Is the Drive for Accomplishment good for you?

Posted on September 06, 2023 by Freda Smith, One of Thousands of Christian Coaches on Noomii.

I used to jump from one course to the next and each time, after I have successfully completed a course, I feel a huge sense of confidence and I feel so immensely proud of myself. I have found however, that the feeling fades shortly after, and then again I find myself in search of my next dopamine high, in the form of accomplishment through a course. One of my core values after all, is accomplishment.

So, when is accomplishment a good thing and when does it become toxic?

Research suggests when we learn, we create new neural connections in our brains, we reduce the onset of Alzheimer’s, and when we stop learning, our mental reactions slow down and become less responsive.

Let’s look at some Bible verses that support learning and development:

Proverbs 18:15

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 9:9

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

These are all verses, among many, that suggest it is recommended for us to increase knowledge, learn more, and be guided by God in doing so. These verses should suggest that the constant drive for accomplishment through courses, like I had, should be fine, right?

Well, it depends. You see it is all about your focus when you want to accomplish new things. Do you work towards accomplishment for self-gratification, or do you know God in everything you achieve? Do you run after accomplishment because it boosts your ego and gives you a greater sense of worth, or do you do it because you genuinely want to look after your temple (as your brain is part of your temple)?

When we work towards accomplishing new goals, with God at the center, our focus shifts off us and what we lack, onto God being our main focus point. We KNOW we will get there because we are backed by Him.

However, when God is not the center of your accomplishment, it becomes toxic. Your drive is purely to boost your ego and to cover up your lack of self-worth. I used to be there. I used to be stuck in course mode, thinking the next one would get me there, because it became about ME. It wasn’t about those I had to serve, it wasn’t about God taking the reins, but MY capabilities and MY talents and MY accomplishments. Apart from my focus not being on God and what He truly wants for me, the other problem with this is there is also no balance. My drive of accomplishment became a distraction, and I lacked spending time with God. I lacked relaxation and switching off, which is JUST as important. When we are constantly chasing accomplishment not only are we so distracted, we do not spend time with God, but we are also so busy chasing, that we drain ourselves out.

Let’s look at some Bible verses that promote the importance of rest:

Exodus 33:14

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest

Psalm 61:1-4b

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Psalm 62:1-2

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken.

Rest here, is removing the anxiety and the need to perform. Removing the need to make it about your capabilities and placing the trust in God’s hands. Removing you (the ego) from the picture and resting in the One’s hands who is the only One who truly has control. It is about having that balance of knowing that, come what may, it is out of my hands and in God’s hands. It’s also about the balance of knowing when you have done enough vs when you overdo it.

So, friends, go ahead and accomplish new things, but ask God to guide you first. Ask God to guide you in the direction of what He wants you to accomplish. Let Him be the driver, instead of you running around with no clear direction.

I have found my freedom in knowing that, when I want to accomplish anything, I will turn to God first. When He is at the center I will not chase after distractions, but rather be guided and geared on His path He has planned for my life. Accomplishment will then continue to make me feel proud of myself, but not out of my own doing. I would know I achieved everything by being on the right track, going when I need to but also finding my rest and peace in God. That feeling stays with you forever. That feeling is not connected to your ego, but instead connected to how obediently you make God the key center in all your life accomplishments.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can confidently accomplish what God wants for you to achieve, reach out to me by booking your free Pre-Coaching Explore session below.