#62 Focus on the Journey: Let Go of the Outcome and Reclaim Joy

I used to be laser-focused on the next big thing. Driven. Disciplined. Always achieving. Check the box. Move on. Conquer the next mountain.  And while that mindset brought success, it rarely brought fulfillment. The wins were fleeting. There was always more to do. More to prove. More to reach for. But in the quieter moments—when I hit a wall or ran out of steam—I’d return to the things that felt soothing: working a puzzle, reading a novel, crocheting, or cross-stitching a gift. I never thought of it as “creative work.” It was just what helped me breathe again.

Eventually, the burnout came on too strong. The usual escapes weren’t enough. That’s when I picked up a paintbrush—not for a project, not to master anything, not to post online—just to create something for me. No rules. No pressure. Just playful, curious exploration.  It felt like an exhale.

What I discovered was more than a hobby. It was a new way of being. By giving myself permission to slow down and enjoy the process, I found contentment—something I hadn’t experienced in years.  Because here’s the truth I wish someone had told me earlier:  When we’re obsessed with the destination, we miss the richness of the journey.

Achievement isn’t bad. But if you’re always chasing, you’re rarely savoring. You skip the joy, the lessons, and the you that is unfolding along the way.  Through creativity, I began to notice things differently. I could clear my mind, slow my pace, and become more present with my surroundings. Time began to expand. I felt a spark of excitement that had long been buried.  I started to feel like myself again.

And here’s the beautiful part: the more I practiced creativity, the more I shifted my mindset. I became less reactive, more patient, more joyful, and way more fun to be around (including to myself). I realized that I had the power to shape how I felt, how I responded, and how I lived.

If you’re craving something different in your life—but you’re not sure what—you don’t need a full roadmap. You need a starting point. Creativity is that starting point. It opens the door to your inner wisdom, your joy, and your unique rhythm.

You get to stop rushing. You get to rediscover your spark. You get to live fully, as yourself.

5 Steps to Focus on the Journey and Let Go of the Outcome

1. Start Something Creative—Just for Fun

   Pick up a pen, paintbrush, needle, or camera. Do something that isn’t tied to productivity. Give yourself space to play.

   
   

2. Set a Timer, Not a Goal

   Instead of aiming for a finished product, give yourself 20-30 minutes to enjoy the process. No pressure. Just presence.

   
   

3. Celebrate the Doing, Not the Result

   Afterward, acknowledge what you experienced, not what you made. “I felt calm.” “I stayed present.” “I noticed new ideas.” That’s the real win.

   
   

4. Practice Mindful Awareness

   As you create, pay attention to your senses. What do you see, hear, feel? Let the moment pull you in. Let go of needing to rush.

   
   

5. Reflect, Don’t Judge

   Take a moment to reflect: How did this feel? What did you learn about yourself? Keep a journal. Let your insights be your guide.

You don’t have to have it all figured out.  You just have to be willing to begin—with curiosity, not expectations.  Because the journey is the point. And your creativity? It’s the key to unlocking a life that feels more like you.  Let’s explore it—together.

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