In the world of what ‘next?’ – let’s try to find a way to enjoy the process
What is the process of your thinking? Do you wait to celebrate until you reach where you want to be? Or the process? The journey is longer than the time we spend at the destination. Preparation to make a recipe is longer than the time it takes to eat it. The time it takes to climb to reach the top of a mountain is longer than the time to celebrate the feat of reaching the top. Therefore, we can infer that the satisfaction of reaching somewhere is short-lived. Hence we might as well enjoy the journey! The process is longer after all! The world is living the dream of what ‘Next?’ As the idea is exciting, it keeps you moving. However, when you spend weeks, months, or even years achieving what you thought would be the epitome of happiness, it is fleeting. As you have already moved on to your next goal thinking this would be ‘it’. But is it?
The process of Destination addiction
Psychologist Robert Holden said, ‘Beware of destination addiction, until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are.’ Can you enjoy how long it’s going to get where you want to be? This mindset of process orientation gives us the permission to slow down and enjoy the journey. Growth is the only guaranteed outcome whenever we start something new. Your personal growth. Growth is not dependent on the physical achievement of the goal. It happens while facing a challenge, overcoming it and learning from it while working towards achieving the goal.
Reels culture
In today’s highlight reels culture on social media, it’s not easy to keep ourselves unaffected by what’s happening in others’ lives! As it’s out there. And so are the comparisons. They will be there. People’s achievements are there for you to see in the form of a reel! How do you keep yourself calm and focus on your constant growth? The answer is there if you want to see it. There should be a constant reminder of all that you have already achieved. Realise the difference between reel and real. Make reels for your own journey and share them to take someone along with your happiness. Do write down the challenges that you have managed to overcome.
Let’s look at a few ways of bringing more joy in the process:
Reflect and introspect as you go along
Are you grateful for what you have? Does the work bring you excitement? And would you be able to share your positive experiences? Write them down as you go along. You will need them on the journey when you have those bad days! They will keep you going.
Celebrating the journey
Don’t wait to reach the goal, celebrate a part of the process. Also, in case you don’t achieve your goal, celebrate the fact that now you know what not to do! Because you know how to achieve your goal in the future.
Reminders
Whenever you receive something positive, keep them handy. You need them on your rainy days. Take screenshots and put them in a place easily accessible. They will cheer you up and remind you of the challenges that you have overcome and the positive impact that you make in someone else’s life.
The process of working towards something is where the excitement happens. The thoughts you have while achieving them either lift you up or drag you down. Sieve your thoughts, and keep the good ones to enjoy the journey. Beware of destination addiction. When you reach there, there is no there. You are already there! Let’s be proud of the small changes, appreciate every new learning experience and celebrate the process. What you have become while achieving your goals is worth the celebration. The process of getting there is longer, savour it – there is growth regardless of you either achieving your physical goal or not.
Much love
Suranjita