In pursuit of happiness – Destination Addiction

Destination Addiction – Sounds like some sort of travel show right? 

No.  Destination Addiction is a term used to describe the mindset that believes happiness or success is just around the corner. Ever recognise those feelings - ‘I’ll be happy when I lose 10kg, fit into those skinny jeans, get a new car, buy a bigger house, get my partner to listen to me more’?

Ok, there may be some validity in that last one but that’s for a different discussion.  Here’s the thing…

“In most cases, Destination Addiction is a trap of looking into the future and thinking X has to change before I can feel really happy.”

This often creates a feeling of dissatisfaction, of something being missing as we strive for the next best thing.  As Robert Holden said, ‘until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else it will never be where you are’. 

Does this mean that you shouldn’t plan and look forward? Definitely not, it’s healthy to plan and have realistic targets.  But it does mean that we should consciously learn to enjoy life right now.  We hear a lot about mindfulness and the benefits.  There are many simple mindfulness techniques that can help us to harness our emotions, understand ourselves and live with more confidence and appreciation on a day to day basis.

It’s great to have goals but even better to enjoy the journey.