Anticipation Versus Destination

The idea that anticipation is more fun than what is actually being anticipated has always interested me.  This is best illustrated by the idea that children spend the month of December dreaming of the gifts they will receive on the 25th but often have forgotten them and returned to boredom by the 1st of January.  To me this is all about anticipation.

I see this same phenomena in other places.  My dogs love treats.  If I pull a treat out and point to their crate they will jump in and wait. And wait.  And wait.  I can do this and put the treat on top of their crate while I finish preparing to leave the house and they will patiently sit in the crate and just wait.  However, once they are given the treat and the door to the crate is closed, they will start whining after just a few minutes.  The problem is that the treat was worth the anticipation and overwhelmed any negative perception of being in the crate.  Once the treat and the anticipation are gone, everything returns to normal - boring.  I wonder just how long the dogs will have the thrill of anticipation if I just lay the treat on top of the crate and leave it there.  This would provide the maximum possible amount of enjoyment, although with the worst possible eventual outcome.

Why all this talk about anticipation?  Because I like to use this concept in my own life.  I don't plan last minute vacations because that defeats the purpose.  The build up to a vacation is as beneficial to me as the actual trip itself.  I like to do this with little things as well.  Getting through a rough day at work can be easier when I focus on what I will have for supper, spending time with my family or my favorite television show.

Try putting this into practice.  Anticipate something today and see what happens!!!