Why are you lying to yourself?

You have been lying to yourself throughout the journey. Do you realize that?

That sneaky little lie we have been telling ourselves: "If only I achieve X, then I'll finally be happy."

But here's the truth: It’s a trap that goes by the name of “Arrival Fallacy”.

The Lie of Arrival

Imagine this: You're convinced that landing your dream job will be the key to your happiness. You work tirelessly, sacrificing time with loved ones and neglecting self-care, all in pursuit of this elusive goal. 

Finally, after months of hard work and perseverance, you land the job. But instead of the euphoria you expected, you're met with a sense of emptiness. The job is fulfilling, yes, but it hasn't magically transformed your life into a utopia of happiness.

These scenarios illustrate the Arrival Fallacy in action. It's the belief that achieving a specific goal or milestone will bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment. 

The Reality

The Arrival Fallacy leads us to overlook the beauty of the present moment and fixate on an imaginary future where all our problems magically vanish. 

But in reality, the happiness from achieving these goals never lasts.

Because “If, then” is a trap. As happiness isn't confined to specific achievements; it's found in the everyday moments, the small victories, and the connections we forge along the way.

Breaking Free

So, how do we break free from the clutches of the Arrival Fallacy and find genuine happiness in the journey? Here are some practical strategies to consider:

1. Practice Gratitude: Start each day with a gratitude journal, acknowledging the blessings in your life and fostering a sense of contentment with what you have.

2. Set Process-Oriented Goals: Instead of fixating on outcomes, focus on the journey itself—setting goals centered around personal growth, learning, and progress.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, recognizing that each step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

4. Cultivate Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment, savoring life's simple pleasures, and letting go of worries about the future or regrets from the past.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, recognizing that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of life's journey.

The Journey Continues

Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours.

We must shift our mindset from outcome-based happiness to process-based fulfillment. 

Instead of fixating on the end result, we should focus on enjoying the journey, embracing growth, and embracing the present moment.

It’s simple, you find it on the journey or you won’t find it at all.

To end with a beautiful quote:

Thanks for reading! 

Catch you in the next one, meanwhile, do me a favor, stay curious and happy!

I am Leaving,

Mayank