Striking a balance between Aspirations and Achievements

This world is full of achievers — and we are surrounded by them.

In my life so far — professional as well as personal — I have seen many super achievers in terms of the authority, power, and money that they possess. While for some of them, it appears to be a well-deserved, and ‘right on time’ achievement, for some, it looks to be ‘too soon’.

This post is not intended to belittle anybody’s achievements, or not to be critical of the manner in which they might have achieved what they did; the intent is just to look at the flip side of achieving things before we actually are ready for them.

Noted and quoted boxer Ray Charles Leonard, a.k.a. “Sugar” Ray Leonard once said “Within our dreams and aspirations, we find our opportunities”. I believe, we all have some dreams or aspirations which we are working toward achieving — in our individual capacities. We are always on the lookout for opportunities to fulfill our dreams, and achieve what we aspire for. It’s good to have aspirations, and being able to achieve what you aspire for, is an exhilarating experience; especially, when your achievements are sooner than they are due.

But as we know, everything comes with a cost, and that holds true for the achievements too.

For those who achieve what they aspire for ‘right on time’, the costs (to a minimum) are in terms of their commitment, persistence, and hard work that they put in preparing themselves — to be worthy of their dreams/aspirations. They learn what it takes, and master it with their perseverance; they relentlessly work for what they want. Such people go on to become great leaders, and mentors. They can guide others on the path to success because they themselves have walked it — through their unwavering efforts. Such people can sustain their success, because they are well acquainted with the road that has taken them there.

And then, there are those who get what they aspire for ‘too soon’, and that too without deserving what they achieve. The costs that these people have to pay are those opportunities that they miss along the path that they never get to tread — the opportunities to learn, and make a solid foundation for their dreams/aspirations. Such ‘too soon’ achievers, more often than not, find themselves either struggling with the responsibilities that come along, and eventually, setting bad example for their subordinates, OR building a clout of their own types and be guarded by them in order to survive. They lack leadership qualities, and even if given a chance, can barely lead others to something worthwhile. They fail to do justice with their own achievements.

So what do we do, do we hold on to our aspirations and wait for the right time to achieve them, OR do we grab the opportunity even if it is too soon?

Well, the answer lies in striking a balance between our aspirations, and our readiness to fulfill them, so that our achievements are sustainable in the long run. There is nothing wrong in having aspirations, but until we prepare ourselves for our achievements — through continuous learning, hard work, commitment, perseverance, and ever evolving vision –, any achievement will be ‘too soon’ for us.

One may argue “What if I am forced to be a ‘too soon’er?”

If that happens, then identify the shortcomings in your capabilities, and experiences, and put in those extra efforts to make yourself worthy of it — and the key to success here will be being ‘honest’ and ‘sincere’ about it. If at any point you feel that despite putting in all the efforts you are not able to do justice with the responsibilities and expectations, then have the courage and integrity to decline — even if it means walking away. Not being a slave to your achievement, and clearing the way for the one who deserves, will be the best reward for your own self — and an achievement to be proud of.