Too often, we live our lives rejoicing only in the destination.
We mark major accomplishments as the milestones that define our lives: a graduation, a new job, a wedding, a move, or overcoming a tragedy.
We look back with fondness on these significant events and we desperately look forward to the next: the accomplishment of a life goal, a significant desired award, a major life transition, a big promotion, or simply emerging from one of life’s dark valleys triumphant. We surmise that because we found joy in the previous accomplishment, we must find it again in the next.
Unfortunately, life is not lived exclusively in these major destinations. In reality, we actually spend far more time in the pathways between them. The significant achievements are few, while the journeys between these major destinations are long.
These spaces between destinations are where we prepare ourselves—and are prepared—to accomplish the next goal, to weather the incoming storm, and to choose the next destination carefully. But because we live in a results-oriented world, finding joy in these gaps can be difficult.
Years ago, my then 5-year-old daughter walked into our living room carrying the book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. She climbed into my lap, asked if she could read to me, and began opening the front cover. With little hesitation, I agreed. I looked forward to helping her through it.
Little did I know my help would not be needed.
Using the sight words she had learned from her kindergarten teacher and simple steps to get through the tricky words, my daughter successfully navigated every single word in the book. When my daughter closed the book, she looked at me with a huge sense of accomplishment. And when she did, she looked directly into the eyes of the only person smiling bigger than her.
I remember looking at her with a feeling of pride I could never communicate with words. The compliments were genuine and the hug was sweet. My daughter was learning to read. It was her first book. She knew it. I knew it. And there was great joy to be found in this growth.
Now, just to be clear, I knew full-well her journey to become a reader was not complete. Being able to sound out every word in a Dr. Seuss book was hardly the culmination of her education. I would still challenge her to reach new heights and seek higher accomplishments.
But, in this specific moment, overwhelming joy was the perfectly accurate response. My daughter had grown in her ability to read. She had worked hard to reach this point. The progress from her starting point deserved to be celebrated. And she understood there was joy to be found in this journey.
Very likely, your life deserves more celebration than you offer it.
Learn to celebrate the progress, not just the accomplishments.
In the end, our lives are not measured by the accomplishments. They are measured by the little steps and decisions we make every day.
Strive forward to become a better person, a better parent, and a better contributor to the world around you. Strive for the great accomplishments the world will use to define your life. But don’t be so quick to discount the progress you have already made.
Because that is where life is lived. That is where joy is found.
Ashley Logsdon says
Love this so much- it’s so true. If we only live celebrating that end goal, not only do we miss so much, but we may never get the opportunity to celebrate!
Tammy says
I cleaned out and organized my sock drawer many months ago and I’m still celebrating – every time I open it, I smile and pat myself on the back for keeping it neat. But I still get overwhelmed sometimes about how much I still need to do in my house. Thanks for the reminder to celebrate the process and the daily/weekly accomplishments, which are happening, slowly but surely.
TZupan says
Another inspiring post. Well said ❤️
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
“Learn to celebrate the progress, not just the accomplishments.” Probably most of us miss out on most of life’s joy because we don’t think the everyday “counts.”
Michelle W says
I love this! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. It has helped change my perspective.
Mickey says
“had grown in her ability to read”
I think this is what a lot of us forget to celebrate, to cherish, to hold dear – that process of growing into something. That’s where the learning and the personal growth happen, little by little, bit by bit.
Too often, we’re so blinded by the glitter at the end of the road that we completely dismiss the velvet we’re treading on.
Learning something is a process. Accomplishing something is a process. And “an overnight success” is often a decade in the making. Years of toil and hard work, setbacks, shifting, readjusting and trying again.
There’s a good book by Teresa Amabile, called The Progress Principle, that delves into the importance of celebrating small wins in our professional lives.
For our personal lives, the discovery is all on us.
Cathy says
as I read this it reminds me as a 65 year old that even at my age there is always progress, always something to learn, always finding a purpose or repurposing your life. Thank you for your thoughts.
Mickey says
Thank you for your kind comment, Cathy.
I’m in my 30s and I’m still grappling with this. Hoping to make some headway by the time I reach the wise age you’re at now.
Megan says
Thank you for this! I love your posts because they are always positive and teach principles that apply to all. Out of all the minimalist blogs, yours is my favorite for that reason. Thanks for keeping your thoughts on the uplifting and inspiring side of things!
Tony W says
This reminds me of Mahatma Gandhi quote “There is more to life than increasing its speed”. Words to live by.
Judy says
Thank you, Joshua. Great reminder! Really needed this!
Louisa Kyle says
I’m 19 and I think I put pressure on myself to be perfect and get everything right all the time. I read this blog mostly for advice on Minimalism but it’s also nice to be reminded that it’s ok to make mistakes and not to have all the answers. Progress is what matters, constantly striving to be the best version of myself even if I mess up along the way! Thanks Joshua.
Emilie Amanda says
Thank you, Lousia, for your words which resonated highly with me. ❤️
Your comment, as well as Joshua’s content, was most meaningful for me as I travel through a particularly intricate part of my journey of life, downsizing from 51 years of living in one home, with all its wonderful family treasures, and now finding myself in the midst of moving to a smaller but lovely space which I vow not to clutter. My mantra for today will include your thoughts and some of my own, revolving around perfectionism, which will guide me not to be so hard on myself as I continue through my process.