The Journey is the Reward: Why We Admire Effort Over Accomplishment 

Have you ever heard the phrase “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”? This quote perfectly captures the idea that we often admire individuals not for their success but for their effort to achieve it.

We often show up for the story when we hear about individuals who have achieved great success. It’s cool to see the Porsche and Lamborghini, but we always wonder what it took to get that car. Did you work hard, or was it a handout? We like to know the story.

This is because we are inspired by effort, not just achievement. We admire those who persist through challenges, overcome obstacles and setbacks, and put in the time and effort required to make their dreams a reality.

The Benefits of Emphasizing Effort

When we focus on effort, we can recognize the value of hard work and perseverance. It can be easy to get discouraged when we see others succeed and wonder why we have not achieved the same level of success. 

However, if we shift our focus to the effort we put into our work, we can start to see the progress we are making, even if we have not yet reached our ultimate goal.

We can learn from the struggles and setbacks of others and use their stories to motivate ourselves. 

When we see someone else who has faced similar challenges and succeeded, we are inspired to keep going, even when the going gets tough. 

We can also develop greater empathy and understanding for those still on their journey, experiencing the highs and lows of the climb.

Furthermore, when we place more emphasis on effort, we can create a culture that values hard work and dedication over talent or natural ability. This can help level the playing field, providing opportunities for those who might not have the same natural gifts but are willing to work hard to achieve their goals.

The Role of Effort in Our Lives

The idea that the journey is more important than the destination can be applied to many areas of our lives. Whether pursuing a career goal, working on a personal project, or striving to improve our relationships, we can learn to appreciate the process and the effort required to reach our goals.

By recognizing the value of effort, we can also learn to celebrate small wins along the way rather than just focusing on the ultimate outcome. 

We can learn to enjoy the ride, savoring the moments of progress and growth, even when we are not yet where we want to be.

Conclusion

It is the effort that we admire, not just the outcome. When we focus on the journey, we can learn from the struggles and setbacks of others, develop greater empathy and understanding, and create a culture that values hard work and dedication. So next time you hear a story of success, remember to appreciate the effort that went into achieving it. After all, the journey is the reward.

Dr. James D. Washington

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