The Stranger Journal #3

Personal Philosophy:

Achievementism

My personal philosophy, Achievementism, is based on my experiences in life and how I have reacted to them. Other people's advice or ideas that I find to be true or meaningful help make up Achievementism. This philosophy focuses on achieving goals that bring lasting happiness and fulfillment.

1. Happiness stems from doing things one enjoys and not necessarily material possessions. This principle develops from my own life experiences. I find that I am most happy when I do things that I enjoy, such as reading or runnning, not from the size of my bank account. Many people are unahppy with their lives because they focus their attention on things that they don't enjoy doing.
2. People ultimately choose who they want to be. Other factors in people's lives can affect them, but I think that people can choose how they react and how much they let other things affect them. I formed this belief from the examples of other's lives and what I've seen. People need to know that they are responsible for who they are and can't blame circumstances or other people.
3. One should always try their best in everything they do. I think that it's better to not start something at all than to do it with minimal effort. By putting forth your best effort in any task, you can be proud of yourself and know that you've done a job well done.This is a philosophy that I've been raised with, so it's something that I've expected of myself as well as others.
4. Physical exercise is as important as mental exercise in bring a well-rounded and successful person. I believe that a person needs both a healthy body and a healthy mind to be successful in life. Most people focus on having either one or the other, but both are important because they allow you to get all your tasks done quickly and efficiently. Both types of exercise are expected in the house I live in, so that is probably where this belief stems from.
5. Everything should be done in moderation. Too much or too little of anything is not good for anyone. For example, too much chocolate cake and you'll get a stomach ache. Too little chocolate cake and you'll feel deprived and cranky. This idea is important because everyone does too much of something and too little of others.
6. Keeping an open mind is difficult, but necessary to be successful. There are over six billion people on this planet who think, act and talk differently than you do. Considering other's view points is necessary to get along with others and getting things done. My parents and others have shown me that this principle is important for working and even just being with other people.
7. Self-confidence is a key component of happiness. Though this sounds cheesy, I think believing in yourself is important. Many struggle with this and rely on others to believe in them. From my own life experinces, I felt happy when I was confident in myself and knew that I could do what was expected of me.