The journey

One way that ‘as-soon-as’ syndrome manifests itself is in our belief that we’ll finally be happy once we reach some goal. Studies show that the gratification from achievement is surprisingly fleeting, even for a major life accomplishment.

The Buddhists have a thousand sayings that all translate to the cliche: ‘life is a journey, not a destination’. They recognize that we’ll never really get “there” — that magic place where we’re finally happy and need nothing more.

An honest reflection reveals that some of our journeys brought more fulfillment than the achievements or the accolades. As Miley Cyrus brilliantly sings: “It’s not about how fast I get there, it’s not about what’s waiting on the other side…it’s the climb.”