The difference between achievement and success

Helen Hays was an American actress whose career spanned over 80 years between theater, movies and television. She was often introduced as “First Lady of American Theater” for her outstanding accomplishments on stage and screen. She was one of only 15 people who collected an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award.

Hays was not a typical glamorous Hollywood actress. As a matter of fact, she was once described as “diminutive and homespun” for her modesty and practicality. Her lasting career was anchored in a persevering spirit, who rose above the status quo to build a thriving image for decades while other actresses’ time in the limelight did not otherwise last.

When talking about her mother’s legacy one day, the actress told of a time when her mom spoke of the difference between achievement and success: “Achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that’s nice too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.”

When I came across Hays’ mother’s quote and her life story, I thought about a similar message I heard as a child. My mom was a woman ahead of her time, who was raised in a community where women were not allowed to pursue their dreams. For that reason, she became determined to bring up children with the very opposite mindset: “You can do anything you set your mind to do.” “Reach for the stars.” Indeed, Sir Edward Young’s quote was implied in every subliminal message I heard as a child:

“Too low they build who build beneath the stars.”

One of the first times I had to exercise determination and perseverance to achieve my goals was while playing volleyball in high school. I was one of those girls who reach their maximum height early in puberty, making me a tall 13-year-old at 5 feet, 5 inches. I had started playing the sport in sixth grade, and by the time my high school freshman year started, I loved playing as an outside hitter. As time went by, however, my small stature did not quite fit the profile of a volleyball hitter. I had to make a choice: Either I would change positions on the team, or I would have to overcome my height by improving my vertical jump. That’s when my mother’s words echoed in my heart: “Reach for the stars.”

And reach for the stars I did. Literally. I was the first one on the court each day, doing extra drills to improve my jump and speed. By the end of my sophomore year, I had the highest vertical on the team. I ended my high school career as the starter outside hitter and went on to play in college for a while, until an injury prevented me from remaining on the team.

After listing the amazing accomplishments of great men and women of faith in the Old Testament, the author of Hebrews starts the last chapter of his epistle with the following words:

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” In other words, if we are to fulfill our Godgiven destiny, we are to focus on our own race, run it with steadfastness and keep our eyes on God, who helps us overcome our limitations.

I know Helen Hays’ story did not just “happen” to come across my screen on the first week of 2019. While evaluating the year that ended, I had to confess to God that one of the things that I lacked last year was steadfast focus – that same focus that my 14-year-old self displayed many years ago. I did not focus on how successful or tall some of my teammates were, or the smirks I saw from across the net on the faces of my 6-foot tall opponents. Instead, I focused on my own race, choosing to press on against limitations to achieve my dream.

Helen Hays heeded her mother’s advice and aimed for achievement rather than success. May her legacy be a reminder to stay focused on our God-given goals this new year and nothing else. The outcome may not result in being praised by others, but it will certainly please God.