Because joy isn’t just on the other side of success
I’ll be happy when… I have more money, I’m in a relationship, I’ve lost weight… This is such a common feeling when on a journey to reach a goal. But the harsh truth needs to come out! If you’re not happy now, you’re unlikely to feel fulfilled when you reach your goal.
In this post, we’ll explore why chasing goals without positive emotions can lead us to never being happy, and how to find contentment in the now while still striving for more.
The “I’ll Be Happy When” Trap
When on a journey to a big goal such as the perfect body, partner, income, or lifestyle, it’s easy to feel that when we have achieved this goal we will be happy. But not only does this not happen—because as soon as we reach the goal we already want more or are worried about losing it—but we are also in a constant state of negativity throughout the whole process.
Delaying happiness until we have our dream life is constantly reinforced to us, especially on social media, by showcasing the highlight reels of everyone’s lives. This constant pressure to be successful leaves us in an even more negative and dissatisfied place.
Take some time to reflect upon these questions:
- What’s one goal you’ve tied your happiness to?
- How has that shaped your mood or self-worth?
Why Happiness Has to Start Now
Becoming happy with where you are right now can seem impossible if you have a huge goal that your self-worth is tied to—but know that external goals don’t fill internal gaps. Achieving goals feels amazing, but this feeling is only temporary and doesn’t bring lasting peace, as we resort back to our natural negative emotions of wanting more and only being happy when we reach the next milestone.
The law of attraction teaches us all about how your energy shapes your outcome. People who feel good now often attract more great opportunities, love, and success into their lives. So feeling good and happy during the journey actually helps.
You don’t need to earn the right to be happy right now. It can feel like allowing yourself to be happy where you are will make you less ambitious—but this isn’t true and will help you achieve your goals faster with a positive mindset.
How to Feel Fulfilled on the Journey
1. Celebrate Mini-Wins
We often overlook so many of the stepping stones on our way to success. Don’t wait for the “big” moment to celebrate your success. Allow yourself to celebrate progress, effort, and personal growth along the journey.
2. Romanticize Your Life
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Find beauty in the little things—this could be your morning coffee, a solo walk, or a deep conversation. The more you look, the more you will see, and this will help create a strong positive mindset.
3. Detach Identity from Achievement
Waiting to achieve a goal in order to feel worthy will hinder your chances of success. You are worthy whether or not the goal is reached. Your value isn’t based on productivity or milestones. Enjoy where you are now and trust the process.
4. Gratitude, Always
Practice noticing what’s already good. Gratitude rewires your brain to feel content and abundant while attracting more positivity into your life. Write down three things each day you are grateful for.
5. Live as If You’re Already That Version of You
Act as if… This is the best way to achieve your goals. Embody the feelings that you would feel if you had already reached your goal. Ask yourself: What would the “goal version” of me do today? Start showing up that way now.
The Truth About Sustainable Success
When happiness comes first, goals are approached with more calm and clarity. This is a much better approach than chasing your goals with desperation. By allowing yourself to be happy, you’re not giving up the goal—you just stop believing it’s the only path to joy.
When you embrace this way of thinking, your positive energy brings positive results for you.
You don’t have to choose between goals and happiness. You’re allowed to be proud of where you are and still want more in your life. True growth happens when we’re kind to ourselves along the way instead of beating ourselves down.
You’re living your life right now. Make it a good one. Happiness is already within you—so embrace it.
