The Finish Line Doesn’t Matter

Life can often seem like an endless stream of tasks. We run from one to the other, finishing one only to immediately focus on the next. Sometimes we allow ourselves time to celebrate a milestone or accomplishment, sometimes not, but the upshot is that we’re always on the move, keeping our eyes on the horizon.

I’ve heard this referred to as The Finish Line Syndrome. We look at everything – a work project, a personal goal, even the day itself – as a task to be completed, after which it will, well, be completed. Until the next project, goal, or day of the week starts up again, and the cycle continues.

When will I be done?…Okay, I’m done…On to the next thing…When will I be done?

When life is a never ending stream of unfinished goals, it can be hard to find joy in the present. We measure our progress by missions accomplished; there is little value in the process itself. And that’s a real shame.

If we’re trying to enjoy life, we must learn to enjoy the process of growth. Reaching our goals, when we do, is nice. It’s fulfilling. It spurs us on to further growth. But the vast majority of time is spent in pursuit of the goal. Must we wait so long to enjoy ourselves? I sure hope not.

There’s a story told about a newly-recovering alcoholic and an old-timer with thirty years of sobriety.

“When the newcomer approached the oldtimer, envying his accomplishments and many years of sobriety, the oldtimer slapped down his hand like a gavel and said, “I’ll trade you even! My thirty years for your thirty days – right now!” He knew what the newcomer had yet to find out: that true happiness is found in the journey, not the destination.”

-Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 510-511

True happiness is found in the journey. If we can let go of the perpetual need to be at the finish line, and accept where we are at this moment in our journey, we can find joy. Happiness is here for the taking. It’s not somewhere Out There. It’s not just past the goal line. It’s not beyond our reach.

Happiness is here.