So you think you’ll be happy when you get that big promotion? Maybe not for long. A 2023 study by Margolis and Danaher explored the long-term psychological effects of the arrival fallacy (“I’ll be happy when I get to the next level”) on corporate leaders. The study revealed that those who frequently fall into this mindset are more likely to experience chronic dissatisfaction, even after reaching significant career milestones 🙁
The fleeting nature of happiness after achieving a goal can lead to this never-ending cycle of churn:
- chasing the next achievement
- perpetuating a sense of emptiness
- increasing the risk of burnout 😢
To avoid the pitfalls of chasing external achievements, recent research emphasizes the importance of pursuing goals that are intrinsically meaningful–meaningful to you, not just the company. A 2022 study by Martela and Ryan showed that individuals who pursue meaning-oriented goals aligned with their core values and sense of purpose experience:
- higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction
- greater resilience
- a lower likelihood of burnout, even in high-pressure environments 😀
In the business context, this means that setting goals connected to your personal values and the broader mission of your organization (not just the ol’ bottom line) can result in more sustainable satisfaction.
Research from 2023 by Harrington and Simpson in The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology highlights the link between goal misalignment and burnout. This misalignment creates a dissonance (internal disharmony) that eats up your emotional and mental resources, leading to exhaustion, cynicism, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. Yuck.
To avoid those pitfalls of (1) the arrival fallacy (the belief that you’ll be happy when you get to the finish line) and (2) burnout while still striving for professional success, try the following strategies 🙂
- Set Values-Driven Goals: Align your goals with your core values and long-term vision. Research by Niemiec and colleagues (2021) shows that values-driven goals are more likely to lead to sustained motivation and fulfillment. Pursue objectives that resonate deeply with your sense of purpose, rather than those driven solely by external rewards or pressures.
- Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: Mindfulness practices can help you stay present and appreciate the journey rather than fixating on the destination. A 2022 study by Good et al. found that regular mindfulness practice can reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being. Incorporating gratitude exercises, such as reflecting on daily achievements, can also enhance your sense of satisfaction and reduce the impact of the arrival fallacy.
- Balance Challenge and Realism: While ambitious goals are important, be sure they are realistic and achievable. A 2023 study by Hobfoll and Halbesleben in The Journal of Applied Psychology suggests that setting moderately challenging goals with built-in flexibility leads to better outcomes and reduces the likelihood of stress and burnout. (See my post about flexible goal-setting) for more tips about flexible goals that work)
- Prioritize Well-Being: Blend well-being goals into your personal and professional life. Make time for activities that recharge you, such as exercise, hobbies, and especially social connections. Other people matter to your well-being.
- Embrace Continuous Growth: View personal and professional growth as an ongoing process rather than a series of destinations. A 2022 study by Dweck and Yeager found that adopting a growth mindset is linked to greater resilience, a love of learning, and an ability to adapt to challenges. Celebrate progress, however small, and focus on the skills, knowledge, and experiences you gain along the way 😎
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Still Learning After All These Years!!
- Welcoming clients across the life span who have learning, attention, and executive function challenges to the “New Year” of Fall
- Making a GPTs of my thought leadership knowledge base (books/articles, workshops, guest speaking) and testing it
- Students grow up…so I’m writing about managing executive functions in the workplace
- Testing an app that shares tips, prompts reflection, and builds authentic community
If you’re interested in referring a client; sharing a workplace story for an upcoming book; testing and/or giving feedback about the GPTs, or trying the app, contact me. Share this with a friend 🙂
