TL;DR
Certain achievements contribute more objectively to your personal growth and the value you bring to others. Utilize economic principles to understand the objective worth of your ambitions, and consider non-fungibility as a measure of uniqueness and distinction.
The drive to Achieve great things is an essential part of what makes us human. It’s what pushes us to explore new frontiers, create groundbreaking innovations, and aim for the stars. Our collective achievements have taken us from the days of hunting and gathering to building skyscrapers and sending rockets to space. This desire for Achievements helps us grow individually and benefits all of us as a society.
Are There Better Achievements to Pursue?
Value in achievements can be subjective, as individuals may have their own understanding of what is valuable. However, self-actualization often intertwines with creating value for others, making it essential to assess our accomplishments objectively.
For example comparing the objective value of buying a Lamborghini to establishing a local bakery may seem straightforward, but what about choosing between putting time and effort to prepare for climbing Mount Everest and putting time and effort making $ to purchasing that Lambo? To determine which achievement is more valuable, we can apply objective models from economics to measure the value of these endeavors.
The Economics of Achievement
When considering the value of achievements, we can use economic principles such as supply and demand and fungibility to select more valuable accomplishments. For example, an achievement with the same demand but different supply would be more valuable, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 (Supply and Demand of Achievements)
In the example of mount Everest vs Lamborghini, to climb Mount Everest, you need to train hard, prepare physically and mentally, and risk your life. The scarcity of Everest summits makes this achievement more valuable from an economic standpoint, even if the demand for both experiences is the same(Figure 1). Additionally, a Lamborghini is a fungible asset that can be bought or traded, whereas climbing Everest is a non-fungible achievement that cannot be bought—it must be earned.
For instance, climbing 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in seven months is a non-fungible achievement that cannot be traded for another accomplishment. In contrast, owning 14 Lamborghinis can be traded for other assets, making them more fungible and less valuable.
The Allure of the Uncommon and Non-Fungible
The rarity and non-fungibility of certain achievements inherently make them more attractive to those seeking to differentiate themselves from the crowd. When we pursue uncommon, non-fungible goals, we are not only seeking personal growth and self-actualization but also striving to set ourselves apart. This pursuit of the extraordinary can lead to increased self-esteem, personal satisfaction, and a heightened sense of accomplishment.
The Social Impact of Uncommon Achievements
The pursuit of exclusive, non-fungible achievements can also have a positive social impact. When individuals achieve remarkable feats or overcome significant challenges, they inspire others to explore their own potential and push the boundaries of what they believe is possible. This ripple effect can lead to a Culture of growth and development, as well as create new opportunities for innovation and problem-solving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, evaluating achievements through the principles of rarity, fungibility, and exclusivity offers a useful perspective on the nature of achievements. By considering supply and demand, personal effort, and the pursuit of uncommon goals, we can recognize the value of unique and non-fungible achievements. Embracing this paradigm shift can inspire individuals to redefine success, ultimately fostering a more diverse and fulfilling society that continually challenges the status quo..