The Value of Awards vs. Personal Fulfillment in Pursuit of Excellence
When reflecting on past achievements, many of us may recall the joy and recognition that accompany receiving awards. For instance, in 2018, I was fortunate to receive three prestigious awards—Top Writer, Top Question Writer, and Top-Autor—on Quora. These accolades were undoubtedly rewarding, but the excitement was short-lived due to Quora's decision to discontinue most of its awards program. This article delves into how the absence of such recognitions has affected my online activities, highlighting the value of personal fulfillment and the importance of loyalty to one's own standards.
Cherishing QPP as a New Frontier for Engagement
Instead of grappling with the loss of awards, I have found a new purpose in my interaction with Quora through the Quora Premium Program (QPP). This initiative, which has faced negative sentiments for its perceived exploitation of members, has become a personal challenge and a game of sorts. By aiming to ask ten questions a day, I have managed to earn approximately $200 each month, which directly contributes to my travel expenses. This daily routine not only provides a financial incentive but also cultivates a sense of discipline and consistency.
Occasionally, the questions I pose are accused of being trolling; however, the underlying rationale is simple—views and ads generate revenue. The irony is not lost on me that Quora now seems to prioritize its trolls over its content creators. Despite this, my focus remains on the financial benefits rather than the overall standing it might bear on the platform. The wisdom of the tech billionaires from Mountain View is an uncontested fact, as both critical and supportive voices acknowledge.
Personal Experience: Military Service and the Pursuit of Recognition
In my military service, awards were never the ultimate goal. While I valued thank-you notes for meaningful contributions, I could not have cared less about formal recognition. An experience that stands out in particular was when my supervisor received an award for work I had completed independently. This supervisor never contributed a single element to the project's research or development, yet they managed to take credit for the entire effort. The award was presented without my prior knowledge, and I only found out during the presentation. Addressing my concerns with the commander did not change the outcome, as the decision had already been made.
The supervisor, whom I affectionately referred to as an 'award whore,' was one of many I encountered in my career. These individuals craved recognition for their accomplishments, often at the expense of their teams. My stance was clear from the outset—I was there to perform my duties, not to compete for awards. This distinction is crucial, as there are some high-profile awards deserved for exceptional acts of service, such as the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Silver Star, and Bronze Star. These accolades are earned for extraordinary efforts beyond just job duties.
The Role of Recognition in Motivation and Morale
Recognition plays a vital role in motivation and morale, yet the frequency and nature of awards can vary widely. In my professional experience, awards could sometimes be a double-edged sword, where the focus shifted from the work itself to the accolades. This can lead to situations where individuals prioritize recognition over the actual impact of their work. In the context of military service, for instance, recognition can boost team morale and morale, but it must be earned and deserved to maintain integrity and trust.
Reflecting on both my online engagement and past experiences, it becomes evident that true personal fulfillment often comes from the pursuit of excellence rather than external validation. The absence of formal awards has not diminished my passion for continuous learning and contributing to communities like Quora. Instead, it has allowed me to focus on the intrinsic value of my work and the satisfaction derived from helping others.
My journey underscores the importance of staying true to one's own standards and finding intrinsic motivation. Whether through daily challenges on Quora or dedicated service in the military, the path to personal fulfillment often lies in the journey itself, rather than the end result. It is this philosophy that guides my continued engagement and enthusiasm for both my online adventures and real-life experiences.