One of my favorite shirts says, “The Pursuit IS Happiness.” And the older I get, the more I realize how true that is.

We live in a culture built around the myth of arrival. We convince ourselves that once we finally get the right job, the right income, the right home, or the right circumstances, then we’ll be happy. Then life will slow down. Then balance will arrive. Then joy will fill in the gaps.

The problem with this finish-line thinking is that the finish line always moves. As soon as we reach one milestone, another one takes its place. We never actually arrive at the achievement or accomplishment we thought would bring contentment. And when we’re living only for tomorrow, it steals the joy of today.

As I wrote in my last article:

“Busyness isn’t purpose. And activity isn’t impact.” 

Arrival is a myth because life doesn’t pause when you hit the milestone. The calendar doesn’t magically free up. The stress doesn’t automatically disappear.

The Gift of Tension

The tension of life is real. But tension itself is not the enemy.

I used to get so frustrated with our schedules—sports, dance, kids’ activities. It felt like there was never enough time to do the things I wanted to do. I even resented going to practices, the traffic, the long car rides. It all felt like busyness for the sake of busyness.

But over time, I realized the problem wasn’t the schedule—it was my perspective. When my perspective shifted, everything else did too. I began to cherish those drives and practices with my kids and my wife. What I once saw as a burden became an opportunity: teachable moments with my kids, fun conversations, and funny memories that we still laugh about today.

Tension isn’t bad in itself. In fact, tension is necessary. Just like in working out, where the tension on your muscles is what makes them stronger, the tension of daily life—if handled the right way—can make you stronger too.

We can let it steal our joy, or we can learn to embrace it. We can resent the rushing around, or we can find purpose in it by being fully present—cheering at the game, encouraging our kids, connecting with other parents, and recognizing that these moments are shaping both us and our families.

The truth is, life will always pull us between today and tomorrow. We’re pursuing what’s ahead while trying to enjoy what’s right in front of us. That’s the tension. And if we’re intentional, that tension can actually be a gift—it keeps us grounded in today while still calling us forward toward the future.

The key is balance: faith, family, finances, friends, fun, fitness, fulfillment. When those priorities are in order, the tension doesn’t have to overwhelm us. Instead, it can help us live more deeply in the pursuit of tomorrow while still savoring today.

Faith Changed Everything for Me

Here’s what I’ve discovered: life is never without trouble. The Bible even says, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). It’s not if—it’s when.

That’s why faith doesn’t guarantee perfect outcomes as we often define them. But for me, when I put my faith at the center, everything changed.

A few years ago, I was involved in a project I was uniquely qualified for. I poured months of work into it. I prayed, I prepared, I worked hard, and I felt confident in what I had put together. Regardless of the outcome, I believed my efforts would move the organization in the right direction.

But when it came time for a decision, it didn’t go my way. I was mad. Frustrated. I even questioned my purpose in being involved. That night I went up to my cabin and went to bed still angry. But the next morning, during my quiet time, I woke up with a peace that could only have come from God.

In that moment, I felt Him telling me: “I didn’t ask you to be right or to get your way. I asked you to do your part and trust Me with the outcome. If you got everything right, where would My glory be?”

That morning changed me. My stress and disappointment disappeared. And since then, I’ve given Him the outcome—not just in that project, but in my business, my leadership, and even my parenting. My role is to do my part faithfully and passionately, then release the results to God.

And here’s the incredible part: while I didn’t get my way, God still used the work I had done to move the organization forward—but in a way that brought glory to Him, not me. That realization became one of the biggest growth moments in my faith over the last decade.

The Pursuit Is the Best Life

Living your best life isn’t about perfection, and it isn’t about waiting for someday. It’s about taking the time to determine what is most meaningful to you—for both today and tomorrow—and then living in the tension of making the most of today while still pursuing tomorrow.

That’s why I’ve started answering the question, “How are you doing?” with: “Living my best life.”

Not because I’ve arrived. But because I’m intentionally pursuing what matters most—faith, family, friendships, health, and purpose—today.

I have a good friend who often answers that question with, “Chasing the dream.” And I know what he means. He’s pursuing something greater, striving forward, and he truly does live life to the fullest. He loves his family and is very successful. But that phrase always makes me pause. Because words matter. The way we answer even a simple question can shape our thoughts, our outlook, and even our actions for the day.

If I’m always “chasing the dream,” then I’m focused on a future that hasn’t yet arrived. Yes, we should plan, prepare, and strive for tomorrow. But not at the expense of today. Living your best life means enjoying the right here, right now—in faith, in family, in friendship, in health—while still moving forward with purpose.

The pursuit is happiness. The pursuit is purpose. The pursuit is the best life.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

• What does your best life look like right now—not someday, but today?
• How do you personally balance the tension between pursuing tomorrow and enjoying today?

I’d love to hear your perspective—drop a comment and share how you’re navigating your journey.

Stop waiting for “arrival.” Start asking the harder questions. Because someday may never come.

The PURSUIT is the best life.