Tim Ferriss has a podcast on this topic with Tony Robbins. He also has one with Brene Brown on striving vs self acceptance, a similar concept.

What’s the right balance to strike between these two – fulfillment and achievement, or said another way striving and self-acceptance. It’s an important question to ask and craft a philosophy around.

Striving (towards achievement) is surely a characteristic of high performers. Setting bold goals, relentlessly building a bridge from where you are to where you want to be.

Experiencing fulfillment (self-acceptance) seems contrary to the striving mentality. If you are content with yourself and where you are, does this rob you of ambition, the desire to get to somewhere better?

Tony’s perspective is that no level of achievement would ever be satisfying without fulfillment. He emphasized gratitude and that treating your expectations for appreciation would dramatically change your life.

In the talk with Brene, Tim said his strategy is to schedule time for both, recognizing them as opposites that both have an important role to play in his life .

Brene, similar to Tony, express the importance of self acceptance in that striving itself would never make you happy.

What do you think is the right balance? I believe they both have a place. I always want to be striving to become better, but simultaneously at peace with the way that things are. Be proud of the actions I’m taking, but not crushed if it doesn’t result in the desired output.