In a world that often celebrates results, the journey of achieving success frequently goes unacknowledged. Society tends to focus on end products and outcomes, rather than the steps and efforts taken to get there. This phenomenon is evident across various fields, from business and sports to academics and personal achievements. Understanding why the process is often overlooked and why acknowledging it is essential can provide valuable insights into how we perceive success and personal growth.
The Focus on Results
Instant Gratification Culture: In today’s fast-paced society, there is a significant emphasis on instant gratification. People want quick results and immediate success, often disregarding the time and effort required to achieve those results. This cultural shift has led to a diminished appreciation for the process and a heightened focus on outcomes.
Media and Social Perception: Media portrayals of success typically highlight the end results without delving into the hard work, setbacks, and perseverance involved. Social media amplifies this by showcasing highlight reels of people’s achievements, creating a skewed perception that success is effortless and instantaneous.
Outcome-Oriented Metrics: Many aspects of life are measured by results. In schools, grades and test scores are prioritized; in the workplace, performance is often judged by targets and completed projects. This outcome-oriented approach undervalues the importance of the learning and growth that occur during the process.
Psychological Factors
Confirmation Bias: People tend to favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs. When someone achieves success, it’s easy to attribute it to their inherent talent or luck rather than the effort they put in. This bias reinforces the idea that outcomes are more important than processes.
Overemphasis on Talent: There is a common misconception that success is primarily due to natural talent. This belief undervalues the role of hard work, practice, and resilience. As a result, people often overlook the process, assuming that successful individuals achieved their goals effortlessly.
Fear of Failure: Acknowledging the process means recognizing the possibility of failure and setbacks. Many people prefer to focus on successes to avoid confronting the challenges and potential failures that come with the process. This fear of failure can lead to an avoidance of discussing the effort involved.
The Importance of Acknowledging the Process:
Encourages Resilience: Recognizing the process helps build resilience. When people understand that setbacks and failures are part of the journey, they are more likely to persevere through challenges and continue working towards their goals.
Promotes Growth Mindset: Acknowledging the effort and strategies involved in achieving success fosters a growth mindset. This perspective emphasizes that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, leading to continuous improvement and learning.
Builds Genuine Confidence: Celebrating the process instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence that is based on effort rather than just outcomes. This intrinsic motivation is more sustainable and empowering than relying solely on external validation of success.
Fosters Collaboration and Empathy: When people appreciate the efforts of others, it creates a more supportive and empathetic environment. Recognizing the hard work behind achievements encourages collaboration, as individuals understand the value of shared efforts and collective progress.
Shifting the Focus
Celebrate Milestones: Instead of only celebrating final achievements, acknowledge the milestones and progress made along the way. This can include recognizing improvements, small wins, and the overcoming of obstacles.
Share Stories of Effort: Highlight stories that emphasize the journey rather than just the destination. This can be done through media, educational systems, and workplace cultures. Sharing personal experiences of perseverance can inspire others to value the process.
Redefine Success: Broaden the definition of success to include personal growth, learning experiences, and the development of skills and character. This holistic approach encourages a more balanced view of achievements.
Encourage Reflection: Promote self-reflection and mindfulness practices that help individuals appreciate their efforts and progress. Journaling, mentorship, and feedback sessions can facilitate this reflection.
History will never forget individuals in the society who through their lives, have shown that hardwork, patience and a positive mindset, are key elements for success. People like Tobi Amusan , a Nigerian track and field athlete who specialises in the 100 metres hurdles and also competes as a sprinter never gave up on her dream to be celebrated for her achievement.
Hilda Effiong Bassey popularly known as Hilda Baci is another respected personality that showed the spirit of perseverance as well as diligence in cooking nice delicacies .
She was the former holder of the Guinness World Record for marathon cooking with 93 hours 11 minutes in May 2023, which was surpassed later that year by Irish chef Alan Fisher with 119 hours, 57 minutes.
Apart from these people, we have others in the entertainment industry who have paid their dues over time learning their craft to become who they are today. Two months ago, people like the veteran actress Iya rainbow was celebrated at the African Movies Viewers Choice Award[ AMVCA] in Lagos, Chimezie Imo of Breadth Of Life among others which signifies that process to attaining success is very important in life.
While the allure of success is undeniable, the process of achieving it , holds invaluable lessons and growth opportunities. By shifting our focus from merely celebrating outcomes to acknowledging the effort, resilience, and perseverance involved, we can foster a more supportive, empathetic, and growth-oriented society. Embracing the journey not only enriches our understanding of success but also empowers individuals, to pursue their goals with confidence and resilience.
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