Goal-Obsessed? Why Savoring the Journey is the Real Path to Success
As a business leader, it's easy to get consumed by the big, audacious goals you've set.
But in the relentless pursuit of that "one day" when you've finally "made it," it's easy to miss out on the beauty and growth opportunities in the present moment.
I've certainly been guilty of this. In the early days of growing my B2B company, Skylink, I was laser-focused on hitting revenue targets and expanding our client base. I thought once I achieved those goals, I'd finally be able to relax and enjoy the journey.
But you know what?
When I did hit those milestones, they were fleeting. There was always a new, bigger goal to chase.
That's when I realized: lasting fulfillment doesn't come from the destination, it comes from embracing the journey—the day-to-day moments and experiences that ultimately shape our lives and careers.
Here are a few tips I've learned to be more present and find more joy in the process while still making progress on your goals:
Schedule daily "be present" reminders. Set alarms on your phone or calendar as cues to pause, take a breath, and refocus on the present moment.
Celebrate small wins. Don't wait until you've reached the finish line to celebrate. Acknowledge the small victories along the way, whether closing a new client or having a productive meeting.
Inject more fun into your routines. Even repetitive work tasks can be more enjoyable with the right mindset. Try gamifying activities, listening to music, or rewarding yourself for completion.
Express gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. Bonus points for sharing that gratitude with your team!
As leaders, we set the tone.
By cherishing the journey, we find more satisfaction in our careers and give our teams permission to do the same. This leads to a happier, more engaged workforce. Who doesn't want that?
Embrace every moment—the joyful ones, the challenging ones, the mundane ones.
They all have something to teach us if we're present enough to listen. That's the secret to experiencing true success.
