Accomplish But Continue

Accomplishment is a drug. The dopamine rush accomplishments produce is one that people continue to seek. When people finally reach the mountaintop of their respective fields they feel like they have won. This “winning” feeling is one that many people want to relish. For this reason, it isn’t abnormal for accomplished people to not want to challenge themselves in different ways that may present them with struggle.

People who feel this way after achieving lose their edge after they accomplish what they desire. They become accustomed to their reality of achievement and lose the boldness that the journey required. They forget about what it means to struggle and persevere.

The basis for this piece comes from the words of David Goggins. David Goggins is a former Navy SEAL turned endurance athlete who has accomplished countless physical feats.

He was speaking on a podcast about the differences between him and a lot of Navy SEALs. He discussed that the public image of what a Navy SEAL is was very different than reality. The public thinks of incredibly in-shape, mentally strong, elite warriors who are the best of the best at their craft. David Goggins said that on the inside, things are different. He said after going through Hell Week, many of the SEALs lose their desire to continue grueling physical preparation. David was the opposite, he wanted to keep pushing the boundaries of what he could endure. Goggins continued to say he saw a handful of Navy SEALs fail Army Ranger school.

From a public viewpoint, how are Navy SEALs struggling with Army Ranger school?

Goggins explained this reality by saying that once these members achieved and accomplished becoming a Navy SEAL, they no longer wanted to be “exposed” to things they could not do. They wanted to sit behind the perception of everything being a SEAL means. They achieved, accomplished, and sat on the mountaintop. They were content.

This testament is not to generalize Navy SEALs as a whole nor is it to discredit them. It is entirely meant to use an example of the highest sense of achievement followed by resistance to exposing oneself. This example could have been applied to nearly any field and nearly any achievement.

Countless people achieve and then do not want to humble themselves through other challenges, ventures, or attempts because they do not want to put themselves through the journey to the top again.

This is the entirely wrong perspective to have.

Achievement and accomplishment should do nothing more but open even more doors for learning. These are more doors to walk through and continue learning, growing, enduring, and kindling the fire inside you to become the best version of yourself you can be.

Accomplish, but carry on.

Do not be afraid of not knowing.

Before you know it, knowledge and achievement will come again.