Arrival Fallacy

If only I get into that school, then I’ll be set for life.

If only I get that internship, then people will respect me.

If only I get that girl, then I’ll be happy.

When that goal is achieved there is a feeling of accomplishment and euphoria. But eventually, everything returns to normal. A sense of accomplishment is replaced by a sense of emptiness.

“I got what I wanted, why am I still not happy?” I ask myself.

This is arrival fallacy. The belief that once I attain a set objective, then I’ll achieve lasting happiness.

The truth is, no external change can change my internal state; that change has to come from within.