People have different perception on achievements. A person might have an A-class track record, be blessed with fame, have a wonderful career and succeed in general but feels like he hasn't really done anything. A doctor might have helped thousands of people but feels like he hasn't really contributed anything to humanity.
The problem is in the shoes. Put yourself in other's shoes and things will be different.
Having graduated from university, one of the first thing you should prepare is a resume. The time I spent to create my first resume was ridiculously long, because I wanted to show the best version of me and all I could think about was how my resume would impress people. It was not an easy task because I couldn't help but compare myself with my friends.
Their LinkedIn profiles were super cool, with tons of achievements and ridiculously long list of activities and contributions they had done. I looked back at my own resume and internally cursed because no, mine was not even close to their level.
I hate this mindset but everytime I see my friends' profiles in any platform of social media, I can't help but feel inferior. The fact that they are out there being awesome makes me feel like I am unfit to even compete in the real world. Given the same time frame we're living in, how could they achieve so many while I seemed to walk in circle?
I admire the things they've achieved, but then it makes me think. If achievements are measured by solely the major, the bigger picture, doesn't it mean that humanity has lost its touch with the beauty in small things?
It is scary how the system has constructed us to think that to achieve something is to do something professional, if you want to be considered relevant. Of course, corporate world doesn't need a sad, whining poet. They want a worker with blind dedication and a minimum three years of experience. Perhaps with reference from past employers.
Back to the topic, I tried to think of an answer to the question "What is your biggest achievement?" and realized that a 'relevant' answer doesn't really answer the question itself. That a 'relevant' answer will be too shallow, but works when you need some cash.
I personally think that the biggest achievement of any human is to be able to stand up after a fall.
What do you think brought human civilization to its current form? Food shortage, injustices, discrimination, natural disasters. Humans progress because they can always stand up after falling repeatedly, and then they learn.
When you're done cleaning up your messy room. When you make a perfect sunny side egg. When you speak without stutter. When you wake up in the morning with a good mood. When you finish a book. When you get your license. When you drive to places you've never been before. They are all relevant.
If you are that dude with A-class resume and wonderful career, congratulations. You are perfect according to our society today. If you are not, remember that your small achievements matter too. That you are not a lesser human being just because you never speak in front of world leaders nor have the word 'Executive' attached on your status, printed in your business card.
Small things matter too.
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