The Psychology of Anticipation: Why Waiting for an Adventure Can Be the Hardest Part
There’s something uniquely agonizing about waiting for an adventure you’ve been dreaming of. It’s not just the passage of time that feels slow—it’s the mental tug-of-war between excitement and impatience, preparation and doubt. Aaron McFarland’s journey to hike the Long Trail in 2026 is a perfect case study in this phenomenon. His story isn’t just about hiking; it’s about the human condition, the way we grapple with anticipation, and the unexpected lessons we learn along the way.
The Paradox of Patience and Impatience
Aaron describes himself as an ‘impatient patient person,’ and I find this self-awareness fascinating. It’s a paradox many of us can relate to. We’re willing to invest time in long-term goals—like watching a tree grow or perfecting a skill—but when it comes to something we’re passionately looking forward to, the wait becomes almost unbearable. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reveals our relationship with time. When we’re excited about something, time seems to stretch, each day feeling like an eternity. Yet, when we’re in the moment, time flies.
Personally, I think this tension between patience and impatience is what makes us human. It’s the same reason we binge-watch shows but struggle to wait for the next season. Aaron’s eagerness to start his Long Trail hike isn’t just about the hike itself; it’s about the emotional investment he’s already made. He’s not just waiting for a date on the calendar—he’s waiting for a transformation, a test of his limits, and a chance to reconnect with nature.
The Prep Work: More Than Just Physical Training
Aaron’s preparation for the Long Trail is impressive. He’s hiked hundreds of miles, invested in gear, and even dehydrated his own meals. But what strikes me most is the mental and emotional prep work he’s doing. He’s reflecting on past mistakes, planning meticulously, and balancing his life outside of hiking. This raises a deeper question: How much of our success in any endeavor depends on this kind of holistic preparation?
From my perspective, the physical training is the easy part. It’s the mental and emotional preparation that separates those who thrive from those who merely survive. Aaron’s decision to hike with a 30-pound backpack on every outing isn’t just about building strength—it’s about building resilience. It’s about getting comfortable with discomfort, which is arguably the most important skill for any long-distance hike.
The Waiting Game: A Test of Mindset
Aaron’s question—‘Is the waiting harder than the Long Trail?’—is more profound than it seems. Waiting isn’t just about passing time; it’s about managing expectations, doubts, and fears. He’s fretting over the usual concerns: fitness, mental stamina, and whether he’ll even enjoy the experience. What many people don’t realize is that this anxiety is a sign of how much the adventure means to him. If he didn’t care, he wouldn’t worry.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Aaron’s mindset shifts as the start date approaches. A year ago, 2026 felt like an eternity away. Now, with just a month to go, he’s feeling the crunch. This duality—wanting time to speed up while also wishing for more of it—is a classic symptom of anticipation. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, both terrified and exhilarated by the jump.
The Broader Implications: Why This Matters
Aaron’s story isn’t just about hiking the Long Trail. It’s about the universal experience of pursuing a dream. Whether it’s starting a business, writing a book, or embarking on a personal journey, the waiting game is always the hardest part. What this really suggests is that the journey begins long before we take the first step. It starts in our minds, with the decision to try, the commitment to prepare, and the willingness to face uncertainty.
If you take a step back and think about it, the waiting period is where growth happens. It’s where we confront our fears, refine our plans, and build the resilience we’ll need for the challenges ahead. Aaron’s story is a reminder that the hardest part of any adventure isn’t the physical demands—it’s the mental and emotional preparation that comes before.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Anticipation
As Aaron counts down the days to his Long Trail hike, I can’t help but feel a sense of admiration for his dedication. His story is a testament to the power of anticipation and the human spirit’s ability to dream big. Personally, I think the waiting is hard because it forces us to confront our deepest desires and fears. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also where the magic happens.
In the end, the Long Trail isn’t just a hike for Aaron—it’s a metaphor for life. It’s about embracing the unknown, trusting the process, and finding joy in the journey, even when it feels like time is standing still. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the whole point.
