Key to appreciating life

Christian Richomme, a psychoanalyst, suggests that the common trait among people who appreciate life the most is their ability to avoid a specific mistake: living constantly in anticipation of the next step.

Present moment matters

Optimistic individuals often focus on the present moment and fully savor life. Richomme points out that people often assume the happiest individuals have simpler, more stable, or luckier lives, but what truly sets them apart is how they experience their daily life.

Avoiding the "after" mindset

The mistake people make is constantly looking forward to the next step in life. Richomme explains that while it is natural for the brain to be drawn to goals, which drive motivation, living permanently with the idea of "after" can prevent individuals from enjoying what is already happening around them.

Savoring the journey

People who truly savor life do not abandon their ambitions but continue to build projects, grow, and dream. This is reflected in daily life through the ability to find pleasure in simple moments like a shared coffee, a walk, or a sincere conversation.

Psychology of savoring

In psychology, the ability to savor is defined as consciously prolonging positive emotions rather than letting them pass unnoticed. However, many people today live in a state of constant acceleration, moving from one task to the next without truly experiencing the moment.

Learning to slow down

The solution, according to Richomme, is learning to savor the present moment. This does not require changing one's life but involves slowing down, focusing on what is currently being experienced, and avoiding the urge to immediately move on to something else. This presence in daily life can lead to a lasting sense of satisfaction.