avatarAnne Bonfert

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of companionship over the specifics of one's journey or destination in personal growth and success.

Abstract

The author reflects on a conversation about the significance of the people we share our experiences with, rather than the paths we choose or the goals we aim for. While the journey's method is important, the author concedes that personal growth is deeply influenced by the company one keeps—those who support, challenge, and guide us. The article acknowledges the value of constructive criticism and compliments in self-improvement and expresses gratitude towards those who have contributed to the author's development. It suggests that success is not a solo endeavor but a collective one, shaped by the relationships and interactions we have along the way.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the experience level within a team and individual self-presentation are influenced by the people around us.
  • It is posited that while the journey is important, the people accompanying us on that journey are crucial for personal growth and achieving life goals.
  • The author values both solo experiences for personal development and the role of others in pushing us to improve.
  • Constructive criticism is seen as essential for personal development, alongside compliments for the work done.
  • There is a strong sense of gratitude towards those who have been part of the author's journey, shaping them into the person they are proud to be.
  • The author endorses the idea that life is about creating oneself with the help of others, rather than merely finding oneself.

It’s all About Who’s with You

The path you take and the destination don’t matter

Credit: Anne Bonfert

I was standing outside talking to two guys. We were talking about others. We were talking about ourselves. We were talking about how different the experience level is in our team and how different people present themselves when he said this sentence.

“It’s not about the path you choose or the destination you are aiming for. It is about who is with you.”

He just dropped the sentence like that. We thought about it. Agreed on it. But I carried the sentence with me. Only a few days later I picked it up again. Started thinking about it.

It is not just about the path you take

I’ve always been saying it’s not about getting from A to B. Its about how you get there. It’s about the path you take. That’s how I travel as well. I love going to places. But not because of the place itself, because of the journey you take in order to get there.

But I do agree with him as well. Even though it is good to do some journeys alone. To make your own experience. In my eyes at least. To grow as a person and to get there where you want to be in life it is very important to look at who is with you. Who is helping you. Who is forcing you to push harder. Or who is there to tell you to stop. To take a different path than the one you are on. If we’re on the wrong path.

“Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying.” — W. Clement Stone

It is all about who is with you

I wouldn’t be where I am in life right now if it wouldn’t be for the people who walked with me, guided me, and helped me. But also criticized me. That is part of it. Constructive criticism is very important for your learning curve.

Obviously, it is great to receive a compliment for the work we do. But it is even more important to receive some constructive criticism in order to keep on improving.

Nobody wants to remain at the same level. You can always improve. Learn more. Become more diverse. And therefore it is necessary to look at those things one can do better.

That is why I want to thank those who have been on my side for the last years. Without you, I would never have achieved all those things I did. I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

And I am pretty happy about who I am today.

“Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for reading!

Diversity
Inspiration
Life
Life Lessons
Mindfulness
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