Achievement is one of those less-mentioned core values. Yet, deep down every individual and organization expects to achieve something. Achievement is the visible measure of success.
So, it is worth talking about.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Let’s begin with a short exercise.
If you were to get a lifetime achievement award, what would it be?
Not everyone wants to get an award, of course. Others also think that they need to do extraordinary things to get one. And since they don’t of themselves as extraordinary, they have not considered receiving one.
But I am not talking about the awards given to artists, movie stars, and members of civil organizations.
I am talking about that which you are very passionate about. It can be related to your profession and your work. Or it can be a passion. Or something that your family will recognize you for.
Consider what you believe as having a full life. That’s what I mean by Lifetime Achievement Award.
Knowing what you want to make out of life helps you understand why you do what you do every day.
The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is achievement?
Let’s define achievement as a core value.
Achievement is getting what you really want with what you got. It is accomplishing a goal, a dream, a feat, or an impossible dream.
It is not an award. It is not a reward. It is what you produced.
Allow me to give a personal example.
I often get paid for speaking and training. I teach people solutions to their problems in mindset, motivation, marketing, and management.
My work is never transactional. I am not aiming to just finish something. I want every person in my session to feel that I was able to encourage and enable them to move forward.
Knowing that I have done my best to help others brings me greater joy than the payment I got for speaking in front of people.
The Value of Achievement in Our Lives
We all chase achievement—whether it’s in our careers, personal goals, or even small daily wins. But why? What makes achievement so valuable in our lives?
Here’s the truth: achievement gives meaning. It’s not just about ticking boxes or hitting milestones—it’s about growth, progress, and fulfillment. Achievement tells you, “I’m moving forward.” And in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, that feeling is priceless.
Achievement Fuels Confidence
Think about the last time you achieved something that mattered. Whether it was landing a promotion, hitting a fitness goal, or completing a big project—it felt good, right? That’s because achievement builds confidence. It proves to yourself that you’re capable, that you can set a goal and crush it. And that confidence? It compounds. The more you achieve, the more you believe in your ability to achieve even more.
Achievement Creates Purpose
Without achievement, life can start to feel aimless. We need a sense of purpose—something to strive for. Achievement gives you direction, a reason to push through tough days, a reason to wake up excited. It’s not the end goal itself that matters most, but the journey of working towards it. Every small win builds momentum, and every step forward brings you closer to a life filled with purpose.
Achievement Isn’t Just About the Big Wins
Here’s where most people get it wrong: they think achievement is only about the big things—the huge career moves, the life-changing moments. But achievement comes in all sizes. It’s the daily progress, the small improvements, the consistent effort that counts just as much, if not more. Small wins create the habit of winning. They build resilience. They keep you going when the big wins seem far away.
Achievement Brings Fulfillment
At the core of it, achievement brings fulfillment. It’s what makes life satisfying. Achievements are reminders that we’re capable of growth, learning, and pushing ourselves beyond what we thought possible. When we achieve something meaningful, it’s not just a checkbox—it’s a deep sense of accomplishment that fills us with pride and satisfaction.
Achievement isn’t just about success; it’s about personal development, confidence, and fulfillment. It’s what gives our lives structure and purpose. It pushes us to play our A-Game and reminds us that we’re always capable of more.
So, whatever you’re working on—big or small—remember the value of achievement. It’s the fuel that keeps us moving forward, growing, and living with intention.
Why You’re Not Achieving What You Want (And How to Fix It)
If you’re not where you want to be, it’s not because you’re not talented enough. It’s not because you’re not smart enough. Chances are, it’s because you’re stuck in the wrong mindset.
Carol Dweck, in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, says there are two mindsets: fixed and growth.
A fixed mindset says, “I’m born with a certain amount of talent, and that’s it.” So when you hit a wall, you think, “I guess I’m not cut out for this.” You quit. You avoid challenges. You don’t take risks. Why? Because failure means you’re not good enough.
But a growth mindset? It’s completely different. You see failure as feedback. You think, “What can I learn from this?” You embrace challenges. You take risks. You improve. And that’s how you win.
The biggest mistake people make is believing they have to be perfect from day one. That’s not how high achievers think. They’re not scared of failure because they know it’s part of the process. They’re obsessed with getting better, not being flawless.
Here’s the truth: Your A-Game starts with the right mindset.
Dweck’s research shows that the most successful people aren’t the ones with the most talent. They’re the ones who refuse to give up. They’re the ones who take on challenges, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward.
If you want to achieve more, stop fearing failure. Embrace it. Learn from it. Grow from it. Start playing your A-Game by shifting your mindset from “I can’t” to “I can learn.”
That’s how real success happens. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about becoming better.
Focus on Effort, Not the Outcome
John Wooden, one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time, had a simple yet powerful view on achievement. For Wooden, it wasn’t about winning championships or racking up accolades. It was about effort. Achievement, to him, meant giving your best every single day—regardless of the outcome.
He famously said, “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
Here’s why this matters:
1. It’s About Effort, Not Perfection
Wooden wasn’t obsessed with perfection. He cared about whether you put in 100% effort. If you gave your all and still fell short, that wasn’t failure in his eyes—that was success. Achievement is about pushing yourself to your personal best, not comparing yourself to others.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
Wooden believed in focusing on the process, not the outcome. You can’t always control the result, but you can control your preparation, your mindset, and your work ethic. His focus was on becoming better every day. The trophies and wins were a byproduct of the effort.
3. Consistency is Key
Wooden’s Pyramid of Success teaches that consistency and hard work, done day in and day out, are the building blocks of achievement. You don’t need a big, overnight win. You need daily discipline, steady improvement, and the drive to become better each time you step up.
Wooden’s approach reminds us that achievement isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about the journey, the effort, and the commitment to keep growing. Playing your A-Game isn’t about being the best in the world. It’s about being the best you can be. Every day. No shortcuts. Just consistent effort.
That’s how Wooden defined success. And that’s how you achieve true greatness.
