When you aren’t pursuing goals at all, or when the goals you set are not actually something you want very much, you’ll find yourself filtering your actions by what feels good right now. Worthwhile goals will almost always require you push through short-term negative feelings.
Well-constructed, purpose-based goals will provide a source of value that exceeds the temptation to soothe your feelings. For example, if you really want to get into or remain in shape, your desire to do so will exceed your desire to stay up late, eat poorly, and cut workouts short.