By Aayushi Rastogi
It’s a pattern many of us follow unknowingly – tying our happiness to future goals.
“If I get this job, I’ll be happy.”
“If I move into that house, everything will feel perfect.”
We constantly postpone joy, believing it lies on the other side of some milestone.
But strangely enough, even after achieving what we once deeply wished for, a sense of emptiness often lingers. The happiness we expected doesn’t always arrive with the achievement.
We’re quick to get upset over small setbacks. Yet, we rarely allow ourselves to fully enjoy the small wins. The imbalance is stark – and unfair to ourselves. If a minor inconvenience can ruin our mood, why can’t a minor success uplift us?
We often get caught in the endless cycle of wanting more. Dreams keep growing, and while dreaming big is essential, so is learning to live in the present. Amid the chase, we forget to value life’s simple pleasures.
Maybe the answer lies not in getting “there” but in making space for things that make us feel alive here. Be it a morning walk, dancing freely, meditation, or quiet time in nature — these are not distractions from success, but the very essence of a fulfilling life.
(Aayushi Rastogi is a Chartered Accountant with a deep passion for Mental Health. She actively explores ways to incorporate meditation practices into daily life to promote inner peace and well-being. Her Instagram handle is ca.aayushirastogi).
