An interesting conversation at our house recently sparked a discussion about whether we should focus on winning or simply on trying new things. This got me thinking deeply about what success truly means. We’ve often been told that success is about achieving your goals, surpassing standards, and gaining external recognition. But is that really all there is to it?
There are two contrasting philosophies on this topic: one is “do to win,” and the other is “do to learn.” Those who are motivated by extrinsic factors, such as rewards or avoiding negative outcomes, often follow the path of winning. They are highly goal-oriented, striving for excellence and perfection in order to stand out and be recognized.
On the other hand, people with a “do to learn” mentality are driven by the process itself. They focus on consistency, regular effort, and gradual improvement. For them, success is about persistence, building disciplined habits, and enjoying the journey of personal growth.
I believe there’s an intermediate approach that combines the best of both philosophies. A consistent effort toward something can be sustained by rewarding yourself with smaller wins along the way. These small victories accumulate, leading to a successful process of self-improvement. This, in turn, builds the confidence needed to take on bigger challenges with a keen eye for detail and a pursuit of excellence.
In this view, success is defined by both self-satisfaction and the ability to achieve external recognition. However, it’s important to understand that the journey is a long one, requiring perseverance and discipline, often without immediate, tangible rewards from society. But does this make the journey of trying a process of accepting mediocrity?
In my next blog, I’ll dive deeper into this question and share more thoughts and stories. Stay tuned!








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