I find setting "happiness" as an explicit goal reduces my happiness. A good book -- more mainstream than most of these comments -- is "Man's Search for Meaning

I find setting "happiness" as an explicit goal reduces my happiness. A good book -- more mainstream than most of these comments -- is "Man's Search for Meaning" by Frankl. It has been listed as one of the ten most influential books in the US a few decades ago, although has fallen somewhat by the wayside in recent years. I believe the core thesis. It's worked well for me. Leading a meaningful and purposeful life, having good relationships, helping people, doing interesting things, learning, and growing tends to be a more effective path to emotional well-being than searching for happiness. To answer your question directly: My high-level goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it and to have a positive impact on the lives around me.