Real Estate

Enjoying the Journey: Why the Process Matters More Than the Destination

December 10, 20243 min read

Enjoying the Journey: Why the Process Matters More Than the Destination


“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
You’ve probably heard this saying before. It sounds cliché, right? But like most clichés, there’s a deep truth buried in there. Whether you're building a business, improving your health, or chasing a dream, focusing too much on the outcome often blinds us to what really matters: the experience along the way.

In real estate, entrepreneurship, or even life, we often get caught in a trap. We think, “I’ll be happy when I close this deal, reach financial freedom, or hit my goal weight.” But what if that mindset is exactly what’s robbing you of true fulfillment?

Let’s unpack why enjoying the journey is not just important—it’s essential.


The Illusion of the Destination

We’ve all been there. You set a big goal—buying your first rental property, starting a business, or hitting a specific income milestone. It becomes all you think about. You grind, sacrifice, and hustle, convinced that when you reach that “destination,” life will magically feel perfect.

But here’s the secret: hitting the goal rarely feels as good as you think it will.

The celebration is fleeting. After a day or two, you’re already chasing the next goal. Why? Because fulfillment doesn’t come from arriving—it comes from how you live while you’re moving toward it.

The process is where life happens. The lessons, growth, and joy are all in the doing, not the arriving.


The Growth Is in the Journey

Think about the last time you achieved something big. The true satisfaction probably came not from the result itself, but from what you overcame along the way.

  • The late nights figuring out a problem.

  • The moment you found courage to take a risk.

  • The friendships or partnerships formed in the trenches.

This is the stuff of life. The hard days where you doubted yourself, only to push through and realize you’re capable of so much more—that’s where growth happens.

If you’re only focused on reaching a destination, you miss these powerful moments of transformation.


Finding Joy in the Day-to-Day

So how can you enjoy the journey, even when the end feels so far away? Here are a few practical tips:

  1. Celebrate Small Wins
    Break big goals into smaller milestones and celebrate when you hit them. Closed a small deal? Took a big step toward your fitness goal? That’s progress—enjoy it.

  2. Be Present
    Instead of constantly looking ahead, ask yourself, “What can I learn or appreciate about today?” Whether it’s a new insight, a great conversation, or simply a sunny afternoon, there’s always something to savor.

  3. Focus on Who You’re Becoming
    The journey shapes you into someone stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Recognize and celebrate the person you are becoming, not just what you’re accomplishing.

  4. Have Fun Along the Way
    Life is too short to take it so seriously. Find ways to enjoy the process—connect with like-minded people, laugh through the struggles, and do things that light you up.


The Journey Is Where Your Story Lives

At the end of the day, your life isn’t defined by the end result—it’s defined by your story. And stories are built on experiences, struggles, and moments that matter.

When you look back, you won’t care as much about the number in your bank account or the awards on your shelf. You’ll remember the people you met, the lessons you learned, and the times you showed up for yourself when it wasn’t easy.

So, if you’re working toward financial freedom, better health, or any big goal, don’t rush the process. Don’t fixate on the end. Learn to love the messy, imperfect, beautiful journey that gets you there.

Because that’s where life truly happens.


Final Thought:
Enjoy the journey. Grow through the challenges. And remember—getting there is great, but how you get there is what makes it worth it.


What part of your journey are you learning to love right now? Drop a comment and share—it’s always better when we do this together.

Real estate investor

Steven D. Unruh

Real estate investor

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