Years ago, I was sitting on a bench at Union station. An old man sat down next to me and we engaged in conversation. I asked him where he was headed and he replied with glee, “San Francisco!”
Wow, I said, that is a long way to go on the train. His reply: “There is as much fun in getting there as there is in being there.”
This man’s answer has stayed with me and I often think of him in these situations:
- When I am too focused on getting to the outcome
- When it’s time to pause
- When it’s time to remember to be in the moment
Recently, I came across this TED Talk by Professor Srikumar Rao, who developed the first MBA course on Creativity and Personal Mastery. Professor Rao is known as the happiness teacher. Like me, he is a leadership coach and he teaches his students how to achieve success by first plugging into your hard-wired happiness.
I wonder if my traveling acquaintance, from many years ago, realized that he had seized on the secret to happiness and success…
Perhaps something to consider in the new year?
The initial results of my Pivot are excellent. I feel I have much greater clarity regarding the next 3-5 years.. 
Elisa,
Great story and inspiration with which to start 2012.
Enjoy every moment of the journey.
Yes – love the reminder to relish the journey. All the messy bumps and smooth straight-a-ways.
I followed the link to Professor Rao’s Ted video about achieving happiness. I really liked his concept on focusing on process (which I can control) instead of results (which I can’t). That resonated with me.
David,
Thank you for sharing, I agree, focusing on the ride does relieve the stress of getting to the outcome.