Beyond the Summit: Honoring the Journey
The year’s end has a strange kind of magic, doesn’t it? The world grows quieter, and we start looking back on the months behind us. For me it’s a season of reflection and celebration, but also one where that familiar tug of pressure sneaks in.
“What have I achieved this year? What’s next?”
There is a feeling many of us know well. Sometimes when we hit a big goal, or conquered a long-awaited challenge, there is a bittersweet feeling that can follow. It’s like standing at the summit, the thrill of victory fading as you realize:
“Well, Now what?”
This phenomenon isn’t just in your head. Psychologists call it the "arrival fallacy," a term often credited to Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar. It describes the idea that achieving a goal will bring lasting happiness, only to realize that fulfillment feels fleeting. We’re so focused on the climb, the challenge, the effort, and anticipation; that we forget to ask ourselves what comes after we reach it. Then the moment comes, and we feel sideswiped on how quickly it faded.
That being said, the end of the year is the perfect time to shake off that feeling. To pause, honor your victories, and think about what comes next. It’s a season not just to reflect on how far you’ve come but to reset your focus, shifting from “Can I do it?” to “What am I going to do next?”
The Holiday Pause
The holidays, at their best, are about slowing down. It’s the one time of year where it feels socially acceptable to hit pause, wrap yourself in gratitude, and celebrate, not just the big wins but the smaller, quieter ones.
Did you tackle a personal goal this year, like starting a new hobby or saying yes to something outside your comfort zone? Maybe you survived a challenge that once felt insurmountable or simply kept showing up when it wasn’t easy. Even if you only made it 1% of the way, take the time to enjoy what you’ve accomplished!
Your mountain doesn’t need to be Everest to matter. It could have just been a hard conversation, a brave decision, or a moment when you chose persistence over giving up. These wins, big or small, are part of the story you’re writing, and they deserve to be honored. Acknowledge them, and let it be a moment of joy!
The Rush to “What’s Next?”
It's tempting to jump straight into the next chapter, stacking up shiny new goals and resolutions without pausing to breathe. While setting intentions is powerful, rushing ahead can sometimes pull us out of where we are right now.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology highlights why achieving a major goal often feels less fulfilling than we imagined. I am bias in this regard, but to me and this study, much of the joy comes from the journey itself, not the finish line. I'm a firm believer that goals do not need to be end points. They can be stepping stones that keep us moving forward.
Instead of asking, Did I do enough? we can ask, What have I learned, and what am I ready for now? Letting each goal add to your bigger story.
How to Celebrate Success
Stopping to celebrate doesn’t come naturally for everyone, but it’s worth the effort. Think of it as a way to honor your journey!
Celebrating doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most meaningful. Here are a few ways you can celebrate success in a way that feels real and personal:
Write it down. Make a list of your wins, big or small, and reflect on what it took to achieve them.
Share the moment. Talk about your progress with a friend or loved one who understands the effort it took. Sometimes speaking it aloud makes it feel even more real.
Mark the milestone. Treat yourself to something special, a special meak, a favorite activity, or a small ritual that signifies a moment worth honoring.
Create a visual reminder. Whether it’s a photo, a journal entry, or a keepsake, find a way to capture this moment so you can look back on it later.
The key is to make it personal. Whatever form your celebration takes, let it remind you that your effort matters, your progress counts, and it’s okay to be proud of yourself. After all, you’ve earned it.
From Reflection to Action
Here’s my challenge to you as we wrap up the year: Take a moment to look back. What were your mountains? What moments are you most proud of? Don’t rush past them, celebrate them. Write them down, say them out loud, share them with someone who will understand.
Then, turn your gaze forward. Not with dread or pressure but with curiosity and excitement. The year ahead is full of possibilities, and the next mountain is waiting. You’ve already proven you can climb. Now it’s time to ask:
What am I going to do next?
