Remember that happiness is a way of travel — not a destination.
Roy M. Goodman
Sobre el autor
Roy M. Goodman (1938-2014) was an American politician who served as a New York State Senator from 1969 to 2002. Born into a wealthy family with strong political connections, Goodman built his reputation through public service. He studied at Harvard University, graduating with honors before launching his political career.
As a Republican representing Manhattan’s “Silk Stocking” district, Goodman stood out for his moderate views. He championed arts funding, environmental protection, and civil rights at a time when such positions weren’t always popular within his party.
While serving as the President of the United Educational Fund, Goodman often spoke about finding balance between ambition and contentment. The famous quote appeared in his 1981 commencement address at Columbia University, where he urged graduates to find joy in their ongoing pursuits rather than pinning all hopes on future achievements.
Friends described Goodman as someone who practiced what he preached. Despite his demanding schedule, he made time for hobbies like sailing and photography. “Roy found beauty in ordinary moments,” recalled his longtime aide Barbara Klein. “He could turn the most routine Senate committee meeting into an opportunity for connection and growth.”
El significado de la cita
This quote offers a powerful shift in how we think about happiness. Many of us fall into the trap of conditional happiness: “I’ll be happy when I get the promotion” or “I’ll be happy once I buy that house.” But this mindset pushes happiness perpetually into the future.
What the quote teaches us is that happiness exists in how we move through life, not in reaching specific endpoints. This wisdom changes everything about our approach to goals and ambitions.
Think of a child learning to ride a bike. While reaching the destination matters, the real joy comes from the wind in their hair, the rush of pedaling faster, and the growing confidence with each attempt. Adults often lose this ability to savor the process.
You can apply this wisdom practically:
Start small by noticing what brings you joy during daily routines. Maybe it’s the first sip of morning coffee or a friendly chat with a coworker. These moments accumulate into a happier life.
Ask yourself regularly: “What am I enjoying about my current situation?” This shifts focus from what’s missing to what’s present.
Try keeping a “good moments” journal where you record brief instances of satisfaction or joy each day. This trains your brain to spot happiness in the journey.
A financial advisor named Sarah tried this approach with clients who kept moving their “happiness goalpost” (“I’ll be happy when I have $X in savings”). She had them list enjoyable aspects of their current financial practices, like the satisfaction of watching small investments grow or the peace of paying bills on time. Clients reported greater contentment without changing their financial goals.
The beauty of seeing happiness as a way of travel is that you need not wait for anything. You can choose to be happy right now, in this moment, as you work toward what matters to you.
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