So I just finished my last business trip of the year and also requalified for my 1K status on United in the process. This year was unique as I qualified via segments (over 120 flights) and miles (over 100,000) flown since January. For me, it’s a good thing as my higher status on the airline makes my flights throughout the year a lot easier.
I’ve seen the countdown to this qualification appear all year long. In August I was able to see if my remaining trips would requalify me. Even though I know my last trip qualified me (with room to spare), I still logged into the United website again to make sure it was indeed true.
And then the goal line was moved.
No, I still have my status, but the visual gauge which was almost filled had now been reduced again and a new countdown had developed until I could get the next set of bonus upgrades.
I have the highest status on United that you can earn (there is one more that they give to certain customers).
I’ve already earned some of the those bonus upgrades.
In other words, I now have a pursuit of something that is really pointless.
In truth, even my current 1K status is a bit pointless (although I do love the perks it provides me throughout my trips).
As much as I do like the United site with its countdown gauge to the status of my mini travel goal for me each year, there has to be a point where we’re satisfied–where we can enjoy the present.
I think a lot of us do this. We cannot celebrate our achievements along the way. We keep looking further and wanting more and more, and even when we reach a peak (like I did today with my 1K status), we extend the goal line.
Don’t get me wrong…
I believe goals are important
I think we should continue to challenge ourselves
I don’t want us to become complacent in our daily lives
But I don’t want us to miss out LIVING our lives because we move the finish line yet again and are unable to appreciate our present.