Goals and the pursuit of happiness

By Sally Barrett-Page, M.A., M.S.W.

“I have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain

It is common for achievers to say they want more money, a great job and a perfect partner. Underlying all of these wants is really a desire to be happy. You have to train your brain for happiness. Check out these pointers:

Take responsibility for your happiness. It's a personal journey, and one that you should be driving. Determine what makes you happy, create a plan for your life and start living your dream. Pursue the things you are passionate about. Your past achievements hold the clues to your passions.

Focus on the positive. Happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, it comes from appreciating what we already have. Be grateful.

Accept yourself as you are. You are a special and unique human being with a special place and purpose in the world.

Focus on the present. You have only now to live it and enjoy it. Let go of the past by forgiving yourself and everyone else for mistakes made.

Nurture your relationships and participate in your community. People who take the time to do these things are happier.

Use social networking with purpose. Use the tools and engage the community on http://www.mylifelist.org/ to create a life list, act on your goals and celebrate your accomplishments. It will help you stay focused on your goals and make more progress.

Hire a personal life coach. Many achievers in varied fields credit the influence of a special teacher, mentor or coach for much of their success.

Sally Barrett-Page grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in Boulder, Colo., for 27 years. Her first exciting career was as a filmmaker, her second as a life coach.