The Arrival Fallacy: The Trap of the Dopamine Crash!

The Arrival Fallacy, according to Malcomson (2025), describes a phenomenon where one anticipates immense happiness once a set objective is completed, only to find a sliver of joy before moving on to the next goal. Yet joy and celebrations are often all too fleeting. After achieving a major milestone, the would-be celebrator often ends up in a mild depression or “slump” caused by crashing dopamine.

Speaking from experience as a student, I yearned to finish high school and be fulfilled in life from the moment I received my first homework assignment. Jumping more than a decade later, I still have the same thought—but now with my Master’s degree. On one hand, these are by no means bad objectives, but they do not provide lasting fulfillment. After college comes finding employment, a nice house, and a beautiful family; the list goes on until we collapse from burnout.

Why is it that our destination seems so special that we hang our hopes and dreams of happiness on it at the cost of feeling miserable in our here-and-now?

The Search for “Enough”

“Why can’t I just be happy?” or “Why do I still feel lacking?” As a mental health therapist trained in Buddhist contemplative practice, I hear these questions frequently from both clients and my own meditation sessions. The short answer relates to the misattribution of gains. The long answer is more complex.

Therapeutically, these destinations often stem from a sense of “lack” within our own minds. We misattribute tangible gains for missing intangible qualities we need to feel ‘okay.’ In therapy, clients may be facilitated to explore their past to gain awareness of their innermost self and realign their true motivation with their current goals.

The Neurobiology of “More”

From a neurobiological perspective, we must understand that dopamine piques most while we are in the process of working toward achievement. The very act of pursuing a goal causes the euphoria we are seeking, but the achievement itself leaves no next marker to strive for.

• Dopamine: The neurotransmitter of anticipation and “more,” driving us forward.

• The Letdown: Once the goal is achieved, dopamine levels often dip, leading to the “crash” many feel after a major victory.

To counter this and prevent anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure) from being triggered, we can practice a two-fold path:

1. Deep Gratitude: Sitting in gratitude to expand our joy of achievement.

2. Continued Engagement: Maintaining a connection with our next goals to keep our neurochemistry engaged.

Finding the Real Motivation

For example, a burnt-out CEO may find that their financial endeavors actually stemmed from being denied parental love; tangible achievement was the condition for receiving affection. The therapeutic result would be for the CEO to find love and acceptance rather than a second or third investment opportunity.

Destination feels empty if the real motivation is unknown. Love and affection represent the intangible component being misattributed by financial achievement. In the end, money feels like paper if the CEO spends it alone. Rather, if that same CEO spent their wealth on an animal sanctuary and developed a genuine connection with their community, that love might finally answer why they were motivated in the first place.

Walking the Path of Self-Discovery

Exploring the authentic self requires time and effort because it involves uncovering suppressed feelings from years of “staying strong.” Being vulnerable toward one’s actual needs takes courage and trust.

Learning the real motivation behind your actions doesn’t just add meaning to the destination; it connects you with your past self without loose ends. The next time you feel exhausted from reaching your goals, ask yourself why you do it in the first place, or visit a therapist to walk the journey of self-discovery with you.

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Written by Charles Asavatesanon; Editorial revisions by Corryn Ling, Marketing Director

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