I'm just going to add a slight twist: the state of searching is a miserable one.
This is a very good point. There is value to taking some time to appreciate the "now". There is nothing wrong with having dreams and goals, and it is also okay to admit that you might not *know* at this exact moment what you want to do in life.
Sometimes it can take quite awhile to learn what you really want to do, when you take time to learn and separate what *you* want, versus what *others* want for you. I've seen myself people who spent a bunch of time investing their lives in something they didn't care about at all because their families wanted them to chase a path that they thought were right for them.
Learning to be present and invested in the "now" while acknowledging your goals are certainly worth going after, while also realizing that your dreams don't define you, is a good balance. Dreams can change in the drop of a hat, as well. I know I have had several things I wanted to achieve in life, and sometimes I would realize that one "achievement" didn't have as much value as what I ended up going after. Dreams have value, but are also transitive, and can change as you learn more about yourself and what you ultimately want out of your life.
Sure, it might pay out/off. But until - well, *if* - it does, you're basically telling yourself you can't/won't be happy/satisfied/fulfilled until <temporal/spatial criteria>.
This is absolutely right. Letting your goal define you is certainly not something you want to do, because you won't allow yourself to take that time to enjoy the "now" and find value in the things that are around you at this exact moment. Sit with yourself for awhile and contemplate on things that really matter to you - because goals are also often influenced by external forces.
Ignoring what you've been told you are and finding out for yourself what you are is the only way you will truly "know yourself", as cheesy as that sounds, and know what your "purpose" in life is.
Don't let that drive to achieve a dream *consume* you, but *motivate* you, and never forget the value of taking time to appreciate the here and now.
"It does not do to dwell on dreams, and forget to live."
Albus Dumbledore