“Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them.”
This simple yet profound observation comes from L.M. Montgomery, the celebrated author of Anne of Green Gables. The quote captures a universal human experience. It suggests that the joy we derive from an event is not confined to the moment it happens. Instead, a significant portion of that happiness comes from the period of anticipation leading up to it. The excitement of planning, the thrill of counting down the days, and the daydreams of what’s to come are powerful sources of pleasure in themselves.
This idea isn’t just poetic; it has a firm basis in psychology. Our brains are wired to enjoy the wait. When we anticipate a positive experience, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Interestingly, research shows this dopamine release is often more significant during the anticipatory phase than during the actual event. This neurological process explains why the build-up to a vacation, a holiday, or a special occasion can feel so exhilarating. Source
The Science of Savoring the Future
Psychologists refer to the enjoyment of future events as “anticipatory savoring.” It is an active process of mentally picturing a future positive experience. This mental simulation allows us to feel the associated positive emotions in advance. For example, thinking about an upcoming beach trip lets you almost feel the sun on your skin and hear the waves. This act of looking forward provides a steady stream of small joys, enriching our daily lives long before the main event occurs.
Furthermore, this process can actually enhance the eventual experience. By anticipating an event, we mentally prepare ourselves to enjoy it more fully. We consider what we want to get out of it, which helps us be more present and engaged when the time comes. The journey of looking forward builds a narrative and an emotional investment. This investment makes the final destination feel much more rewarding. The pleasure is not just in the arrival but in the entire journey of getting there.
How to Cultivate Joyful Anticipation
We can intentionally incorporate this principle into our lives to boost our overall happiness. The key is to create things to look forward to, no matter how small. Instead of living for a single big vacation each year, try planning smaller, more frequent events. This could be a weekly coffee date with a friend, a monthly trip to a new restaurant, or even just setting aside a specific evening to watch a movie you’re excited about.
Another effective strategy is to engage deeply in the planning process. If you are planning a trip, for instance, don’t just book the flights and hotel. Instead, spend time researching local cafes, mapping out scenic walks, and creating a playlist for the journey. Each of these small planning activities becomes a mini-event to look forward to. Consequently, you extend the period of positive anticipation and multiply the sources of your joy.
Managing Expectations: The Other Side of the Coin
However, there is a potential pitfall to consider. What happens when our anticipation builds an event up so much that the reality can’t possibly measure up? This is the danger of unrealistic expectations. If we fixate on a perfect, idealized version of an event, we might set ourselves up for disappointment. The long-awaited party might have a moment of awkward silence, or the