Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Stitcher
Are you caught up in the cycle of “I will be happy when…”? Do you find yourself constantly delaying self-care, happiness, and enjoyment of life? If so, you’re not alone. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of postponing our own joy. But here’s the thing: life is short, and we shouldn’t wait for some future moment to start living our best lives. It’s time to debunk a sneaky lie we tell ourselves that steals our happiness.
A Sneaky Lie We Tell Ourselves That Steals Our Happiness
The Consequences of Delaying Happiness
The realization that life can be unpredictable and fleeting often hits us hard when we witness unexpected tragedies. One of our family friends lost her husband in a car accident, and it really shook our community. These events serve as poignant reminders that life doesn’t always go according to plan. We can’t afford to postpone our happiness indefinitely because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
The Lie We Believe: “I Will When…”
The lie we tell ourselves comes in the form of an “I will when” mentality. We convince ourselves that we’ll be happy, content, or satisfied once we achieve a specific goal or condition. Whether it’s losing weight, reaching a financial milestone, or waiting for the perfect moment, we keep pushing our enjoyment of life into the future. But this lie is robbing us of the present moment—the only time we truly have.
Breaking Free from the Cycle
Our brains are wired to constantly move the goalposts for happiness. When we achieve one milestone, we immediately set our sights on the next. This perpetual chasing of the carrot keeps us trapped in the cycle of postponing happiness. It’s so important to seize the day, enjoy the present, and make our lives as extraordinary as we can.
Understanding Why We Fall for the Lie
There are various reasons why we fall for the “I will when” lie. We may associate busyness with importance and a sense of purpose. The constant pursuit of accomplishments gives us an endorphin hit, reinforcing the belief that productivity equals happiness. Or maybe we find it uncomfortable to fully embrace moments of contentment, leading us to quickly move on to the next thing.
Taking Action and Embracing Happiness Now
The key to breaking free from the lie is taking a small, powerful step. Identify one area of your life where you’ve been delaying happiness and commit to experiencing it this week. Allow yourself to fully enjoy that moment without guilt or regrets. Be prepared for the resistance from your own mind, but challenge it by reminding yourself that life is short and you deserve to savor every moment.
A Sneaky Lie We Tell Ourselves That Steals Our Happiness
Don’t let the lie of postponing happiness dictate your life. Recognize that happiness and enjoyment are available to you right now, regardless of external circumstances. Life is a precious gift, and it’s up to us to seize each day and make the most of it. So, let go of the “I will when” mentality, embrace happiness now, and start living your extraordinary life—one joyful moment at a time.