Joy is in the Journey Not the Destination

Happiness is a journey, not a destination; happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over, and it's too late. The time for happiness is today, not tomorrow. --Paul H. Dunn

Most times, we are made to feel that our achievements are simply the result of our hard work when the truth is that the most interesting, enjoyable, and memorable parts of our lives are not the milestones but rather what we discover during the process. We often tolerate progressions and delay our happiness until we reach a particular milestone.

Do you feel that when you finally get that job? Lose those pounds? Find the perfect partner? Buy that fancy car? Close the deal? Make millions and retire? Get rid of all your problems? Learn that new skill? That you will finally be happy? When your happiness is based on circumstances, you're giving away the power to make yourself happy.

That is not true happiness. You will not be genuinely happy because you are holding yourself back from living. Why will you choose to live a life that way? Instead, take responsibility for your happiness and decide to be happy right now. Although there is nothing wrong with desiring these things, the problem is when you believe that acquiring these things will add more meaning to your life. Learn to see the beauty in your life RIGHT NOW.

Recently a friend asked me how I can stay happy most time. I told him happiness is a choice. If I focus on unfulfilled expectations from life, it will result in sadness and frustration. However, if I focus on positive things about my life, then I feel happier. Suppose you spend your time thinking about what else could be happening in your life, wishing you were more successful, somewhere else, more like someone else, dreaming about "if only," then you are setting yourself up for depression. You are not making the most of the PRESENT.

Everyone is on a journey, so instead of trying to compare yourself with others, strive to better yourself. Focus on your journey. For instance, if you are currently unemployed, spend that time wisely instead of whining about your situation. Because when you finally get a job, you will pine for the times you had more free time, wishing you made the most of it.

The most fulfilling thing you can do for yourself is to get up and live a life of purpose. Learn to celebrate little success along the way as you strive to become a better version of yourself. Take time to reflect on what you have achieved, even if it seems your goal remains a distance off. Think of an athlete training to participate in an Olympics. They will train vigorously and tirelessly for the event, but the benefits are not only in the competition. Each training session will help the athlete become fitter and stay at peak performance.

In the same vein, regardless of your goal, remember that each positive step is beneficial right NOW, and at the same time, it brings you closer to where you want to be. Did you lose a couple of pounds? Celebrate (maybe not with food). Got promoted? Go out for dinner.
Most importantly, you are doing things to better your life. Pause to think about all the things you have accomplished, consider the physical and mental exertions, and how that has better equipped you for whatever it is you want to achieve. For instance, last year, I wouldn't have been able to do this, but now I can. That thought alone should you bring you fulfillment.

Remember that joy is in the journey, not the destination. No matter the magnitude of what you think you have achieved, there will always be new journeys to embark upon, so you may as well get used to enjoying them. Therefore, look at the beautiful things happening in your life and enjoy them. That will likely bring genuine joy rather than waiting for it to appear around the corner. Will you take time to think about all the countless blessings in your life? Will you reflect on how fortunate you are right now?

Be entirely responsible for your happiness and feel happy because you want to, not because it is connected to some external occurrence. Happiness is not a destination; it is a choice you make daily. So learn to create happiness regardless of where you are and allow it to spread. Your life is determined not merely by what challenges life brings but by your attitude towards those challenges.

So, if you still think that your happiness lies in the next job, next partner, or next city, you will never truly be satisfied. Continually strive to improve yourself but learn to reward yourself in the process. Pat yourself on the back while working towards your goals. You may not be exactly where you want to be, but the most important thing is that you are on the right path, and THAT is what truly matters.

Of course, it is unrealistic that you will be 100% happy every single minute of every single day. Life is unpredictable and will knock you down more times than you can handle. Whenever you feel hard-pressed and giving up seems to be the only option, try to hold on tighter. Fighting through the tough times is the only way you will be able to enjoy and appreciate the good times when they eventually arrive. Remember, the most meaningful, enjoyable, and memorable experiences of our lives are not the milestones but our discoveries along the way.