Goal setting theory was one of two research papers that became the bedrock of my newfound approach to goal setting and creating success. The other one was ‘The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect’ by Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ed Diener, and Laura King. This meta-analysis showed that—contrary to most beliefs—we only succeed in our goals when we are in a flourishing emotional state beforehand. We do not become happy because we achieve something; we prime the pump for success when we elevate our wellbeing first in a variety of ways, from practicing gratitude to having a regular meditation practice.