Why some people feel a sense of emptiness after achieving difficult goals

    Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely "Why some people feel a sense of emptiness after achieving difficult goals", The main reason why I chose this topic is because many people experience emptiness when achieving difficult goals, It's a common and often surprising phenomenon that some people feel a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction even after achieving significant, difficult goals. Several psychological concepts help explain this:

 * The Arrival Fallacy: Coined by Harvard-trained psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, this refers to the false belief that achieving a particular goal will lead to an enduring sense of happiness. We often project our happiness onto a future achievement, assuming that "once I get X, then I'll be happy." However, once X is achieved, the initial euphoria is often brief, and the expected long-lasting happiness doesn't materialize. This can lead to a feeling of emptiness or disappointment.

 * Hedonic Treadmill (or Hedonic Adaptation): This theory suggests that humans quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness (their "happiness set point") despite major positive or negative life events. When a goal is achieved, there's a temporary spike in happiness, but then we adapt to the new reality, and our happiness levels tend to revert to their baseline. It's like being on a treadmill – you're moving, but you stay in the same place in terms of overall contentment.

 * The "Purpose Vacuum": When people are intensely focused on a challenging goal, it often provides a strong sense of purpose, direction, and fills a significant part of their daily life and thoughts. Once that goal is achieved, a "purpose vacuum" can be created, leaving a void. The individual might feel a loss of direction, motivation, or even an existential crisis, wondering "What now?"

 * Dopamine and the Reward System: The brain's reward system releases dopamine when we are pursuing and anticipating a goal. This neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward. When a goal is reached, there's an initial surge of dopamine, but then the release drops. This biochemical shift can contribute to a feeling of a "downer" or emptiness after the peak of achievement.

 * Perfectionism: Perfectionists often set exceedingly high standards for themselves, and even after achieving a difficult goal, they may focus on what could have been done better or immediately set an even higher, more challenging goal. Their internal critic is rarely satisfied, leading to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction, regardless of external accomplishments. For perfectionists, satisfaction often comes from the striving for perfection rather than the achievement itself.

 * External vs. Intrinsic Motivation/Goals: If a goal is primarily driven by external validation (e.g., praise, money, status) rather than intrinsic satisfaction (e.g., personal growth, joy in the process, contributing to something meaningful), the satisfaction derived from achieving it may be fleeting. External rewards can provide a temporary boost, but true fulfillment often comes from pursuing goals aligned with one's deeper values and passions.

 * Lack of Self-Worth from Within: If an individual's sense of self-worth is overly dependent on external achievements, then each accomplishment, no matter how difficult, only provides a temporary affirmation. The underlying feeling of "not being good enough" can quickly resurface, driving them to constantly seek the next achievement to fill that internal void.

To combat this, experts suggest:

 * Focusing on the process, not just the outcome: Finding joy and meaning in the journey itself, not just the destination.

 * Practicing gratitude: Appreciating what has been achieved and the efforts made.

 * Setting new, meaningful goals: Having a sense of continued purpose and direction.

 * Cultivating intrinsic motivation: Pursuing goals that are personally fulfilling and align with one's values.

 * Building a strong sense of self-worth independent of external achievements.

 * Reflecting on the "why": Understanding the deeper reasons behind pursuing a goal.

 * Seeking professional help: If feelings of emptiness or sadness are persistent or overwhelming.

A clear roadmap for personal development and personal branding

  Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely about "a roadmap for someone who wants to develop themselves and become a personal brand", a clear roadmap for personal development and personal branding is an excellent choice, It's a journey, not a final destination, so be prepared for continuous learning and adaptation, Many people want to achieve positions such as being popular, trusted, relied upon, but we need to remember that we have to prepare to meet the demands of life, Here's a comprehensive guide to help you grow into a successful, confident person: here are the roadmap for Personal Development and Personal Branding

Phase 1: Self-Discovery & Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

This phase is about deep introspection and understanding your core.

Personal Development:

* Self-Assessment:

* Values Clarification: Identify your top 5-7 core values (e.g., integrity, creativity, family, impact, learning). These will guide your decisions.

* Strengths & Weaknesses: Use tools like the CliftonStrengths assessment, DISC, or simply reflect on what you're naturally good at and areas where you struggle.

* Passions & Interests: What truly energizes you? What topics do you love to learn about or discuss?

* Skills Inventory: List both hard skills (e.g., coding, writing, public speaking) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving, empathy).

* Past Achievements & Failures: Analyze what led to success and what you learned from setbacks.

* Define Your Vision & Goals:

* Long-Term Vision: Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years across different life domains (career, relationships, health, finances, personal growth)?

* SMART Goals: Break down your vision into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals for the next 6-12 months. Start small.

* Mindset Shift:

* Growth Mindset: Understand that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Read "Mindset" by Carol Dweck.

* Self-Compassion: Learn to treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times.

* Gratitude Practice: Start a daily gratitude journal to foster a positive outlook.

Personal Branding:

* Identify Your Niche/Expertise: Based on your self-assessment, what unique combination of skills, passions, and experiences do you bring to the table? What problem do you want to solve for others?

* Define Your Target Audience: Who do you want to reach with your brand? (e.g., potential employers, clients, collaborators, industry peers).

* Craft Your Core Message/Value Proposition: In a sentence or two, what do you offer, and who do you help? (e.g., "I help small businesses optimize their digital marketing strategies to increase online visibility and sales.")

* Analyze Your Current Online Presence: Google yourself. What comes up? Is it aligned with your desired brand? Clean up anything unprofessional.

Phase 2: Skill Development & Content Creation (Months 2-6)

This phase focuses on building capabilities and showcasing your expertise.

Personal Development:

* Prioritize Skill Development:

* Identify 1-2 key skills (hard or soft) that are crucial for your goals.

* Seek out learning resources: online courses (Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning), books, workshops, mentors.

* Practice consistently.

* Time Management & Productivity:

* Experiment with different techniques (e.g., Pomodoro, time blocking, Eisenhower Matrix) to find what works best for you.

* Prioritize tasks effectively.

* Communication Skills:

* Practice active listening.

* Improve written communication (clear, concise, persuasive).

* Develop public speaking skills (join Toastmasters, practice presentations).

* Emotional Intelligence:

* Learn to recognize and manage your own emotions.

* Develop empathy for others.

* Networking & Relationship Building:

* Attend industry events (online or in-person).

* Connect with people on LinkedIn.

* Focus on building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts.

Personal Branding:

* Build Your Online Presence:

* LinkedIn Optimization: Create a professional, keyword-rich profile that highlights your expertise and achievements.

* Professional Website/Portfolio (Optional but Recommended): A central hub for your work, testimonials, and contact information.

* Choose 1-2 Key Platforms: Don't try to be everywhere. Focus on platforms where your target audience spends their time (e.g., LinkedIn for professionals, Instagram for visual creatives, Twitter for thought leaders).

* Content Creation (Consistent & Valuable):

* Share Your Expertise: Write articles, create videos, design infographics, or give presentations on topics related to your niche.

* Provide Value: Offer insights, tips, solutions, or thought leadership.

* Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through.

* Consistency is Key: Develop a content calendar and stick to it. Even once a week is better than sporadic bursts.

* Engage with Your Audience:

* Respond to comments and messages.

* Participate in relevant discussions.

* Share content from others in your niche (curation).

Phase 3: Visibility & Impact (Months 7-12+)

This phase is about expanding your reach and making a tangible difference.

Personal Development:

* Seek Feedback: Actively ask for constructive criticism from trusted mentors, peers, and supervisors.

* Embrace Challenges: Step outside your comfort zone and take on new responsibilities or projects that stretch your abilities.

* Develop Resilience: Learn from setbacks, bounce back quickly, and maintain a positive attitude.

* Mentorship/Coaching: Seek out mentors who have achieved what you aspire to, or consider hiring a coach for targeted guidance.

* Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and new knowledge. Read widely.

Personal Branding:

* Amplify Your Message:

* Guest Posting/Collaborations: Write for other relevant blogs or collaborate on projects to reach new audiences.

* Speak at Events/Webinars: Offer to present on topics where you have expertise.

* Media Outreach (if applicable): If your field allows, consider pitching yourself for interviews or quotes.

* Showcase Your Impact:

* Case Studies/Testimonials: Gather evidence of how you've helped others or achieved results.

* Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact.

* Build Your Network Strategically:

* Identify key influencers and decision-makers in your field and find authentic ways to connect.

* Focus on giving more than you take in your networking efforts.

* Refine and Adapt:

* Monitor your brand's performance (e.g., website traffic, engagement on social media).

* Be open to adjusting your niche or message as you evolve and the market changes.

Ongoing Practices (Throughout All Phases)

* Prioritize Health & Well-being: Adequate sleep, healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are foundational for sustained success and confidence.

* Journaling: Regularly reflect on your progress, challenges, and insights.

* Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small, to maintain motivation.

* Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly review your goals, values, and actions to ensure they remain aligned.

* Give Back: Mentor others, volunteer, or contribute to your community. This reinforces your values and builds your confidence.

* Seek Inspiration: Read biographies of successful people, listen to podcasts, and follow thought leaders.

Key Principles for Success & Confidence:

* Authenticity: Your personal brand should be a true reflection of who you are. Don't try to be someone you're not.

* Consistency: Small, consistent actions lead to significant results over time in both personal development and branding.

* Value-Driven: Always strive to provide value to others, whether through your work, your content, or your interactions.

* Patience & Persistence: Growth takes time. There will be setbacks, but keep pushing forward.

* Learning Mindset: Be open to new ideas, feedback, and continuous improvement.

* Proactivity: Don't wait for opportunities; create them.

This roadmap is a flexible guide. Customize it to fit your unique aspirations and circumstances. The most important step is to start, and then to keep going. Good luck on your journey to becoming a successful, confident individual!

Work from income or income from work

  

  Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely "work from income or income from work?", This question is about the causal relationship between work and income, The reason I chose the topic above is because many people get jobs from other people's income, so this seems cruel to some people,  There are times when people are happy with their current job even though the income is not coming in then, they continued to do that kind of work because they considered it tempting when they got the results, that is a challenge in itself for people who have never earned a large income, fundamentally, income comes from work.

Let's explain why:

1. Work is a Source of Income

* Definition of Work: Work is an activity or undertaking undertaken by a person with the aim of achieving something, often for remuneration or a living. This can be formal employment (employee), entrepreneurship, or other productive activities.

* Definition of Income: Income is any form of economic income received by a person or organization, whether domestic or international, that can be used for consumption or to increase wealth.

* Logical Relationship: For a person to earn income (money or other forms of remuneration), they generally must perform work or productive activities that are valuable to others or the market. For example, a teacher receives a salary for teaching, a trader earns a profit from selling goods, and a farmer earns a harvest from cultivating the land.

2. Work as a Starting Point

In the economic cycle and in everyday life, work is the first step to generating income. Without work or productive contributions, it is very difficult to earn a sustainable income.

 * You work (provide services or produce goods) \rightarrow You receive compensation (income).

* You invest (a form of capital "employment") \rightarrow You receive dividends or profits (income).

Exceptions and Nuances

While income generally comes from work, there are several nuances to consider:

* Passive Income: There are forms of income called passive income, such as property rentals, stock dividends, or royalties. However, it's important to remember that earning this passive income usually requires initial "work" or effort, such as purchasing property, saving and investing in stocks, or creating a work (book/song) that generates royalties. So, work here may not be a constant daily job, but there is significant initial effort.

* Social Assistance/Gifts: Social assistance from the government or gifts received may not be the result of direct work. However, these are exceptions and not the general model for how most people earn a living.

Conclusion

So, the correct answer is: Income comes from work. Work is the activity or effort performed, and income is the reward or result obtained from that activity. Work is the cause, and income is the effect. 

What about work where the results aren't yet visible? This is an important question because it touches on aspects of motivation, long-term vision, and sustainability. In my opinion:

1. Look at the Purpose & Meaning of the Work

✅If the work aligns with long-term values and goals (for example, building skills, networks, or a potential business), it's natural that financial results won't be immediately visible.

✅Many initial jobs or ventures take time to see results (for example, years in creative fields, research, or business).

2. Evaluate Progress, Not Just Results

✅Measure the growth of skills, connections, and experience.

✅Are there signs that this work has the potential to produce results (even if not yet)?

If it's stagnant without direction, the strategy needs to be evaluated.

3. Balance Financial Needs

✅If life's needs are pressing, you can seek additional income temporarily while continuing your long-term work.

✅Don't let idealism make daily life financially stressful, as that pressure can actually stifle creativity.

4. Signs It's Worth Continuing

✅There's audience/client growth, even if it's small. 

✅There's an opportunity for advancement in a few months/years.

✅You feel you still have motivation and energy.

5. When Should You Stop or Pivot?

✅If you've been in a position for a long time (e.g., >2-3 years) but haven't seen significant progress (no skill improvement, no network, no income growth), you may need to change your strategy or even change fields.