What’s the Destination? – #3
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” — Andrew Carnegie
It's safe to say that most of us are setting goals, but have you ever taken a step back to ask yourself why you're setting those goals and how they are getting you closer to happiness?
Going Too Far
History gives us numerous examples of great empires or successful individuals not having a specific end goal in mind, leading to failure or unhappiness.
For example, the Roman Empire's goal was to control and conquer the known world. My interpretation of this goal was simply absolute power—power over people and cultures to which the Romans had no understanding. Eventually, this relentless expansion resulted in the overextension of resources and military forces, economic strain, political instability, and constant skirmishes. This unsustainable growth led to the empire's downfall.
In modern times, we often hear people say, “Once I get to X dollars, or when I have X dollars in the bank, I will be happy.” That day comes, and they increase their goal to a new number, continuing to press on. This cycle is similar to running on a treadmill—lots of effort, but just chasing a number, never being satisfied or reaching the destination of happiness.
It's important to remember that money can be a tool for happiness. Studies show that success and money, if used properly, can reward us with joy and happiness. While I enjoy some of the finer things in life—nice cars, watches, good meals—they are not what define success or happiness in my life. They are simply rewards for my hard work and efforts along the way.
Your Why
“A sense that we’re making progress toward our goals makes us happy. But to truly get the feeling of progress, we need to base it on concrete facts. When we set goals, we must be specific, so we know when they’re accomplished—usually, a number was reached or an event took place.” — Dan Sullivan
Dan eloquently states the need for measurable goals, but he fails to mention the why behind a goal.
Having a goal to get a promotion is a concrete, measurable goal which, come the end of the year, you will have accomplished or not. The real question and much harder consideration is, “Why do I want the promotion?” I know I am being a bit simple here with this example, but bear with me.
When setting goals, we should work backwards from our ultimate goal, not the short-term, which I will define as a goal 5 years or less.
With that in mind, ask yourself a deeper set of questions about what your ultimate success looks like and what will bring you happiness. Dean Jackson, a marketer and author, outlined his criteria in a list titled “I Know I’m Being Successful When…”:
I can wake up every day and ask, “What would I like to do today?”
My passive revenue exceeds my lifestyle needs.
I can live anywhere in the world I choose.
I’m working on projects that excite me and allow me to do my best work.
I can disappear for several months with no effect on my income.
There are no whiny people in my life.
I wear my watch for curiosity only.
I have no time obligations or deadlines.
I wear whatever I want all the time.
I can quit anytime.
So What?
Yes, most of us make goals, but that is not the point of today’s newsletter. Make goals that relentlessly drive you to your definition of success and happiness.
Back to my earlier example regarding the promotion, you shouldn’t be seeking a promotion simply because it is the next step. Rather, for me personally, it would be reframed as furthering my career to provide a specific future or outcome with my family in mind. Having a purpose will make the goal more satisfying once you attain it, and will likely help you avoid burnout.
I challenge you to take the time to make your list similar to Dean’s. You may have similar views and definitions, but the list should reveal what drives your view of success and happiness. If something you are doing today does not align with the list you create, maybe it is time for a course correction.
Additionally, whenever a new opportunity arises, go back to your list and be honest with yourself about whether the opportunity gets you closer to your ultimate goal.
Additional Resources and Thoughts:
Book: "The Gap and the Gain" by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Podcast: "Morgan Housel: Get Rich, Stay Rich" - The Knowledge Project Ep. #195 Listen Here
Stoicism of the day: “Show me that the good life doesn’t consist in its length, but in its use, and that it is possible—no, entirely too common—for a person who has had a long life to have lived too little.” — Seneca
Wherever you are in your life, fully invest in being in that moment. Don’t look to the future and forget to live today. While we talked about goals in this newsletter, be sure to enjoy the ride.