Achievement means something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed. It is the act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment: the achievement of one's object.
The definition of 'achieve to bring to a successful conclusion; accomplish; attain; to gain as by hard work or effort states that by its nature achievement is an outcome, a finality. We all must accomplish things in order to function in life, earn a living, and pay our bills, but is that all that achievement means? What if achievement is not a completion or conclusion, but an ongoing metamorphosis of who we are inside? For instance, does a mother "achieve" raising her children to be conscious, contributing members of society? Is that an end result or an ongoing endeavor? Is something considered an "achievement" only if we win first prize? Or only under certain circumstances? Or only when someone is there to be witness?
Where do we learn what is considered an achievement? How, as a society, are we valuing the contributions and participation of each member in our group family, neighborhood, community, workplace, city, nation, and world?
We recognize and sometimes reward people for "achieving" milestones that we have determined significant, like graduation from high school or college, receiving a promotion, winning a sports tournament. However, there are no public acknowledgements of ongoing perseverance through troubled times or difficult circumstances, no matter how long they last. No one is waiting to throw you a party for being a reliable, loyal, giving, and genuine human being. Are those not also achievements?
Having worked in the business environment for many years, one will be quite familiar with the phrase 'bottom line' and the meaning it has world-over to corporations and investors. We live in a male-dominated, hierarchal, global economy watching and rewarding what we have come to associate as "achievement" external accomplishments relating to money, power, and position. And I would like to challenge that definition and invite you to reconsider how you personally define the word "achieve" in your life. Revisit what occasions and triumphs you choose to celebrate acknowledge and value. Be more appreciative of the intangible, but ever so important, achievements of your loved ones and everyone you meet. It will make you feel more accomplished and fulfilled than you can imagine.
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