Are We Living for Our Targets or Missing Life Along the Way?

A few days ago, I heard about someone’s incredible achievements. Years ago, he set a clear target, worked tirelessly toward it, and eventually achieved his goal. It got me thinking—how many of us structure our lives around targets?

We all have dreams or goals we want to achieve. Some of us are deeply passionate about the work required to get there, while others push through tasks they may not enjoy. Either way, life often revolves around reaching these milestones. But what happens if we don’t succeed?

I once met a taxi driver who shared his story with me. He came to the city intending to work for three years to save enough money and achieve his goal. But seven years later, he was still working toward the same target. He admitted that the pressure of chasing this goal had cost him his happiness and strained his family life.

This made me realize that while targets give us direction, they can sometimes bring stress and dissatisfaction. Life is unpredictable. Sometimes we achieve our goals, and sometimes we don’t. But does that mean we should put all our happiness on hold until we succeed?

Targets are good, but balance is better. While chasing goals gives us purpose, it’s equally important to pause and enjoy the journey. Life is full of small, beautiful moments—spending time with loved ones, doing something you enjoy, or simply appreciating the present. These moments may seem small, but they create lasting happiness.

Imagine this: You’re climbing a mountain. The view from the top is breathtaking, but what about the fresh air, the sound of birds, or the joy of the climb itself? Aren’t those moments equally valuable? Short-term joys can lead to long-term fulfillment.

Life is a cycle. Whether you achieve your targets or not, what truly matters is how you live each day. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and find joy in the little things. So, let me ask you:

Are you rushing toward your destination, or are you savoring the journey? Take a moment today to pause. Smile. Enjoy something simple. Because sometimes, happiness is found not in achieving targets but in living fully, one day at a time.