Life is about enjoying the journey | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

When You Are Too Focused On The Destination, You Forget About The Journey

Life will pass you by, fast.

90
https://unsplash.com/photos/cY1M7iqHOXc

We all have had the addiction. We have all been guilty. We have all been victims of destination addiction, the preoccupation with the idea that happiness is waiting in the next place, the next job, or the next relationship. I read this the other day browsing through Facebook and came across this quote from Dr. Robert Holden, the author that created the term "destination addiction."

Do you live your life constantly waiting for when "it will be better"? Oh, it will be better when I have a different job, when I graduate from college, or when I get married, and the excuses could keep going. Immediately, you think, no way I do this! I definitely live my life at the moment! But, then you really think about it... are you? Each passing moment should not just be a step closer to the future. Your goal should have a great day, not just get through the day.

I, myself, have fallen guilty of this. I think we all have. Now there is no way that there won't be some days that you are just trying to push through, get through that hard test, have boring days at work, etc. However, this is part of your life. Not just the time being till things are better. Trust me when I say, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I have experienced this in many different situations in my life. "If I'm friends with them, more people will like me," "After college, things will be better," "If I just dated a guy that had his life together already then..." Do any of those sound familiar? I know they do for me.

I recently experienced this whole journey vs. destination so immensely, and it hit me hard. I went through my first year of college with the attitude of being done with college. I was going to class to get it over with. I wasn't enjoying that chapter of my life. I always told myself that things will be better after college, I'll be happier when I have a job and life will just all around just better. Well, guess what. My life isn't much different. I mean I am not saying in a bad way or trying to be negative. But, my life didn't just poof into a "better" life after college. I am happy and very blessed to have a degree that helped me get an amazing full-time job. But, looking back, I had a fun part-time job with great people. I had an apartment that wasn't my favorite but left me so many memories. I met friends there that I will have for a long time. I went to a university that I loved in a city that had so much to offer. I didn't focus on the journey.

It isn't the easiest thing and everyone does it. You can not live your life in a constant waiting period for happiness that is believed to be in the near future when really, it is right in front of you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1438
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

865
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200043
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20777
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments