Embracing the Journey: Redefining Success Beyond the Destination
‘Success is a journey and not a destination’ is a well-heard quote used in many phases of life. Let me reveal why it finds a sudden mention here.
I remember getting informed that I had made it into one of the most prestigious institutions. After preparing for all the entrance exams back then, I couldn’t feel the sheer happiness after all the failures I had faced till then. Studying business was all I wanted, and I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to pursue the same at a premium institute. But after receiving the news, why did I feel lost all of a sudden? Was it because I never thought I would fulfill my dreams, or because the process of achieving what I wanted cost me more than it should have? I still don’t know. But like every person who would snatch the best thing given to them without a second thought, I did too. And soon, I was in college, among so many great people and marvelous opportunities. In no time, I was thrown into this world where I could become anything I wanted. But, somehow, I didn’t know what it was that I wanted to become. And the feeling of being lost only grew.
Classes. Projects. Competitions. Friends. Stories. Drama. Parties. And so much more. I started to experience everything. They say that when you’ve been exposed to something exciting, it’s hard not to get caught in its addictive clutches. These came to be labeled the fun parts, which lasted not for long. Then came the pressure of being something and doing great things. Just like that, my life was all about everything else but me. So I said to myself, hold on…wait a minute. What’s going on? What do I want? What do I really want? I didn’t know. Then came this lonely path of self-exploration.
It took a long time to figure out why I wasn’t happy. The first thing that I realized was that I wasn’t grateful enough. Even though I had a good college, good friends, and a good life, I found myself caught up in a race I never enrolled into. I wanted to achieve everything. I wanted to compete in all, among all. Studies, competitions, committees, internships, projects, and the list goes on. My life turned into proving myself. But the question was to whom? And why? I didn’t know. It was then that I realized that nothing is going to be enough, not until I decide to let it be. And I did. My focus turned towards my happiness and passion – two things I’ve come to realize overlap immensely.
I’ve explored the world beyond my college and corporate life. Have I liked it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Did I find anything of value? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Have I found myself? Yes.
I have lived through three years of my undergraduate journey, and I could have done better. I’m now getting promoted to MBA. I could have done better. I’m soon going to be out there in the real world, facing real scenarios. I could have learnt better. But guess what? Being that better and having learnt that better wouldn’t have made me the person I am today, someone that I have grown to become. So many lessons learnt, so much understanding gained. So much pain endured, much more happiness felt. I love who I am today: a good daughter, an introspective writer, a capable student, a caring friend, a valuable potential employee and hopefully one day, a changemaker.
Remember when I said I would reveal the reason behind the quote ‘success is a journey and not a destination’ in this piece? The time is here. From what I have experienced, I can say that success is every time you get up from the downfall; it is the endurance itself of wanting to reach the destination. You will not feel as content and happy on reaching the final stop of your journey, knowing you have made it, without the many stops you might have to pass before. The crazy thing is, sometimes, your destination would have changed halfway. And what about then? Would you call yourself a failure, comfortingly pat your back, and pity yourself? Or would you take up the challenge because you don’t define success as a destination but as a journey? Well, I hope I made my point there.
Now, I’m here and on a new journey. I’m scared, yes. Of failure? No. As long as I pursue what I love, and keep going, I know there is nothing other than success waiting for me. Oh, but wait. I am already successful.
Author: Saikonda Vaishnavi
About the Author: Student of IPM 01
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