A few years ago, I thought financial planning was really hard. There were spreadsheets, confusing words, and big decisions about the future. It made me feel stressed, so I kept avoiding it. I told myself I’d do it later, but I kept putting it off. It stayed on my to-do list for a long time and started to feel like a scary chore I didn’t want to deal with.

But then I tried a new way of doing things. I changed how I looked at it. And that small change didn’t just help me fix my perspective about finance management, it also helped me think differently about work, goals, and what it means to be successful.

It made me think about how some people try so hard to be successful, but end up feeling unhappy while doing it.

Enjoy the Journey, Don’t Wait for the Goal

Everyone wants to be happy. But we often make it hard by tying happiness to big goals, like a better job or more money. We tell ourselves we’ll smile later, after we “make it.” But what if we could feel happy in the small moments, too?

We tell ourselves, “This is it—once I reach that goal, I’ll finally feel happy.”

But what if we’ve got it all wrong?

What if trying so hard to succeed is making us wait too long to feel happy?

Many people believe this way of thinking. They think you can only be happy after all the hard work is done. You can only relax once you finish a big goal. Life gets fun after you succeed.

As soon as you reach one goal, a new one takes its place. It’s like a race where the finish line keeps shifting. So instead of chasing it forever, take a moment to enjoy where you are. That’s how you stay happy through it all.

So the big question is—are you waiting to be happy until you feel like you've “made it”?

Finding Joy in Every Step Toward Your Goals

Here’s something important that people often forget: you don’t have to wait to be happy, you can enjoy the journey while you’re working toward your goals.

Yes, even the boring or everyday parts.

Work doesn’t have to be all hard and tiring. It can be something you enjoy. You don’t need to reach the finish line to feel happy. Each day, each small step, can bring joy. Enjoy what you’re doing now, even while chasing big goals. Life feels better when you find moments to smile along the way, not just when it’s over.

Imagine slowly climbing a mountain. Don’t hate each step, but enjoy it. Know that every small move counts. Each step is part of something bigger, and this moment is just as important as reaching the top.

That shift in perspective changes everything.

A Simple Shift in Perspective That Made All the Difference

Back to my own story, here’s what I did differently. I made an appointment with my accountant. Instead of ignoring the task, I made it important. I sat down, asked questions, looked at all the numbers, even the ones I didn’t like and started understanding what getting my finances better could look like.

But I didn’t stop there.

After the meeting, I treated myself to my favourite meal. It wasn’t anything special, just something small that made me happy and proud for doing something I had been avoiding.

That small change made financial planning go from being stressful to something I started to enjoy. Not because the numbers were fun, but because I made the process fun. I took charge of how I felt about it.

Enjoying Small Moments of Your Everyday Journey

We often think success means reaching something huge. But what if it’s about making today count?

What if your workday included a laugh, some creativity, or a small habit that makes you feel good?

What if even your biggest goals had some fun mixed in?

This isn’t about forgetting your dreams or aiming lower. It’s about making success also means enjoying the journey. Because let’s be honest, life isn’t just about big moments. It’s made up of all the little things we do every day.

Your daily choices matter. A good morning routine, your favourite playlist, and simple rewards can turn an average day into a great one. Don’t overlook the small things, they can bring more happiness and energy than you might expect.

We often think we’ll be happy only after reaching the end goal. But true joy comes from the small steps we take every day. Whether it’s learning something new or doing what you love, success is also about enjoying the journey, not just the result.

Happiness isn’t just in big results. If we change our thinking, we can enjoy the little things. A short break, fun music, or a small treat after a task can boost your mood. These moments help make work and life feel better, one day at a time.

Sometimes, we chase big goals and forget to enjoy the present. Try adding joy to your daily routine. Ask yourself: What can I do today that feels good? A short walk, a chat with a friend, or a fun task can make your day brighter!