# The Joy of Anticipation: Experiences vs. Products
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Chapter 1: The Paradox of Anticipation
Anticipation is often regarded as one of life's greatest pleasures, but is that universally true? A recent study suggests the joy of looking forward to something is contingent upon what exactly we are anticipating.
On one hand, the excitement derived from waiting can surpass the actual enjoyment of the experience itself. Conversely, many people struggle with impatience, finding it hard to wait for things like a new outfit or a long-awaited vacation. So, which feeling prevails: the thrill of anticipation or the frustration of impatience? The answer varies based on whether we are waiting for a product or an experience.
In a study conducted by psychologist Amit Kumar and his team at Cornell University, 97 participants were divided into two groups. One group imagined spending money on experiences—like a concert or a vacation—while the other focused on purchasing products, such as clothing or electronics.
Participants were then asked to rate their feelings of anticipation and pleasure on a scale. Surprisingly, those anticipating experiences reported a significantly higher level of excitement and positive anticipation—averaging 2.64 points—compared to just 1.37 points from those expecting products.
In a follow-up experiment, Kumar found similar results when participants reflected on past purchases, where experience buyers again reported a more enjoyable anticipation compared to product buyers.
Section 1.1: The Longitudinal Study
Kumar further analyzed data from a long-term study involving thousands of participants registered on trackyourhappiness.org. Almost 2,300 individuals received daily prompts asking about their happiness levels and whether they were contemplating a purchase, specifying if it was an experience or a product.
The findings revealed that those anticipating experiences reported higher happiness levels compared to those focused on material goods. The anticipation of experiences appeared to bring more joy.
Section 1.2: The Case for Experiences
This study adds to the argument that we should prioritize spending on experiences rather than material items—not just because materialism can lead to unhappiness, but also because the anticipation tied to products is often marred by impatience. In contrast, the anticipation of experiences remains largely untainted.
This could be attributed to the way we envision experiences versus products. While we have a clear idea of a new smartphone, the specifics of a vacation in a foreign country remain more abstract and uncertain. Kumar notes, “Thoughts about an experience tend to be more abstract and therefore more satisfying.”
Chapter 2: Anticipation in Action
In the video titled "Trading is a Game of Anticipation, Not Reaction," the concept of anticipation is explored further, emphasizing its critical role in decision-making and happiness.
Another insightful video, "How To Stop Anticipating The Shot," delves into techniques for managing anticipation, providing practical advice for enhancing both personal and professional experiences.