Why Ditching Goals is the Key to True Happiness and Success

Goals, dreams, plans—what if I told you they’re holding you back? Yes, you heard me right. Forget the manifestation charts, the vision boards, the detailed life plans. Chuck them all out the window and take a deep breath. Because here’s the thing: when you’re chasing goals, you’re not free.

Let me share a moment from my own life. A few years ago, I was consumed by ambition—deadlines, to-do lists, personal milestones. I thought I was doing everything right. But the harder I worked toward my goals, the more anxious and unfulfilled I felt. Even when I achieved something, it didn’t feel enough. I’d immediately set a bigger, shinier goal. Sound familiar?

Think about it: What is your definition of a “good life”? For some, it’s owning a cozy home. For others, it’s traveling the world, driving a luxury car, or earning a six-figure salary. And while there’s nothing wrong with these aspirations, the problem lies in how they control us. Every time you achieve a goal, a bigger one takes its place. The cycle never ends. You become trapped in a constant loop of “what’s next?” This endless chase can leave you feeling like a hamster on a wheel—moving fast, but never really getting anywhere.

Psychologists call this the hedonic treadmill, where happiness from achieving something is fleeting, and you quickly adapt, needing more to feel satisfied again. Here’s a hard truth: no matter what you achieve, the ego will always want more. And that desire? It’s a trap.

I used to believe the popular mantra: “You are nothing without your dreams.” But over time, I realized how damaging that mindset could be. Why? Because it ties your self-worth to an outcome. Let’s say you set a big goal—buying a house, running a marathon, getting a promotion. You work hard, push through challenges, and finally achieve it. But what happens when that sense of fulfillment fades? Or worse, what if you fail? Suddenly, you feel like you’re not enough. You question your abilities, your decisions, even your worth. Goals, once your motivators, become chains. Here’s the kicker: “Anything that traps you—even your dreams—is not freedom.”

So, does this mean we shouldn’t have dreams or plans? Not exactly. What I’ve learned is that there’s a better way to live—a way that doesn’t tie your happiness to achieving something in the future. Rather than focusing on goals, shift your focus to living a fulfilling life every day.

Wake up with intention, not expectation. Instead of planning how your day “should” go, embrace it as it comes. Be the best version of yourself today. Learn something new, practice a skill, or simply show up with kindness and confidence. Trust that life is unfolding as it should. This doesn’t mean being passive—it means doing your best in the present moment and letting go of the need to control outcomes.

When you stop chasing and start trusting, something magical happens. I remember the first time I truly let go of a goal. I was trying to land a big project that I thought would change everything. But after months of overthinking, strategizing, and stress, I decided to step back. I focused instead on doing what I loved—writing, connecting with people, learning new skills. And guess what? The project came through anyway.

It wasn’t luck. It was alignment. By letting go, I opened myself up to the flow of life. I stopped clinging to the outcome and started enjoying the process. Spiritual teacher Michael Singer captures it perfectly in his book The Surrender Experiment: “The more you let go, the more the flow of life takes over. And that flow knows exactly where you need to be.”

This doesn’t mean you stop taking action. Quite the opposite. You still work hard, learn new skills, have important conversations. But you do these things without attaching your happiness to the result. You trust that if you show up fully, life will meet you halfway. And when you pray or meditate, don’t ask for specific outcomes. Instead, ask for clarity, guidance, and the strength to give your best effort.

When you let go of rigid goals, you create space for something better—peace, joy, and true freedom. You start living in harmony with life instead of trying to control it. So here’s my challenge for you: Take a step back. Let go of your need to plan every detail. Trust that the universe has your back.

Wake up each day ready to live fully—not for some future milestone, but for the beauty of this moment. Because when you stop chasing, you’ll discover the life you’ve always wanted was waiting for you all along. “True freedom is not in achieving, but in being.” Let that be your mantra.