Applying Goal-Setting Techniques to Life Can Bring Personal Happiness

LONDON, ENGLAND, March 09, 2011 (Press-News.org) Dr Gian Gonzaga, relationship scientist at eHarmony.co.uk, explains how a 'life list' can help you find a fulfilling relationship...

Most people have very busy lives, with little time left over for fulfilling life ambitions. However, you can make sure you use time effectively by recording your goals in a list as a reference point. These can be goals in any area of life, including social, practical and financial.

Make sure you don't ignore aims you have for your relationships when you make these lists. If you have a partner already, then you might have goals to move your relationship forward - moving in together, for example. Those who are single might have finding a partner as their goal.

Dr Gian Gonzaga is a relationship scientist at eHarmony. He says: "The act of writing down a list of things we want to achieve is surprisingly motivating, and it reminds us to make time for things that are important to us in life. It's tempting to write a long list of exciting places to go and new things to do, but don't forget achievements in your personal life as well. Seeing your relationship goals down on paper can spur you on to taking that first step to making them happen - perhaps through joining a club to meet someone new, or signing up to Internet dating."

The most important things to remember when making a list, he says, are:

1. Make a list of exactly what you want. It may be an obvious thing to say, but focusing on this will help you get it right. Your list should be specific rather than vague. So if one of your goals is to improve your career, think about what that means. It could, for example, be 'get a promotion' or 'take responsibility for a new project'.

2. Break it down into smaller steps. Goals can seem daunting, so break things down by setting milestones along the way and ticking off each one as an achievement in its own right.

Many people set goals along these lines:

1. Spend more time with family and friends

For most people, friends and family are important, but sometimes it's hard to make time for everybody. Change that. You don't need to be spending large amounts of time with them if you don't have much time, but some quality time should be set aside in your diary. Be inventive about what you do. You don't have to spend lots of money or get drunk - cook a meal together or have a games night. For those who live far away, make time for phone calls.

2. Learn something new

Make sure you use your brain and keep learning. Your local college will have plenty of interesting courses - look at those and choose something you're interested in. You may well find you meet interesting new people as well as increase your skills.

3. This year, truly enjoy life

You shouldn't be worried about the things you can't change. Your life is there to be lived, so live it. Do things you've always wanted to do today, rather than wait for tomorrow.

4. Help others

Helping others can be useful for everyone - it'll make you feel good, others will appreciate your willingness to help, and it can make you a more interesting and attractive person. If you're short on time, then you could donate money, or if not, you could get involved in work in the community or with your neighbours.

5.Be the person you want to attract

Think about all the things you want in a partner and list them. When you've done this, look at them honestly and decide if you think these are qualities you have too.

For further information on relationships and love, please visit eHarmony UK.

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Website: http://www.eHarmony.co.uk