On a day to day basis I’m always intrigued by the amount of people who come to me in search of a how to ‘accomplish’ this or that. They are seeking ways to overcome whatever it is that stands in their way or they are afraid of in hopes that they will finally reach a destination and accomplish what they set out to do in order to be called a ‘success’
What is it that they see so important about accomplishment and indeed what does that word even mean?
In social gatherings it has always perplexed me that people will seemingly run towards people who show that they have great wealth, and at the same time ignore the writer, teacher or artist that may have contributed greatly to society, but just doesn’t’ have the ‘bling’ that goes with it…I’m sure you’ve experienced the same. I mean is it really that important that the watch be a Patek Philippe (Rolex is so pedestrian) and the clothing be Gucci or is it more important as to the who is wearing those clothes? Does it matter what car they drive or is it more important who is behind the wheel or any car? Does the accomplishment have to do with what one has gained or what one has given?
What is the measure of accomplishment and the subsequent success?
For me accomplishment isn’t tied to the possession of things or the accumulation of wealth, instead it has something more to do with what one becomes through the process of doing the task. For it is in the striving that we become better than where we began and accomplish a level of success that we had not previously known. The word ‘wealth’ in and of itself can have many meanings right? Some people say ‘health is wealth’ others would say your greatest wealth is family… so why is it today that we as a society are so focused on accomplishment and success being related to only one type of wealth?
I completely agree with Robert Louis Stevenson who says: “That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and women and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had”