Accomplishment Vs Achievement

"Accomplishment is the inner satisfaction of a job well done; achievement is the recognition that often follows. One fills your heart, the other, your trophy shelf."

Van Gogh's life is a powerful example of this. He was fiercely dedicated to his art, pouring his soul into over 2,000 pieces, in just a decade. For him, every brushstroke was an accomplishment—a step closer to capturing the beauty and raw emotion he saw in the world around him. In fact that kept him sane and gave meaning to his life.

Despite this, he sold only a few paintings during his lifetime and lived in near poverty, relying heavily on his brother’s support. Yet, he never wavered. His accomplishments weren’t in the few sales he made but in his relentless commitment to his vision. Whether it was the vibrant energy of his sunflowers, the intensity in his self-portraits, or the swirling, dreamy skies of Starry Night, Van Gogh’s true triumph lay in his ability to push boundaries and express his unique perspective on canvas.

His achievements? It’s bittersweet to think that they came long after his death. Today, Van Gogh is celebrated as one of the most influential artists in history, with his works fetching millions and gracing the walls of the world’s most prestigious museums.

In our own lives, it’s our inclination towards the big wins—the promotions, the recognition, the market share. What if we also took time to celebrate our accomplishments? The skills we develop, the creative ideas we bring to life, the obstacles we overcome, the tough decisions we make, and what we stand for. That’s where the real growth happens. Those are are our the moments that defines us- our priceless accomplishments.

And imagine achieving all those external successes without the inner satisfaction of knowing you’ve done something truly meaningful and wonderful, done in an earnest way. Wouldn’t you, deep down, feel a sense of emptiness, unfulfilled? Achieved, yet unaccomplished—a tricky place to be, indeed.

Lets wind the week with gratitude for both the accomplishments and achievements that have come and will keep coming our way!