The Arrival Error: Why You Don't Feel Joy When You Reach a Goal

Have you ever chased a big goal thinking, “This is the peak that will finally bring me true happiness”? You got a promotion, bought your dream car, won a competition — and then what?

Have you ever chased a big goal thinking, “This is the peak that will finally bring me true happiness”? You got a promotion, bought your dream car, won a competition — and then what? The joy was short-lived, like a flash, and instead of euphoria, you’re left with a simple “Now what?” If this sounds familiar, you’ve encountered what’s called the “arrival error.”

What is the arrival error and why does it steal your pleasure

We often live with the belief that happiness is a final destination that a goal will lead us to. As if life will suddenly become brighter once we achieve something meaningful. But in reality, it’s the opposite: as soon as you reach the goal, the dopamine rush fades, and you return to your usual state — without much excitement or energy.

Why does this happen? First, society has conditioned us to see success as the main indicator of happiness. Social media feeds are full of other people’s achievements, but hardly anyone shows the struggles and failures behind the scenes. We see only the result, not the process.

Second, our brain enjoys not the result but the movement toward the goal — the process itself. It’s during the journey that the brain releases happiness hormones, not at the finish line.

How to break out of this vicious cycle and regain the joy of life

Live here and now

Take at least a few minutes each day to pause. Feel your breath, listen to the sounds around you, notice the smells. Ask yourself, “What do I feel right now?” Even acknowledge fatigue or irritation — it’s honest and important. This is how you start appreciating the present moment.

Become an explorer, not a runner

Stop chasing others’ standards and endless trophies. Love for the process is what brings true satisfaction. Learn to enjoy small victories: you mastered a new skill, took a step forward — praise yourself, reward yourself with something pleasant.

Remember: you are already valuable now

Self-esteem shouldn’t depend on achievements. Got your degree? Great. Bought a house? Awesome. But you’re not the sum of your trophies. You’re valuable simply because you exist. Don’t wait for external successes to make you feel worthy.

Rethink success

Success isn’t just material wealth or status. It’s health, true friends, the ability to enjoy simple things — a cup of coffee, a walk, a good conversation. Expand the boundaries of your happiness, and life will take on new colors.