The 'Arrival Fallacy' May Be Why Success Hasn't Made You Happy

The “Arrival Fallacy” argues that big life wins may fail to deliver lasting happiness because the brain responds differently to achieving goals than people expect. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar discussed the concept with The New York Times, while Elizabeth Walker, a cognitive behavioural coach and founder of The Empowerment Warrior, explained that high achievers can spend years chasing a target only to feel disappointed once success arrives. A Headway survey cited in the article found that 77% of high achievers consider themselves successful, but 81% still feel behind in at least one area of life. Walker says the excitement from progress can fade quickly as people shift attention to what’s next, especially when expectations are placed on a single milestone.