Day 24: Finding Joy in the Journey—Reflections on Deferred Dreams

Today, I found myself reflecting on the concept of deferred happiness—that familiar feeling that true fulfillment is somewhere just out of reach, waiting in the future. I think most entrepreneurs know it well: the idea that one day, with enough hustle and perseverance, all of the pieces will fall into place and every late night, every sacrifice will feel worth it. But in chasing that distant “someday,” I wonder if I’m missing the chance to feel the joy and purpose that are already here, in the messy middle of building something new.

My career has certainly come with its fair share of deferred dreams. I’ve tried—three times—to secure backing from Y Combinator, pitching an app idea I still believe in, something I call Styleboard. The idea is a mobile interface for consuming clothing and style in a better, more engaging way. But each time, my application has been rejected. The startup world is a whirlwind of high-stakes bets, and I’ve come to realize that many early-stage incubators, especially the high-profile ones, are looking for ventures with an established product-market fit or are placing bets on fresh, young college grads with breakthrough tech.

So, here I am, bootstrapping my way forward. I’ve turned off Google Ads, decided it was too costly, and am shifting my focus to social media—a space I’m still learning to navigate and grow. With tools like Dot Lung’s social media course, I’m doing my best to create a space where my ideas can take shape and connect with others in a meaningful way. But this process is slower than I imagined. Progress is incremental, and some days, I wonder if I’m on the right path.

In these moments, I’ve started to ask myself: What if happiness isn’t something I have to defer? What if it’s here now, in this journey I’m on, in the work I do each day? I’m already waking up and doing what I love, finding moments of inspiration and satisfaction in every step forward. Maybe the dream isn’t just about reaching the destination; maybe it’s about embracing and valuing each part of the journey itself.

Of course, it would be wonderful to have that external validation—to feel recognized, to know that others see the value in what I’m building. We all want to feel seen and appreciated for our work. But lately, I’m learning to find my own validation. I’m here, doing the work, building something from scratch, and that is worth celebrating.

So, yes, there are dreams I still hope to reach. But I’m learning to pause, to look around, and to recognize that this moment—this now—is as much a part of my journey as any future success. I may not be there yet, but I’m realizing that the process, the resilience, and even the setbacks are valuable. And perhaps, this path I’m on—unpredictable, full of pivots and progress—is the dream I’ve been chasing all along.