Own A Life of Achievements – Yours!

Okay, you’re not alone if your first thought upon seeing the word “achievement” in the title of this post was of those slick Successories posters with the motivational sayings. You know, a photo of a happy group of people at work placed above words that remind you that there is no “I” in “Team.” Well, it was my first thought too. Of course, it was quickly followed by a flow of images of my favorite Despair, Inc. posters.

Yet, it is precisely the juxtaposition of these contrasting motivational accessories that highlights the point of this piece: true achievement in your life is grounded in personally meaningful events and outcomes that make you feel proud because they reflect who you are and what is meaningful to you. As well, a true achievement brings you insights about your capabilities, and inspires you to go out and achieve more.

Achieving a milestone on the road to someone else’s vision of success may bring you personal recognition and reward, but may be shallow if it did not in some way tap your vision, values, passions, or purpose. This can happen at work, it can also happen in other parts of your life.

So, the question is: Is your life an expression of someone else's vision?

If you find that you have a shallow feeling even after meeting the expectations of your spouse, your friends, or the folks at the club, then you need to ask yourself if these achievements make you truly proud -- or simply serve as a check off on someone else’s “good life check list.” Been there. Done that.

This is not to say, of course, that gaining recognition in the context of a shared vision is not truly an achievement. For example, if you join with colleagues to work on projects for Habitat for Humanity because you value building a better world with decent housing for all, then you have a bona fide achievement. It’s an achievement that you own because it is connected to something that truly matters to you.

You could call it an authentic achievement.

Contact me if you want start now to take an in-depth look at your achievements -- past and future.