What If I Don’t Enjoy the Journey?
Sometimes, self-help ideas can be irritating. If I’m not careful, they can bother me too. Statements like “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” can be frustrating. Sometimes, the journey is really hard, and I don’t feel like being on it. I wonder what there is to like about the journey when it feels like a grind that starts over every day.
These thoughts are signals to me. They indicate that I’m overworked, tired, upset about something, or took a wrong turn. It doesn’t mean that if I don’t enjoy every moment, I’m in agony. It means that if thoughts like “Why am I still doing this?” arise, instead of letting them spiral into pain, sadness, or anger, I need to treat them as genuine questions. Why am I still doing this task?
Sometimes, I need a reminder that this is the work I want to do for a goal I’m excited about. Other times, answering that question makes me realize the task is no longer working. If there’s no reason to continue, it’s a good time to pivot.
It’s okay to feel frustrated or question my path. These feelings are a natural part of growth. By staying mindful—which really just means paying attention—I can avoid spiraling out of control in response to agitation. My journey is easier to navigate when I regularly pick my head up to look at my life map and honestly assess what’s working and what’s not.
ACTION: Next time you feel frustrated with a task, pause and ask yourself, “Why am I still doing this?” Reflect on whether it still aligns with your goals or if it’s time to make a change.
