π― The Finish Line Fallacy
Why achievement rarely feels the way you expect.
Read time: 3.7 minutes
Welcome to Better at Life, the weekly newsletter where I share one simple, actionable idea you can put into practice today to build better habits, sharpen your mindset, and live with more intention.
A few years ago, I hit a goal I’d been working toward for a long time.
I remember thinking,
“When I get there, things will feel different.”
I’ll feel accomplished.
More confident.
Like I’ve finally made it.
And for a little while, I did.
Then something interesting happened.
Within a few days, my mind had already moved on.
There was another goal.
Another milestone.
Another finish line somewhere in the distance.
The achievement that had occupied so much of my attention quietly became my new normal.
I don’t think I’m alone in this.
We tell ourselves:
“I’ll be happy when…”
I get the promotion.
Finish the project.
Buy the house.
Lose the weight.
Grow the business.
Then we arrive.
We celebrate.
And before long, we’re chasing the next thing.
Not because ambition is bad.
Because our finish lines have a habit of moving.
I call this The Finish Line Fallacy.
The belief that lasting satisfaction lives just beyond the next achievement.
Write this down:
If happiness always lives at the next finish line, you’ll never catch it.
This Week’s Action
Think about one goal you achieved during the past few years.
Then ask yourself:
- How long did that feeling of accomplishment last?
- What goal immediately replaced it?
- What did I stop appreciating once it became normal?
Now ask a different question:
What in my life today was once something I hoped for?
Maybe it’s your career.
Your family.
Your health.
Your home.
A skill you’ve developed.
Or simply the person you’ve become.
Spend a few minutes appreciating what used to feel far away.
Why This Works
Our brains are remarkably good at adapting.
What once felt extraordinary eventually feels ordinary.
That’s part of being human.
The problem isn’t setting ambitious goals.
The problem is believing they’ll provide lasting fulfillment on their own.
Goals give us direction.
Gratitude gives us perspective.
When you practice both, you stop postponing your happiness until some future version of your life.
You learn to enjoy the journey while still pursuing what’s next.
Try This
Pay attention this week whenever you catch yourself thinking:
“I’ll be happy when…”
Pause.
Then finish the sentence another way.
“I’m looking forward to that…
…and there’s already a lot worth appreciating today.”
The goal doesn’t disappear.
It simply stops carrying the weight of your happiness.
Weekly Reflection
Before you move on from this email, pause for a moment.
Ask yourself:
What finish line have I been chasing?
What in my life today used to feel impossible?
Where have I overlooked progress because I’ve already moved on to the next goal?
Write it down.
Then celebrate a milestone you no longer think about.
If this idea feels useful, feel free to pass it along to someone who might need it this week.
Keep setting ambitious goals.
Just don’t wait until you reach them to enjoy your life.
See you next week β a little better at life.
______
Dr. Chris Mullen
Bring Better at Life to Your Organization
If these ideas resonate, this is also the work I bring into organizations and leadership teams.
I partner with organizations that want clearer thinking, stronger decision-making, and more sustainable performance.
Engagements typically include:
- Keynote speakingΒ for conferences and leadership events
- Leadership development workshopsΒ for teams and managers
- Team strategy sessionsΒ focused on alignment and execution
For senior leaders seeking deeper application, I also maintain a small executive coaching practice.
