One of my life verses is Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
 
When I hear people pray, then often pray for happiness and health.  Is this really what we should be striving for in live?  Happiness?
Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.  The Bible makes it clear that all men have sinned against a holy and righteous God.  We are not holy.  The only way for us to get this holiness is through Jesus.  Through the death and resurrection of the sinless Son of God, we can achieve the Holiness that God requires.  
 
This year, don't strive after happiness, strive after holiness.  Instead of looking to yourself for holiness, realize that you aren't holy and look to God for your holiness.