Have you ever thought, “I’ll be happy when I make more money,” or “I’ll be happy when I retire”? When you finally reached those or other milestones, did it feel as satisfying as you imagined? And how long did that feeling last?
High achievers tend to constantly drive toward a better future. This can be good, but it can also cause frustration and burnout. If you only focus on what you still want to achieve, you’ll never be happy. Yes, it’s important to set goals, and achieving them brings a measure of satisfaction. But the happiest people find joy in the journey and celebrate successes along the way.
Too many people wait for an elusive future “someday” to give themselves permission to enjoy life. They hate their job and think they’ll magically be happier when they retire. But if they don’t know how to enjoy life while they’re working, they probably won’t enjoy retirement, either.
Life isn’t endless. The clock is ticking. One of my favorite musicals is The Music Man by Meredith Willson. Near the end, Harold Hill reminds us, “You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you’ve collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.”
What have you always wanted to do but keep postponing? Where have you dreamed of going but convinced yourself you couldn’t step away from your business?
I recently discussed this issue with one of our clients who has beaten cancer twice. He and his wife are excellent examples of enjoying life now. They have spent considerable time and money creating amazing memories with family and friends for decades. They traveled the world regularly while they were still working. Whenever they saw older couples struggling with canes or walkers to board the double-decker buses of London or to navigate the cobblestone streets of Rome, they smiled at each other and knew exactly what the other was thinking: “We’re glad we’re doing this now while we’re still healthy!”
Of course, I’m not suggesting you throw all caution to the wind. A solid financial plan helps you understand what you can comfortably enjoy today while still protecting your lifestyle down the road. After going through the process, many of our clients are surprised to learn they can spend more than they expected. That clarity often gives them the confidence to enjoy their wealth without the constant worry about tomorrow, and without leaving too much money to the next generation. As my partner Ron Leavitt likes to say, “If you don’t fly first class, your kids will!”
You don’t have to travel the world to be happy, though. Don’t forget about the gems in your own backyard. A traveler from New York once set out to see the Grand Canyon—a lifelong dream. Stopping for gas two hours away, he asked the local attendant Paul what it was like. Although Paul had grown up so close by, he admitted he had never been. The traveler was stunned. Then he confessed that although he lived in Manhattan for over 20 years, he had never visited the Statue of Liberty. Paul smiled and said, “I’ve been there.”
Also keep in mind that no matter how much money you have, you probably won’t ever be able to buy everything you want, and that’s okay. Socrates observed, “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” Gratitude is the key to more fully enjoying what you already have.
Try writing down 100 things in your life that you’re grateful for and observe how it makes you feel. How have the people you know, the places you’ve lived, and the experiences you’ve had shaped your life in positive ways? What do you have today that you once only dreamed of having?
You can even turn this into a daily habit. Studies show you can increase your happiness by writing down three good things that happened each day and reflecting on why they happened. I’ve found this simple practice always lifts my perspective and brightens even the darkest days.
At the end of the day, fulfillment rarely comes from finally reaching a finish line. It grows from noticing the good that’s already woven into your life and choosing not to postpone the things that matter most. Whether it’s a long-awaited trip, a quiet afternoon with someone you love, or simply pausing to appreciate the progress you’ve made, small choices can make today richer than we often allow.
If you’re struggling to find the right balance between enjoying life now and maintaining your financial well-being later in life, we’d be happy to help. As you plan for the future, don’t forget to live fully in the present. After all, tomorrow is never guaranteed, but today is yours to enjoy.
