With the New Year there is a lot of talk about goals. I hear many people saying they don’t want to set goals for various reasons. I urge you to reconsider. Let me explain why goals are important to our mental health and well being.

A goal has been defined as “Any desired outcome that wouldn’t otherwise happen without some kind of intervention". This simply means that a goal is something you desire that wouldn’t be achieved without you actually taking the steps to make it happen.

We would all love to wave a magic wand and get what we wish for, that’s called a dream or aspiration. Those are important too, but a goal is something we are willing to work towards.

Why are goals important?

1. Goals give our life purpose and meaning.

Having a purpose in life is critical. Purpose gives us a reason to get out of bed everyday, a reason to exist. Studies show that people with a purpose are happier, healthier and live longer.

We tend to overthink this and feel we need to come up with some cosmic reason for our existence. But a purpose is simply what drives you, what motivates you.

It can, and should be about the simple pleasures and joys in life, such as nurturing a garden, traveling, supporting your family, caring for a pet, helping your neighbors, or volunteering.

Our goals should align with our purpose. A couple examples might be:

• Stay healthy in order to continue doing enjoyable activities

• Make enough money to be able to travel.

2. Goals make us happy

What’s interesting is that research shows it is NOT the completion of a goal that makes us happy. We mistakenly believe that if we accomplish a goal it will make us happier, our lives will be better, and all our problems will be over. This is called “arrival fallacy”.

We’ve all heard it, “I’ll be happy when I make a million dollars, lose 20 lbs, become famous”. Athletes and celebrities show us great examples of this. They achieve all they seemingly want in life but still seem miserable, unhappy or lost.

Happiness actually comes from the process of working towards the goal.

Striving for a goal gives us a sense of direction. Goals provide a roadmap towards the life we want and envision. There is deep gratification in seeing the progress we make, in seeing our efforts pay off, and knowing we are on the right path.

3. Goals keep us engaged

There is no point in life where we “arrive” and that’s the end. Life is meant to be a continuous journey.. When you achieve one goal, move on to the next one. Continue to challenge yourself, learn new things, expand your horizons. If your goal is to retire at a certain age, what are your goals for after retirement? If your goal is to get married, what kind of life do you want to build with your partner?

You’re never too old and it’s not too late

In summary, goals give life a sense of meaning, infusing each day with purpose and passion. As we embark on this journey of goal-setting, let's embrace the transformative power they hold and witness the magic of progress unfold in every step we take.

Remember, your goals are not just destinations; they are the milestones of a life well-lived.

If you need help setting goals and finding purpose contact Carrie Raap at R+ Therapy in Tucson, AZ. Carrie is an online therapist with more than 20 years experience. She is an expert in behavior change. Her therapeutic specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addressing relationships, stress management, coping, making positive changes and anxiety. She has numerous credentials, including a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and a license in clinical social work (LCSW). She has several virtual options to improve your mental health including online courses, individual therapy, free resources, and a new mental wellness membership.