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What Is 'The Arrival Fallacy'?

• “Success” is not permanent state: it's a lived experience that changes day-to-day.
• Think of your current objectives as waypoints, not final destinations.

Josh Kaufman Explains 'The Arrival Fallacy'

In talking with business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed a common pattern: no one feels successful or satisfied with their business or career. There’s always another milestone to reach for, a new (and larger) sales Goal to achieve, or a larger business Valuation that represents “true success.”

I know many professionals who have set their sights on substantial Goals—and have achieved them. Instead of feeling a lasting sense of accomplishment, they find their dissatisfaction persists, and the goalposts shift to a new, even more difficult objective. “When I achieve that,” they tell themselves, “I’ll finally feel successful and happy.”

The Arrival Fallacy is a way to recognize this pattern and short-circuit the dissatisfaction associated with pursuing Goals. If you recognize that your business, career, and life will never be in a permanent ideal state and there will be no end to your search for meaning and improvement, it becomes much easier to appreciate what you’ve achieved to date and celebrate the accomplishment of Goals and milestones as they occur.

Think of your current objectives as waypoints, not final destinations: they’re useful ways to orient and direct your Attention, energy, and effort. When you accomplish your objective, there will always be something else to work on or improve—and that’s a good thing. No matter what you choose to do, you will never lack for interesting, productive, or valuable ways to invest your days.

This line of thought also makes it easier to rest, recover, and enjoy your life as you work toward what you want. You won’t reach nirvana by working yourself to exhaustion or making severe Trade-offs concerning your health, interests, or personal relationships. Ambition and drive can produce wonderful benefits, but they can also lead to self-destructive behaviors if you’re not mindful of how you apply them.

“Success” is not a permanent State of Being, so it makes no sense to give up everything in a futile attempt to pursue it. Instead, define what you want, and keep moving towards it. When you get there, celebrate your victory, chart a new course, and keep going.

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"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it."

Andy Rooney, journalist

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https://personalmba.com/arrival-fallacy/

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