Achieving vs Becoming

When we set goals, we often want tangible outcomes. I will earn a million dollars this year. I will take my family around the world. I will get six pack abs.

It is a wonderful feeling when you cross the finish line and achieve what you desired. But this tangible outcome isn’t of much value in itself. Cause the real value lies in the journey, the process that changes you as a person.

Earning all that money will add to your confidence. Hopping countries will enrich your knowledge of the world. In the process of getting your abs, you will learn to respect and care for your body.

At a higher level, society does seem to value things like money, beauty and status. But in daily interactions, this outer coating starts to corrode and the real you becomes visible. What matters at this point is what kind of person you are.

Are you an intelligent and confident person? Are you kind and humble? Are you a person of high character and integrity? Are you fun to be around?

We think these things go unnoticed because rarely does someone acknowledge them. But in reality, people do notice these qualities and acknowledge them with their behavior rather than words.

If you’re confident, people listen to you. If you’re kind, they respect you. If you demonstrate integrity, you are rewarded with trust. If you’re lively and joyful, you automatically make friends.

The person you grow into is hence more important than the things you do. So even if you’re at a prestigious job, making a big impact, maybe try being a little less paranoid. And even if you’re the smartest in your class, your humility will earn you more respect than your grades.

What kind of values do you deem important? You can let me know by replying to this email or commenting on the website.

See you next Sunday!
Aachman