What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals

Henry David Thoreau, the renowned American philosopher, poet, and essayist, is often associated with the idea of self-discovery and personal growth. His famous quote, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals," encapsulates his belief in the transformative power of pursuing and achieving one's goals.

Thoreau's philosophy was deeply rooted in the idea of living deliberately and authentically. He believed that true fulfillment and happiness could only be achieved by living in harmony with oneself and nature. For Thoreau, the journey towards achieving one's goals was just as important, if not more so, than the end result. It was through the process of striving towards a goal that one could learn about oneself, grow, and ultimately become a better person.

Thoreau's own life exemplified this philosophy. In his most famous work, "Walden," Thoreau recounts his experience of living in a small cabin in the woods for two years, where he sought to simplify his life and live in closer communion with nature. Through this experience, Thoreau discovered his own inner strength, resilience, and creativity. He learned to rely on himself and his own abilities, rather than on external sources of validation or material possessions.

Thoreau believed that the true value of achieving a goal lay in the personal growth and self-discovery that it facilitated. By setting and working towards a goal, one could push past their limitations, confront their fears, and tap into their full potential. The process of striving towards a goal forced individuals to confront their own weaknesses and insecurities, and in doing so, they could overcome them and emerge stronger and more self-assured.