What will you do when you get what you want? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself this question?

I haven’t. Not really. Probably because answering it requires first defining what it is you want, and that’s a question I’ve danced around most of my life. Outside of wanting a family, I’ve never had a crystal-clear vision. Even with that, I didn’t spend much time thinking about what I’d do once I had it. When I finally got there, some answers emerged, but new questions quickly followed.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting more on life’s goals and choices. It brings me back to that core question: What will I do when I catch the things I said I wanted?

Catching the Car

There are countless stories of people who "caught the car," reaching the pinnacle of success. They come in every flavor, enough to confirm any bias you have about what it means to get there.

You’ve got the walk-away-at-the-top stories, like Bill Gates stepping back from Microsoft to focus on philanthropy or Oprah Winfrey building a media empire before shifting to more personal, meaningful projects. Then there are the cautionary tales, like Nikola Tesla, who died penniless despite transforming the world, or Amy Winehouse, whose incredible talent came at the cost of her well-being.

And of course, there are those who get to the top and deeply regret what it cost them, like the countless CEOs who later reflect on the time they lost with their families or the mental toll of relentless ambition. Jim Carrey famously said, "I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer."

The point is, success isn’t a one-size-fits-all outcome. You can find examples to justify almost any perspective. But what about your story? If you took the time to really think about what you’d do when you "caught your car," how would that shift the choices you make today?

Barking at Every Car

I’m the dog that barks at every car and chases down most of them.

It’s had some surprising benefits. I often find myself in situations I’m wildly unqualified for, discussing big ideas with people who are probably wasting their time on me. It’s uncomfortable, sure, but it’s opened doors I never would’ve knocked on otherwise.

On the flip side, this scattershot approach means I’ve likely let more meaningful cars pass by. I’ve been so busy chasing a car that I didn’t stop to notice if it was a Pinto while Ferraris rolled by.

And that’s the thing: without a clear idea of what I’m after, I’ve spent years zigzagging between opportunities, never fully committing to any of them.

Learning to Be Selective

Now, as I approach 40, I’m starting to see the value in picking my cars more carefully. It’s a humbling realization. Some people figure this out early in life, but I’m not one of them.

Looking back, I see whispers of what I’ve always wanted. Those dreams were often muffled by fear—fear of catching the car, fear of the unexpected outcomes, and fear of facing the reality that dreams are never as neat as the idea of them.

But now, I’m learning to be more deliberate. Writing every day, streaming consistently, and diving deeper into coding are all part of that commitment. They’re not just random goals. They’re things I’ve wanted for years but kept letting distractions derail.

Funny enough, the more I lean into what I really want, the less I notice the other distractions zooming by. The noise fades.

And yes, I can almost hear the collective groan of 20-somethings rolling their eyes. “Obviously, man. How are you just figuring this out now?” To which I can only reply: I don’t know. I wasn’t ready then, but I am now. So, eff off, you young brats.

Why Thinking About the Finish Line Matters

Here’s what I’m starting to realize: taking the time to think about what you’ll do when you catch the car is just as important as understanding why you’re chasing it in the first place.

Sometimes, we fixate so much on the pursuit itself that we forget to plan for what comes next. When you catch the car, will it take you where you want to go? Will it add value to your life, or will you find yourself stuck with something you didn’t really want after all?

Thinking about what happens after can bring surprising clarity to the choices you make now. It’s not just about knowing why you’re chasing something. It’s about picturing the life you’re building once you get there.

Because here’s the thing: catching the car is never the end of the story. It’s the beginning of what comes next.