"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals": A Guide for English Learners
Welcome, English learner! The profound statement, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals," is more than just an inspiring quote; it's a powerful mindset for language acquisition and personal development. Understanding and internalizing this idea can significantly enhance your English learning journey. This article will guide you through the linguistic elements of this quote, delve into its deeper meaning, explore key vocabulary and grammar, and offer practical exercises to apply its wisdom. Prepare to see your English studies—and yourself—transform.
Table of Contents
- Linguistic Insights and Motivation for English Learners from the Quote
- Deconstructing "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals": Meaning and Origin
- Important Vocabulary and Grammar Points Within the Quote
- Practice and Reflection Based on the Quote
- Conclusion: Your Journey to English Excellence
Linguistic Insights and Motivation for English Learners from the Quote
This powerful quote, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals," is a goldmine for English learners. It’s not just about the inspiring message; its structure and vocabulary offer valuable learning opportunities. Let's explore how it can boost your real-life English skills and provide lasting English learning motivation.
Language Feature 1: Comparative Structure ("not as important as")
The quote uses a comparative structure: "X is not as important as Y." This is a common and essential structure in English used to compare two things and state that one has less of a particular quality (in this case, importance) than the other.
- How it helps your English: Mastering this structure allows you to express nuanced opinions and make comparisons effectively. You can use it in various contexts:
- "Learning vocabulary is important, but practicing speaking is not as easy as just memorizing words."
- "Watching movies in English is fun, but it's not as effective for grammar as focused study."
- "For me, fluency is not as important as clear communication at this stage."
Understanding this comparative helps you articulate preferences, priorities, and evaluations with greater precision. The quote itself emphasizes that the internal transformation (what you become) holds more value than the external reward (what you get).
Language Feature 2: Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions ("by achieving")
The phrase "by achieving your goals" uses a gerund ("achieving") as the object of the preposition "by." A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun.
- How it helps your English: Recognizing and using gerunds correctly, especially after prepositions, is crucial for natural-sounding English. Many prepositions are followed by gerunds when an action is being described.
- "You improve by practicing regularly." (preposition "by" + gerund "practicing")
- "She is interested in learning new languages." (preposition "in" + gerund "learning")
- "He succeeded through working hard." (preposition "through" + gerund "working")
The quote’s use of "by achieving" clearly indicates the method or means through which one gets something or becomes something. It shifts the focus to the process of achievement.
Practical and Motivational Value
For English learners, the journey can often feel long and arduous. You might set a goal, like passing an exam or reaching a certain fluency level. While these goals are important, this quote reminds you that the skills, resilience, discipline, and new perspectives you gain along the way—the person you become—are the true prizes.
This perspective is incredibly motivating. It means that every small effort, every mistake learned from, and every new phrase mastered contributes to your growth, regardless of how far the final goal seems. The message "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals" encourages perseverance and a focus on continuous self-improvement, which are essential for success in language learning.
Deconstructing "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals": Meaning and Origin
The statement "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals" is a profound piece of wisdom that resonates deeply with anyone striving for personal or professional growth, including dedicated English learners.
The Core Message Explained
In simple terms, the quote emphasizes that the journey of working towards your goals transforms you in ways that are far more valuable and lasting than the actual attainment of the goals themselves. While achieving a goal (e.g., a new job, a specific skill, a material possession) brings satisfaction, the personal development—such as increased knowledge, resilience, discipline, confidence, and character—that occurs during the pursuit is the real treasure.
Think about learning English: your goal might be to pass the TOEFL exam or to speak fluently. These are tangible outcomes. However, the process of studying, practicing, overcoming challenges, and interacting with new cultures and ideas changes you. You become more disciplined, a better communicator, more open-minded, and perhaps more confident. These internal changes—what you become—are the lasting rewards that enrich your life far beyond the certificate or the label of "fluent."
Origin and Common Usage
The precise origin of this quote is somewhat debated, with variations attributed to several motivational speakers and writers over time, including figures like Henry David Thoreau (who expressed similar sentiments about personal growth) and Zig Ziglar, a renowned motivational speaker who often emphasized character development. Regardless of its exact genesis, the sentiment has become a cornerstone of personal development philosophy and is widely used in motivational speeches, books, and coaching sessions.
Its enduring popularity stems from its universal truth. It applies to any endeavor, whether it's learning a new skill, building a career, improving relationships, or mastering a language like English. It encourages a shift from a purely outcome-driven mindset to a process-oriented one, which is often more sustainable and fulfilling. For many, understanding that what you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals provides a healthier perspective on success and failure.
Emotional and Practical Connection for Learners
For English learners, this quote can be particularly powerful:
- Emotionally: It can reduce the pressure and anxiety associated with reaching specific proficiency levels quickly. It validates the effort and struggle, reframing them as opportunities for growth. This can foster a more positive and resilient attitude towards learning, especially during challenging phases.
- Practically: It encourages learners to focus on consistent effort, skill development, and the learning process itself. Instead of being solely fixated on the endpoint (e.g., "I must be C1 level by December"), learners can appreciate the daily progress in communication, understanding, and confidence. This focus on the journey of personal development through language learning can lead to more sustained engagement and, ironically, better outcomes.
Cultural Context
While the pursuit of goals is a universal human endeavor, the emphasis on internal growth over external reward highlighted in this quote is particularly resonant in many modern personal development frameworks across cultures. It aligns with philosophies that value self-cultivation, lifelong learning, and character building. For international learners, this quote offers a perspective that transcends cultural specifics, focusing on the universal human experience of striving and becoming.
Important Vocabulary and Grammar Points Within the Quote
Let's break down some key vocabulary and grammar from the quote "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals" to enhance your English understanding and usage.
Key Vocabulary
Achieving (verb, present participle used as a gerund here)
- Definition: Successfully bringing about or reaching (a desired objective, level, or result) by effort, skill, or courage.
- Examples:
- She found great satisfaction in achieving her dream of studying abroad.
- Achieving fluency in English requires consistent practice and dedication.
Goals (noun, plural)
- Definition: The object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
- Examples:
- One of my main goals this year is to improve my English pronunciation.
- Setting clear goals can help you stay motivated in your language learning journey.
Important (adjective)
- Definition: Of great significance or value; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, or well-being.
- Examples:
- It is important to review new vocabulary regularly.
- Understanding cultural nuances is an important aspect of mastering a language.
Become (verb, intransitive)
- Definition: To begin to be; to come to be something or to change into a different state or condition.
- Examples:
- Through dedicated study, he became proficient in English.
- As you learn a language, you become more aware of different perspectives.
Grammar Tips: Comparative Structures and Gerunds
The quote elegantly uses a comparative structure and gerunds. Let's look closer.
1. Comparative Structure: not as ... as
This structure is used to show that two things are not equal in a particular quality. The thing mentioned after as ... as has more of the quality.
| Structure | Explanation | Example from Quote | Another Example |
|---|---|---|---|
X is not as Y as Z | Z possesses more of quality Y than X does. | "What you get... is not as important as what you become..." (Becoming is more important) | "This book is not as interesting as the last one I read." (The last book was more interesting) |
X is as Y as Z | X and Z possess an equal amount of quality Y. | (Not in quote, but for comparison) | "She is as tall as her brother." (They are the same height) |
2. Gerunds after Prepositions (e.g., "by achieving")
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. Gerunds are commonly used after prepositions.
| Preposition + Gerund | Explanation | Example from Quote | Other Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
by + gerund | Indicates the method or means by which something is done. | "by achieving your goals" | "You can improve your English by reading more." |
in + gerund | Often indicates an interest or involvement. | "She is interested in learning about new cultures." | |
for + gerund | Often indicates purpose. | "This tool is used for cutting paper." | |
without + gerund | Indicates absence of an action. | "He left without saying goodbye." |
Understanding these vocabulary items and grammatical structures will not only help you decipher the quote but also empower you to express more complex ideas in your own English communication. Mastering these elements is a key step in improving English fluency.
Practice and Reflection Based on the Quote
Now that we've explored the meaning and linguistic elements of "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals," let's engage with it through some practical activities. These tasks are designed to help you internalize its message and boost your English skills.
Reflection Question:
- Think about a significant goal you are currently working towards (it could be English-related or something else). How is the process of working towards this goal changing you as a person? What skills or qualities are you developing along the way that you value?
Mini Writing Task (50–100 words):
- Write a short paragraph about a time you pursued a challenging goal. Describe not only whether you achieved the external goal but also what you learned about yourself or how you grew as a person during the experience. Try to use at least two vocabulary words from the quote (e.g., achieving, goals, important, become).
Speaking Prompt (1-minute talk):
- Prepare and deliver a short (approximately 1 minute) talk to a friend or record yourself. Your talk should be about the importance of personal growth in any learning endeavor. Conclude your talk by saying the full quote: "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."
Vocabulary Challenge:
- Create three original sentences using the following vocabulary words from our discussion: achieving, goals, and important. Ensure your sentences demonstrate your understanding of their meanings. For an extra challenge, try to use the comparative structure "not as...as" in one of your sentences.
Daily Application Challenge:
- For one day this week, consciously focus on the process of your English learning rather than just the outcome. For example, if you're doing a grammar exercise, notice how you're thinking, what strategies you're using, and how your understanding is deepening, rather than just focusing on getting the answers right. At the end of the day, jot down one thing you realized about yourself or your learning style.
Social Media Sharing Task:
- Craft a short, inspiring post for your favorite social media platform (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) that incorporates the essence of the quote. You could write something like: "Focusing on who I'm #becoming on my #EnglishLearning journey. The growth is the real prize! Inspired by the idea that what you become is key. #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment" Feel free to use the full quote if space allows.
Listening/Pronunciation Exercise:
- Search online for audio or video clips of native English speakers saying the quote "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals" or similar motivational phrases. Listen carefully to their intonation, stress, and rhythm. Try to mimic their pronunciation. You can record yourself and compare to improve.
Engaging with these activities will help you connect with the quote on a deeper level and practice your English skills in varied, meaningful ways.
Conclusion: Your Journey to English Excellence
As you continue your adventure in mastering English vocabulary and grammar, remember the wisdom encapsulated in the quote: "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." This isn't just about learning a language; it's about the incredible personal transformation that accompanies the journey. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and most importantly, recognize and cherish the stronger, more capable, and more knowledgeable person you are becoming with every step.
Your commitment to learning English is shaping you in profound ways. Keep that spirit alive, focus on your growth, and the results will naturally follow. This path of continuous improvement is the true essence of excellence.
Now, I’d love to hear from you: What personal quality do you feel you have developed most through your English learning journey so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!