Four Personal Development Goals for a Happier You

Think of the one thing you want most right now. Maybe you want a raise at work, maybe you are saving up for a new car, or maybe you are dreaming of a trip to the Bahamas. We tend to have these kinds of goals that we are certain will make us happy once we achieve them. However, goals that focus on some final result don’t actually make us happier in the long run. 

But don’t worry; goal setting does not always end in disappointment. When we focus on goals that improve our internal well-being, we increase our baseline happiness level. Try a new approach to your goal setting by making plans to improve in four simple ways. 

To savor an experience is to focus on enjoying the positive aspects and soak in the emotions you feel. By mindfully noticing all of your senses and choosing to pay attention to what feels good, you can make the experience more positive and cultivate good feelings. Next time you are outside, pay attention to the pleasant Lakewood weather and enjoy the fresh breeze, beautiful blue sky, and warm sun on your skin. By choosing to savor, you are choosing to be happier.

Let’s face it: We are often our own worst enemy. While it is common to set high expectations for ourselves and beat ourselves up when we aren’t meeting those expectations, this self-criticism can be detrimental to our happiness. However, if you are compassionate with yourself, you recognize that you are human and offer yourself kindness, like you would to a friend. Self-compassion is shown to do wonders for well-being and happiness.

Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health; it also helps improve your mood. Studies show that even 15 minutes of exercise a day can significantly lower depression levels. Park Del Amo is close to many parks and trails, so consider going for a walk or run. Even little ways you can move around, such as taking the stairs or cleaning the house, make a difference. So, whether it is running, walking, or vacuuming your apartment, spend some time each day moving!

Another skill that enables you to focus on the positive and feel happier is to be grateful. Especially when you are feeling down and discouraged, gratitude can transform your perspective on a difficult situation. There are a variety of ways to incorporate gratitude into your life, and here are just a few ideas to get you started.

At Park Del Amo, we want our residents to be their happiest and best selves. Goal setting is a great step to make improvements in your life, but be sure to focus your goals on how you will live moment to moment—not the end result. These are a few personal development goals to get you started on your way to being a happier you!