Sense of Achievement

            “Are you ok?”

“Physically, I am exhausted. Mentally? I am excited and I enjoy the challenge.”

This was a conversation I had with a dear and close friend who just changed his career from one field to another that was new to him at the age of 53. How challenging and demanding is the new job? At and from the second week of his assignment he had to stay up late in his office after 11 pm and worked on Saturdays or Sundays. It seemed a norm for him to skip lunches and stay late working nonstop, even on weekends. One could tell from his voice that he was pooped and fatigued. Yet, his eyes, though puffed with big black bags under, were sharp and bright with expectations as if they were pondering upon some unsolved mysteries.

Do you have a friend like this? Or are you such a person? If you think this kind of person is a fool, you are right. But, in my eyes, they are happy fools. Happiness can’t be bought or borrowed; one has to understand how happiness is created or where it comes from to truly feel and enjoy it.

Yesterday, at lunch, another dear friend of mine told me that money can’t buy everything; it’s simply a tool. Most of people pursue their dreams to make more money or to generate fortune as if numbers and figures at one’s bank account(s) are goals and possessions towards happiness, joy, and wonderland. But is it true? How many sad news articles did you read from the mass media about wealthy people’s tragedies? Fame and power were acquired and gained. But there was no one to teach you what happiness really feels like. You might own the tool but do you know how to apply or use it?

When my close friend told me though his body was tired he was not mentally tired I could fully understand what he meant. I have been doing the same thing at work. The first day I worked in the library I called home and told my family that I felt dizzy and nauseate. No one at work told me which section or area was my responsibility so, after I assessed the shelves I took the 900’s books, fully loaded them onto a big truck with three layers. I shelved nonstop and I got tired; it’s my first job and first day at work. Do you know why I took the 900’s area? Because that area held the most books; the shelves were packed and crowded. Years later, I came to understand the reason why I did that.

People tend to take the easier and less difficult tasks at work. It seems to make sense for if there is no commission, bonus, benefit or advantage offered or provided why should a person be willing or voluntary to undertake a heavier or complicated job? Only a fool or stupid would do such thing, right? Actually they are not fool; they are happy giving souls. In addition, to me, it’s an ability to take over tasks that no one enjoys or likes doing. An ability that drives a person to bring out his/her best and potential, to meet his/her goals, and to earn a sense of achievement, a feeling and sensation gained through strong will, positive mind set and muscles works.

No pain, no gain. It’s so true. It’s like drinking water; until you savor it yourself, you won’t know if the water is cold, lukewarm or hot. Sense of achievement drives me to face difficulties and challenges with a positive mind set and attitude. Sherlock Holmes used to comment that solving a case itself was his reward. It’s better than any monetary reward or fame given by others. Sense of achievement comes within; it is generated without any invitation or asking for it comes from inside. Autonomy comes from passion, enthusiasm, and love of others.

What drives you to wake up, walk out your house, and walk in your workplace every morning? Paycheck? A place you feel you belong to? Tasks challenging enough for you to conquer? Doing a meaningful job? Teamwork that without others won’t work out? Sense of achievement? Or reasons only you know? There must be something keeps you doing the same thing again and again, day after day. Did you ever ask or find out what yours is or yours are?

Asking Questions makes me feel I am growing and living. Sense of achievement, though coming from hard work, allows me to sleep sound and well at night. If you want to know the connection between happiness and sense of achievement, try to do things differently at work or at any place you might influence others and others’ lives.

Good luck!