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A young couple saves for their dream of an apartment bigger than the one they are living in. They envision a larger living space, a nicer kitchen, and the chance to have separate rooms for guests and for themselves. The day they get the house, it feels like a big victory to them, and now their dream grows even bigger. They want a nice personal terrace and a luxury apartment in the city, maybe even a penthouse. Once a dream of having a normal apartment is now just a launchpad for other desires.

This is a very human pattern, and many of us can relate to it. We run after a goal in our minds and work hard to achieve it. Once we get it, it just becomes a stepping stone to another, and our eyes automatically shift to a new goal or target to achieve.

“Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.” -Tony Robbins.

What he's saying points to a big difference between achievement and fulfillment. Success alone might bring momentary happiness and pride, yet fulfillment is usually deeper and longer-lasting. Many people, even after getting what they once desperately wanted, feel a sense of emptiness or yearning for the next accomplishment.

One aspect of the argument is that human beings adapt to their environment and circumstances. So, what used to be outstanding eventually becomes normal. A dream car quickly becomes just an everyday mode of transport, and the old dream is replaced by the one of driving a bigger and/or better car. Promotions in the workplace are a big desire until you get them, and then you start working your way up the ladder again. The dream destination once visited becomes a package of memories, and another destination becomes the new dream place to travel to. Our minds are quick to adjust to our current conditions and start looking forward to what's the next best thing.

However, in our pursuit of future milestones, we can forget that someone else may be dreaming of the life we are already living. A person having trouble paying his bills may want financial stability. Perhaps the one living in uncertainty wishes for a safe home, or a steady job, or the basic comfort of being aware of what will happen tomorrow. Sometimes the things we take for granted are the ones others hope for every day.

This does not mean that ambitions are harmful. Growth, goals, and dreams give life meaning and direction. The problem is that as we grow, our idea of “enough” often changes. What seemed like enough six years back may look minimal now. As we acquire better conditions, our expectations appear to become better along with them.

It seems that there will undoubtedly be another goal to chase, another dream on the horizon. The challenge is not to stop growing. Growth is a natural and essential part of life. The real obstacle is to appreciate the value of what we have already done while moving forward. We can do anything, but without appreciation, we never feel fulfilled.

So, when you reach for a better tomorrow, a significant question to ask yourself is: "Can you truly appreciate what you have today, or will fulfillment always remain one goal away?"