It’s the journey stupid. 3 Ways to enjoy the journey.

A few weeks ago, I read a post on the Accidental Creative about setting a goal and achieving it only to feel let down. I know that feeling. Do you?

I’m a guy, one strike against me. I’m driven, second strike against me. I’m task oriented, strike three. I have a hard time taking on any project (fun, work or otherwise) without getting wrapped up in eyeing the successful completion as the goal.

My word for the year is “freedom.” I’ll be honest with you. I’m having a hard time feeling like I’m achieving that goal. I think one reasons is I’m simply eyeing it as the finish line – not as a journey to figure out how to get there. A journey that needs to be enjoyed.

So I’ve made up a list of ways that I can enjoy my journey, no matter if or when I reach my intended destination. I hope these help you too.

1. Schedule regular days off.

When it comes to creating a new business or project, this may seem backwards. Maybe it is, but for me it’s vital. I need to have space to enjoy what and where I am. I have my whole life to achieve, but I only have right now to enjoy where I’m at now.

One of the keys to make this both happen and effective is to 1. schedule these days off and 2. plan NO work related activities on those days. Boundaries for yourself and others is key to enjoying your journey. Again, I can work anytime. This moment is only this moment right now.

2. Take someone with you.

Since we’re talking about journeys, let’s think of this in terms of a road trip. It’s a lot more fun to have someone with you on the trip than to try it alone. Funny things are way funnier when there are multiple people in the car. They seem to take on a life of their own.

On the flip side, stressful situations end up in laughter too, because there are different perspectives to help you recognize that nothing is the end of the world. When you have someone else with you (even if it’s just one), you have someone to help you balance you. Ups are less up and downs are less down.

3. Find an outlet to share your journey.

For me it’s blogging. This actually serves two purposes for me. I have an outlet to share with others what is happening in my life, and it also allows others to jump in and join the ride (look here you are!).

For you the outlet might be creating a catalog of images, writing in a traditional journal, or sharing with a group of people in some sort of network (professional, personal or otherwise). When we share with others, we tend to take stock of where we are at right now. It helps us see that we have accomplished something without having met our end goal.

What about you? How do you make sure that you appreciate the road trip you are on? I would love to hear your comments!