The Trap of “I’ll Be Happy When…”

I used to believe happiness was just one milestone away.

“I’ll be happy when I get into Hampton University.”

“I’ll be happy when I graduate.”

“I’ll be happy when I land my dream cybersecurity job.”

“I’ll be happy when I make six figures.”

“I’ll be happy when I get the BMW.”

But each time I reached the goal, I moved the goalpost. Eventually, I realized: I wasn’t living—I was chasing.

And I know I’m not alone.

Most high-achievers have been taught to delay joy, thinking it’ll show up once we “finally make it.”

This is called conditional happiness—the belief that fulfillment comes after achievement.

But research (and my personal journey) tells a different story.

Why Delaying Joy Isn’t the Answer

In The Happiness Advantage, Harvard psychologist Shawn Achor explains:

“Your brain at positive is 31% more productive than at negative, neutral, or stressed.”

Translation? Happiness isn’t the reward for success—it’s the fuel.

When we feel good now, we create better results, faster.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

When I stopped waiting for the next milestone to be “enough,” I found the energy and clarity to:

• Finish my book

• Secure a publisher

• Build a business aligned with my purpose

3 Ways to Stop Delaying Your Happiness

1. Practice Daily “I Have Enough” Gratitude

Each morning, list 3 things you already have that bring peace, pride, or joy.

It trains your brain to focus on abundance, not lack.

2. Set Fulfillment Goals (Not Just Achievement Goals)

Instead of only targeting income or status, try goals like:

• “Protect 1 hour of peace each day”

• “Create without pressure”

3. Celebrate Progress, Not Just End Results

Every small win matters.

When you honor momentum, you make joy part of the journey, not just the destination.

Final Thought

If you’re stuck in the “I’ll be happy when…” cycle—pause. You don’t need permission to feel good.

You can redefine success today.

Because real success isn’t about checking the box.

It’s about building a life that feels as good as it looks.

📘 Want to go deeper?

→ Download a free chapter of my book, Success Starts Within: Click here to download

→ Hire me to speak at your company on burnout recovery & sustainable success: Click here.

Let’s build something better—without the burnout.

Chazz Scott | Leadership & Mindset Coach | Founder, Supra Mentem Consulting

Creator of the Rise & Reclaim Blueprint™ – Helping ambitious professionals break free from burnout and build a life that feels as good as it looks.