One comment I'd like to add is that we often define goals in terms of a monetary and competitive goal – like having an expensive (better) car or holiday – instead of questioning what it is we're really striving for. You'll never feel fulfilled with a goal that is based on an extrinsic motivation. Wanting a Mercedes because you need to prove to others that you're a success is a different motivation than wanting a Mercedes because you love how they're a smooth drive at 150 kph and they're a beautiful car. You can get a lovely 2nd hand Mercedes for an affordable price and you can enjoy it – if you're not motivated by trying to prove how successful you are.

I also appreciate the idea of continually focussing on strengths and achievements. We do live in a culture that focusses on our shortcomings – albeit under the guise of “continuous improvement”. We do seem to have a default setting for “unworthy” and then spend time trying to fix that. People who know they're worthy also strive for improvement – but they're a lot happier with themselves as they work through the process.

You are truly someone with the amount of confidence and self-knowledge to set a big goal with something new. For you, the ideal may be more of an Actual2, but for another, it may just be a unattainable. Or what might seem attainable for you now, might be impossible in a year.

I believe in the power of the unconscious mind. By showing ourselves images of the end state, it sets off a chain reaction starting in our minds. But life is unpredictable.

Example. I really want to be a body builder. But I am an ectomorph. Which means I have a fast metabolism, long limbs and a dominance of the type of muscle that doesn't get big. For most of my life, being big was an ideal, unattainable. Wanting it was simply painful.

Then after working with some very skilled trainers and seeing big changes in my body, I've realized that even though I'll have to work two times harder than most people, I can attain this. I know it is possible. And this knowledge gives me great motivation.

Not knowing HOW, is very different than not knowing IF it's even possible.

What people need is direction and a reason to move. This is where ideals help. The problem can be that people mistake a vision or perfection with something achievable, and withhold feeling good until that vision is achieved. That is “The Gap”. And of course what is impossible for someone today may be totally feasible in a year.

My caseload is 100% felons and setting and achieving goals is critical for them. Without the self set and counselor encouraged goals, these candidates are at risk of returning to old behaviors.

Typically, I use the SMART method of goal setting and candidates are experiencing successes on a daily basis. And the success is what motivates each of us to “carry on”.

If you instead define happiness as the PROCESS of continually moving towards improving everything you do, then by definition you are ALWAYS happy merely by the active process of improvement.

That said, if you're searching for a job, improving your skills to get one but don't have one, and you don't have sufficient money to pay for the fundamental necessities…hard to be happy then.

I believe, though, that the definition of happiness and peace of mind is purposeful continually improving.