The Joy of Anticipation: Why Looking Ahead Makes Us Happier
There’s a special kind of happiness that shows up before something even happens.
It’s the quiet excitement of counting down the days to a vacation. The small thrill of planning a weekend brunch. The simple comfort of knowing your favorite dinner is waiting for you at the end of a long day.
This feeling has a name: anticipation. And research shows it plays a decisive role in our overall happiness.
Why Anticipation Matters
Anticipation is the positive emotion we feel when we look forward to something we expect to enjoy. While we often focus on how happy an event will make us when it happens, psychologists have found that the happiness we experience before the event can be just as meaningful—sometimes even more so.
When we anticipate something enjoyable, our brain releases dopamine, a chemical associated with motivation and pleasure. This creates a sense of excitement, hope, and forward momentum. In other words, anticipation gives us something positive to hold onto, especially during routine or stressful days.
Instead of living only in the present moment, anticipation allows us to gently lean into the future in a way that feels uplifting rather than overwhelming.
The Happiness Boost of Planning Small Joys
Big events like vacations often get the spotlight, but anticipation doesn’t have to involve major plans or expensive trips. In fact, some of the most reliable sources of happiness come from looking forward to small, everyday pleasures.
Think about:
A favorite meal you’ve planned for later in the week
A walk in the sunshine after work
A phone call with someone you love
A weekend morning with no alarms
These small joys create mini “anchors” in your schedule—moments that help pull you forward through the day or week. Even during challenging times, knowing something pleasant is coming can make the present feel more manageable.
Anticipation vs. Instant Gratification
We live in a world that encourages instant gratification. Streaming, same-day delivery, and endless scrolling make it easy to get quick bursts of pleasure whenever we want them.
But anticipation works differently.
Instead of providing a fast hit of happiness that fades quickly, anticipation stretches joy over time. You experience it when you plan the activity, while you wait for it, and again when it finally happens. That extended timeline makes anticipation a surprisingly effective tool for happiness.
Slowing down and allowing yourself to look forward to something rather than rushing to consume it immediately can actually deepen your sense of enjoyment.
How Anticipation Helps During Difficult Seasons
Anticipation becomes especially important when life feels heavy or uncertain. When days blur together or stress feels constant, having something to look forward to can offer a feeling of hope and stability.
It doesn’t erase difficulties, but it can soften them. Anticipation reminds us that life isn’t only about getting through today; it’s also about what’s waiting on the other side.
Even very small plans can serve this purpose. A favorite podcast episode, a relaxing evening ritual, or a simple treat can become a bright spot that helps you carry on.
Simple Ways to Invite More Anticipation into Your Life
You don’t need a packed calendar to benefit from anticipation. Here are a few gentle ways to cultivate it:
Plan one small joy each week. Write it down so it feels real.
Create simple rituals. A weekly coffee date with yourself or a Friday movie night can become something you genuinely look forward to.
Leave a little space. Not every pleasure needs to be immediate. Let some things wait.
Talk about upcoming plans. Sharing anticipation with others often makes it stronger.
The key is intention. When you consciously notice what you’re looking forward to, you increase its emotional impact.
Looking Forward to What’s Next
Anticipation isn’t about living in the future or wishing time away. It’s about allowing hope, excitement, and joy to coexist with the present moment.
By allowing yourself to look forward to things, you create more opportunities for happiness to happen naturally over time.
Sometimes, happiness doesn’t come from what’s happening right now. Sometimes, it comes from knowing something good is on the way.
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.
