You get to the end of a book or a movie, and the words “THE END” appear on the page or screen.

But do you ever wonder what happens to the characters AFTER the end? Because if it were real life, the story would continue.

So, is it THE END?

I recently wrote “The End” for the third and final novel in the Ascending Ladder series: Embracing Trust.

But I know it’s not really “the end”. Not for me, anyway. There are more feedback cycles and more editing to be done. Not to mention all the prep work for the launch next year. (February 24 to be exact.) Even once the book is published, there is still more work to be done, perhaps even starting another one.

What really struck me in this process is that what we often think of as “the end” to something in our lives is never a true end. It’s always the start of something new or different.

Yet, we get so focused on the “end” or the end goal. We think once we get there, we will be happy or satisfied or fulfilled.

We might be for a moment or two.

Then, we are faced with another blank slate. What’s the next goal? What do I need NOW to make me happy?

The reality is that happiness and joy and fulfillment are found in the process, not “the end”.

Yes, the end feels good. We’ve accomplished something. I sure felt good when I wrote “the end” for Embracing Trust.

But I also felt good when I was writing and editing along the way. I enjoy the creative process as much if not more than the satisfaction of “completion”.

Because completion often feels flat. A let down. If not in the moment, a day or two later. Oh, the promised land wasn’t there. Where do you look for it next?

The truth is that you were always in the promised land. You just forgot to notice because you were too focused on “the end.”

How often has that happened to you? I know it has for me. I’ve always been very goal-oriented, which has its advantages. But I’ve also lost the joy of the journey in my obsession with the goal.

What goal are you focused on right now? What are you going to “get” when you reach it? And are you enjoying your process and progress?

Yes, it’s good to have goals, but just remember that reaching the goal isn’t the end. So make sure that the journey is as important as the goal. Maybe even more so.

And yes, I needed this reminder, too.