The Myth of ‘Someday’: Why Waiting Is Killing Your Joy

Have you ever caught yourself saying…

• “I’ll be happy when I lose the weight.”

• “Once I make more money, I’ll finally relax.”

• “When things slow down, I’ll focus on myself.”

  
  

  

  
  

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not alone. We’ve been conditioned to delay happiness—to believe that joy is something we earn after we’ve checked all the boxes, hit all the milestones, and solved all the problems.

But here’s the hard truth: “Someday” is a lie.

The Happiness Horizon Keeps Moving

The more we chase external achievements thinking they’ll finally make us happy, the more we realize the goalposts just keep shifting. You get the raise… and now you want the promotion. You lose the weight… and suddenly your focus shifts to looking younger. You meet the partner… and now you’re wondering why you’re still not fulfilled.

Joy, when delayed, becomes a mirage—always just out of reach.

Why We Wait

So why do we wait? Here are a few common reasons:

1. Perfectionism: We think conditions have to be perfect to “deserve” joy.

2. Fear: We’re scared that if we slow down and enjoy life, we’ll lose momentum.

3. Guilt: We feel bad prioritizing our own happiness when others are struggling.

4. Belief systems: Maybe you were raised to believe that struggle is noble, or that happiness is frivolous.

These beliefs are often invisible, but they quietly sabotage our ability to be fully alive.

Joy Is a Daily Choice, Not a Future Destination

Here’s the truth I help my clients embrace: Joy is available now. Even in chaos. Even in uncertainty. Even if not everything is “fixed.”

It’s not about ignoring pain or pretending things are perfect. It’s about making space for delight, gratitude, and presence—right where you are.

Joy lives in the tiny moments:

• Morning light hitting your face.

• Laughing with a friend.

• Using your five senses in nature.

• Saying yes to something that lights you up.

You don’t need a new life to feel joy. You need new eyes for the life you already have.

A Joy Challenge for You

This week, choose one joyful thing per day—no matter how small. A walk, music, dancing in your kitchen, five deep breaths in the sun.

Don’t wait. Don’t earn it. Just choose it.

Then notice: What shifts?

Have a "joy-filled" day...

Lynn