Optimal living among youth: The role played by goals

Pages: 522-524
Dharmeshwari Lourembam (Department of Psychology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh)

Life goals are cognitive representations of what is most wanted in one’s life and every human behavior is guided, motivated, directed, and made meaningful by one’s future goals. Life goals play a major role in an individual’s life, especially for youth as most of their thoughts and actions are focused on their future goals. The content of life goals varies across individuals and among the various types of life goals; researchers have highly recognized the importance of autonomous and intrinsic life goals. Pursuing goals which are intrinsically rewarding, fits one’s personal interest and autonomous results in well-being and optimal living. With the help of theoretical and empirical studies, the present research attempted to provide an overview of the conceptualization of autonomous and intrinsic life goals and the positive outcomes of such life goals. It further indicates the need for more empirical attention, implementation in various settings, and future possibilities in guiding the youth to have the right type of life goals and live the best possible life with special reference to Indian context.