The Paradox of Pursuing Happiness: Why Enjoying the Journey is More Important as Reaching the Destination
We all have dreams and aspirations, things we want to achieve, and milestones we want to hit. Whether it's landing that dream job, getting in shape, or traveling to far-off lands, the feeling of accomplishment is what keeps us motivated. But what happens once we finally reach that goal?
Enter hedonic adaptation, the phenomenon where we get used to our new circumstances, and the excitement and happiness we initially felt begins to fade. This is why it's so important to savor and enjoy the process of pursuing our goals, not just the end result.
Research shows that the secret to lasting happiness is in the journey, not just the destination. A study published in the journal "Psychological Science" found that people who focused on savoring the process of reaching their goals reported higher levels of happiness and well-being compared to those who were solely focused on the end result.
Further, plenty of studies have demonstrated that when we focus on happiness as a goal rather than the components that lead to a happy life, subjects' levels of happiness tend to go DOWN! Read that again, focusing solely on the goal can often hinder our ability to reach it. In other words, happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.
So, how can we make the journey more enjoyable? Consider trying a few action steps based on scientific research to help you savor the journey:
Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you're thankful for and focus on the present moment. This will help you appreciate the journey and the small victories along the way.
Set realistic expectations: Be mindful of the expectations you set for yourself and make sure they're realistic and attainable. This will reduce stress and help you enjoy the process more.
Celebrate small victories: It's important to celebrate your progress and the small victories along the way. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated to continue on the journey.
The next time you find yourself solely focused on the end goal, remember to slow down and enjoy the journey. After all, as the old saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Enjoy the ride and savor each moment, it's sure to be worth it in the end!
For more on hedonic adaptation and the ingredients that lead to a good life, check out this podcast episode of FlourishFM with Will Reusch.
As always, here’s to your antifragile journey,
Nick and Adam
Psychological Science. (n.d.). The Benefits of Savoring the Journey. [online] Available at: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/the-benefits-of-savor-the-journey.html [Accessed 9 Jan. 2023].
