If I could give my younger self any advice now that I am older, it would certainly be to “enjoy the journey, not the destination.” It is one of those things that all of us have heard, but one of those things we most often fail to do.

The world keeps pushing us toward the next milestone, success in one’s career, personal goals, or goals that are set by society. We are in such a rush to achieve outcomes in life. Life is not about ticking off lists of so-called achievements but experiences and lessons and pieces of moments that make us who we are.

But as I ponder this idea a little more, I’m reminded of how many times I got caught up with the “next big thing, whether it was working toward an academic degree, chasing a promotion, or even preparing for a new life stage. I thought the end would bring lasting fulfillment. What I failed to appreciate was that through the home stretch, true value, growth, and memories were happening in the journey itself.

The Illusion of Arrival

When we are younger, there is sometimes this notion that happiness comes later—once we get that job, earn that amount of money, or receive that recognition. And it be the seamless mentality because we always hear how success means happiness. “I’ll be happy when I.” That is the story leading our thoughts down a particular road. The thing is, such perspective forgets one crucial fact: life doesn’t stop to wait for you to catch up with happiness. Here’s an example from my life: I used to think that if I completed my studies and got a well-paying job, I would be happy. I worked long hours, sacrificed personal time, and put my energy into making it happen. The reality turned out to be that once I finally had reached my aim, there was always something more—a new objective, a different project, another milestone.

The “destination” just kept on shifting, and happiness always appeared to be a little farther away. I had to learn the hard way that happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a state of mind—one we cultivate en route.

Learning from Others

Great minds through the ages have all echoed a common thread in their sentiment. Consider what the author and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Doesn’t his statement so succinctly wrap up the core of living? If we become fixated on where we want to get to, we’re not experiencing exactly where we are right this minute—and in that sense, we often miss out on life itself.

This is in many ways an urgent message in our fast-paced world today. Then, of course, there is the factor of social media. We view snapshot glimpses of other people’s “success” and feel behind. But behind those images we scroll through, what we rarely see is hard work, failures, or learning that go on in creating the journey. Focusing too much on highlight reels, we miss knowing and enjoying behind-the-scenes.

A Parable between the Fisherman and the Businessman

My favourite classic parable, which serves to illustrate the importance of enjoying the journey, goes as follows:

A successful businessman was on holiday in a small coastal village when he caught sight of a local fisherman. The fisherman sat by his boat, enjoying the sun and tranquil ocean. Intrigued by such a sight, the businessman approached the fisherman and asked him why he wasn’t out catching more fish. The fisherman explained that he had caught enough fish for that day and was now enjoying some rest.

The businessman, who had a lot to teach, said to the fisherman, “You should spend more time fishing.” “If you work harder, you’ll catch more fish, sell them, buy a bigger boat and eventually run a whole fleet of boats!” exclaimed the businessman. “Then you can retire, move to a small village, and enjoy life.”

The fisherman looked at him and replied, “But what do you think I’m doing now?”

This parable only reminds us that the thing we mostly pursue—peace, contentment, and happiness—is already within reach in case one takes his time to slow down to appreciate it.

Embrace the Process

Everything changed when I learned to love the process. I loved all those little moments of everyday life. I loved learning, even though often it was tough. I learned struggles aren’t hurdles but chances to have a breakthrough toward growth. It became obvious that the so-called “mundane” aspects of my life early mornings, late nights, times of doubt – had equal importance as their final results.

Take career building as an example: while one is always looking forward to the big promotion, one misses out on the chance to enjoy what’s at hand. It is in the daily challenges, collaboration of colleagues, and gradual mastery of skills where delights are. Personal relationships are similarly much more about the journey and not some sort of “milestones.” Whether it is friendship, love, or family, the moments of laughter, the shared experiences, and even the disagreements give meaning to a relationship. If we set our eyes on the attainment of an ideal end—marriage, family, or whatever ideal of a relationship—we could miss out on the beauty of growing and evolving together.

How to Practice Enjoying the Journey

The best ways to learn to enjoy the journey include cultivating mindfulness. Being present in the moment allows you to appreciate life while it’s unfolding, instead of setting your sights on some distant future or dwelling on the past. Meditation, journaling, or taking a few minutes each day to reflect can all help place you in the present. Another practical step is celebrating small wins. Rather than wait for that major accomplishment which may make one feel accomplished, recognize progress made during the day. Every little step taken is part of the major journey and needs recognition. And finally, go easy on yourself. It is so easy to get frustrated when things do not go just so or when success seems to be sailing yonder. All too often, however, it is from those detours, from those twists and turns we never saw coming, that we learn the most.

Final thoughts

If I could tell my younger self one last thing, it would be this: it’s in the journey that life happens. The ups, the downs, the in-betweens—these are the moments that shape you, define you, and ultimately make the destination worth reaching. So take a deep breath, look around, and enjoy the ride.

Learn more about how to become a Top Performer at: ORL Leadership Summit 2024.

ORL Leadership Summit: Transformative Experience for Otorhinolaryngologists and more.

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA (BITS, Pilani), MHA, 
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others. 

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