Barry Schwartz says two things are the most important in life:
1) Knowing generally what you want to do (do you want to be a pilot or a doctor? a businessperson or an actor?), and
2) Knowing that ALMOST GOOD ENOUGH is usually GOOD ENOUGH.
If you generally know what you want and you move forward with things that are along your trajectory and moving you in the right direction, Barry Schwartz would argue that these two ideas will move you most effectively towards your goals.
As Paul Rozin says, “Happiness is all about expectations management.” And by knowing what you want, and that you are constantly moving forward in incremental steps, you do get closer!