The Need of Accomplishment
The word accomplishment comes from the Latin root “complere,” which essentially means “to fill up.” So, accomplishment simply means fulfillment through effort. Yet, fulfillment might sound like a fleeting concept reserved only for others. Our culture idolizes the type A individual who, through their blood, sweat, and tears, makes something of themselves. We tell ourselves, “Fulfillment from my effort may come someday, but not now.” This is where accomplishment gets confused with achievement.
Achievement without understanding true accomplishment becomes all about ambition, aspiration, and climbing the ladder. We falsely convince ourselves that if we do enough, see enough, and be enough, then we’ll achieve enough, manifesting fulfillment. The sad irony is that chasing that standard means we’ll die far before we near “completion.” We can remain chronically depressed, addicted, and isolated, still valuing the products of our labor over the health of our being. We praise “sheer determination,” and the fruits of it are rotten.
Our need for accomplishment will never go away as long as we are breathing, but its fulfillment is actually quite simple, even familiar to our hearts if we listen. A powerful alternative to the status quo, true accomplishment “starts with the recognition of our limitations”.
Accomplishment requires these 3 steps:
1. Recognize your limitations
2. Celebrate what you have done today
3. Truly rest, readying yourself to begin again tomorrow
Limitations are often equated with weakness. We try to “push through” our limits, ultimately betraying ourselves. How will recognizing them provide anything? Recognizing and admitting your limits is not about quitting, but stopping. To our surprise, the gift from the deliberate choice to stop prepares us for more excellence and creativity. Stopping when we’ve reached our limits is caring for self, believing I am worth enough to give myself time for celebration and rest.
Then you celebrate, not only for what you’ve done today but also for how far you have come in all your efforts. This allows us to practice gratitude, reflecting on the results of our labors and passions. Celebration takes us from the “have to” mentality to the “get to”, leaving behind resentment and leading us to revitalization and ultimately success (desire+pursuit).
Finally, we rest. Resting isn’t numbing via substance or escaping through fantasy, often our route to relief. No, resting is re-engaging your imagination, tending to the plan and picture for your life. As God intended, rest allows us to refill our cups, restore ourselves, and reawaken our dreams of what’s to come.
Where can you stop achieving and start accomplishing?
”When we know our need of accomplishment, we know when we need to stop, we can be grateful for what has happened so far, and we can rest well in anticipation instead of dread”. - Chip Dodd
Do you need more encouragement to seek the need of accomplishment?
Written by Jackson Webb
Order Needs of the Heart by Dr. Chip Dodd Here