greatest goal attainment and the greatest increase in well being.
-S. Lyubomirsky Phd, K. Sheldon Phd, D. Schkade Phd, ‘Pursuing Happiness’ (research paper)

I like the 3P’s goal setting criteria that Jim Collins describes in ‘Good To Great’ which transformed top 1% of companies from good to great; Passion, Profitable, Possibility to be the best. And in his first book ‘Built to Last’ he identified 2 important areas which the leading companies in the world had clearly defined before picking their goals; Values> Purpose >BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals).

Similarly we must pick goals which fit our purpose and values. Preferably happy goals which fit the 3 P’s; Passion, profitable to happiness, possibility to be achieved.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me;

“People who strive for something personally significant are far happier than those who don’t have a strong dreams or aspirations. Working towards a meaningful life goal is one of the most important strategies for becoming lastingly happier.”
- Sonja Lyubomirsky Phd, ‘The how of happiness’ *

“Life goals matter substantially to subjective well-being (happiness). Non-zero sum goals, which include commitment to family, friends and social and political involvement, promote life satisfaction. Zero sum goals, including commitment to career success and material gains, appear detrimental to life satisfaction.”
-Bruce Headey, University of Melbourne

“Happiness is the goals of goals.” -Aristotle

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy. Happiness is the goal of life.” –H. Dalai Lama

“Since cave man days we have been goal setting. When a caveman was hungry he set out with the goal of finding something to eat. Your mind must know your goals in order to be able to help you. Be careful what you wish for. Order what you want, not what you don't want!” –Phil McNally, ‘Winning Mentality’

Rome wasn’t built in a day.
One step at a time.

Those who achieve goals are happier!

Have a HAPPY GOALS day!

Keep positive!

love & hug

Very Happy Phil
:)

Remember,
“Every goal that we choose in life is ultimately chosen because we believe it will increase our happiness but it we will only increase our happiness if our goal is a ‘happy’ goal, which fully fits our selves and our life.”
– Very Happy Phil

"Since reading winning mentality I find myself constantly referring to the examples within the book, my favourite is the Santa Clause scenario, but you'll have to read the book to understand the effect on your business. I regularly use examples from within the book to explain business issues in my daily role as a Business adviser. I would whole heartedly recommend that anyone thinking of starting their business use this book as part of their business start up investigation."
John McKenna
Business Adviser Business Gateway
Aberdeen

PS To buy my book or get a FREE chapter on goal setting from my book ‘Winning Mentality’ go here;
http://www.veryhappyphil.com/node/34

PSS *‘The how of happiness’ by Sonja Lyubomirsky Phd “Sonja has written a very helpful and inspiring book packed with useful advice. I enjoyed the stories and writing style and the proven strategies on how to successfully set happiness boosting goals and form new habits. The best part is the 12 happiness boosting habits. I have taken her advice and will keep taking it. It has boosted my happiness and it will boost my happiness for years to come!”
-Very Happy Phil McNally

Find the book and get a deal on 2 of the best books I have read on happiness here;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Happiness-Practical-Guide-Getting/dp/1847441...)

5 H.A.P.P.Y. Habits of Very Happy People; Happiness is top priority Altruistic kindness Positive attitude Positive health You love yourself and others and are loved by others and partner

© Very Happy Phil McNally
Creative Commons
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/