Setting and chasing goals can really affect how we feel mentally. Goals help us organize our lives and keep track of how we’re doing. When we have goals, we feel like we have a purpose and a direction to follow. This can make us feel happier and improve our mood.
Let’s think about someone who wants to run a marathon. By training for it, they not only get healthier but also feel proud of their progress. Each time they reach a new milestone, their self-esteem gets a boost.
When we achieve our goals, even small ones, it can create a lot of good feelings in us. This is because of something called "small wins." Every time we complete a goal, no matter how tiny, our brain releases a chemical called dopamine. This is the stuff that makes us feel pleasure and reward. For example, when we cross something off our to-do list, it feels satisfying. Over time, these little successes build up and help us believe in ourselves more.
But not all goal chasing is good. If we set goals that are too hard to reach, it can make us feel like we’ve failed, which can hurt our mental health. Imagine someone who wants to lose 30 pounds in just one month. If they don't reach that goal, they may feel upset and start thinking negatively about themselves, which can lower their motivation. That’s why it’s important to make sure our goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Also, we need to think about what motivates us. While rewards from the outside, like getting praise, can help, the reasons inside us—like wanting to grow or having fun—are usually more lasting. Take painting, for example. If someone paints just for the fun of it, they can feel good just by doing it, regardless of how the painting turns out.
In summary, going after our goals can be both good and bad. When we set our goals carefully, it can help our minds and build our strength. But we need to pay attention to the goals we choose, making sure they help us stay positive and happy.
Setting and chasing goals can really affect how we feel mentally. Goals help us organize our lives and keep track of how we’re doing. When we have goals, we feel like we have a purpose and a direction to follow. This can make us feel happier and improve our mood.
Let’s think about someone who wants to run a marathon. By training for it, they not only get healthier but also feel proud of their progress. Each time they reach a new milestone, their self-esteem gets a boost.
When we achieve our goals, even small ones, it can create a lot of good feelings in us. This is because of something called "small wins." Every time we complete a goal, no matter how tiny, our brain releases a chemical called dopamine. This is the stuff that makes us feel pleasure and reward. For example, when we cross something off our to-do list, it feels satisfying. Over time, these little successes build up and help us believe in ourselves more.
But not all goal chasing is good. If we set goals that are too hard to reach, it can make us feel like we’ve failed, which can hurt our mental health. Imagine someone who wants to lose 30 pounds in just one month. If they don't reach that goal, they may feel upset and start thinking negatively about themselves, which can lower their motivation. That’s why it’s important to make sure our goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Also, we need to think about what motivates us. While rewards from the outside, like getting praise, can help, the reasons inside us—like wanting to grow or having fun—are usually more lasting. Take painting, for example. If someone paints just for the fun of it, they can feel good just by doing it, regardless of how the painting turns out.
In summary, going after our goals can be both good and bad. When we set our goals carefully, it can help our minds and build our strength. But we need to pay attention to the goals we choose, making sure they help us stay positive and happy.