Can setting goals really lead to happiness?

Mel Robbins is a brilliant influential woman in the personal development and motivation space. She talks about how setting goals can have a profound impact on our lives and I always think that most of the stuff she talks about is super relevant for small business owners.

So, although “looking for happiness” might seem quite abstract, what Mel Robbins says is that having goals can really contribute to our overall well being and how we feel. Embracing this perspective, can not only help us succeed more in our business, but it can also bring more joy and fulfilment to our entrepreneurial journey.

So how and why can setting goals make us feel happier? Well, firstly, it can give us more direction and purpose. It's like a compass guiding you through all the muddiness of entrepreneurship. When you have well defined visions and specific goals, you get that sense of clarity, which lets you make informed decisions and know what to work on more effectively. So knowing what you want to achieve and having a roadmap to get there instils that sense of purpose that can really help you feel more happiness

Secondly, goals serve as really powerful motivators. They propel you forward during really challenging times. We all know that we encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way, But having really defined goals allows you to focus on that progress that you're making, rather than dwelling on the temporary setbacks. And celebrating the small victories and milestones on the path towards that goal can really boost your motivation give you and give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

Next, setting goals gives us an opportunity to grow and learn. As a small business owner your Professional Development is intrinsically linked to the success of your business. So setting ambitious goals pushes you beyond your comfort zone, encouraging you to get new skills broaden your knowledge. All this not only enhances how well your business does, but also contributes to your own happiness by giving you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

We all know that adaptability and resilience are something we need to have loads of!. Believe it or not setting goals really helps you cultivate those qualities when you're faced with something unexpected. Having those goals in place provides a framework for your adaptability. So by regularly reassessing and adjusting your goals, you can pivot your strategy and overcome obstacles more effectively. This is where I think some people get worried or reticent about setting goals. They might worry when they either don't seem relevant anymore, or they don't seem to be getting towards achieving them as fast as they would like. BUT - They aren't there to be set in stone! They are there as a guiding light and can be changed or tweaked, or completely reinvented whenever you like - it's your business!

Finally, the most significant challenge for you as a small business owner can frequently be achieving that healthy work life balance (or managing the imbalance as i’ve often heard Charlotte Speak say. By establishing those specific goals and some sort of timeline - you can more easily prioritise, delegate and create more structure to your work. That means you're less likely to burn out and can spend more time working on the parts of your business that bring you joy, and spend time with your loved ones and pursuing other interests outside of work.

The point I want to finish with is one that I often talk to clients about and that is having goals does not restrict you. It gives you freedom, and seeing that key difference can have completely revolutionary impacts on how you win in your business and, actually, your life