Unfortunately, people with depression tend to create nebulous goals that are poorly defined, which makes progress and achievement difficult.14 For example, a nebulous goal might be “Spend more time with my kids,” whereas “Play board games with my kids every Sunday” is a specific one. When goals are poorly defined, it becomes difficult for the brain to determine whether you’ve actually accomplished them or are even moving toward them. Not only does that mean less dopamine, but the lack of perceived progress can be de-motivating.