Most of us have some sort of bucket list. Whether it's a literal scrap of paper or just a mental inventory, just about everyone has a checklist of experiences and accomplishments they hope to achieve before their time here on earth is up. 

That makes sense. When we think of how to improve our lives, our first impulse is generally to add things: I'd be happier if my career were going better. A trip to Hawaii would really improve things. Everything would be different if I could find a good relationship. There's only one problem with this approach--science suggests it tends to backfire. 

The problem with traditional bucket lists.

Having goals is a great way to accomplish the kinds of big ambitions that give life meaning. No one says waiting around on the couch for the universe to do what it will with you is the route to fulfillment. But a mountain of research shows that when you reach your goals, they're likely to only bring you momentary joy. After a brief high, dissatisfaction creeps in and we start to crave the next thing on the list.