I Know What It’s Like to Give Your All and Get Nothing Back.
Initially, I wanted to title this article 'I Know What It's Like To Put Your Heart and Soul Into Something And Get Nothing Out Of It' because I perceived it as crafted to speak to a common human experience, making it likely to resonate with a broad audience.
However, I digressed to something shorter to effectively capture the sentiment and attract readers who do not appreciate more descriptive, long titles. Then, I considered 'The Pain of Giving Everything and Receiving Nothing'.
However, I didn't want the title to highlight the bitter side more than the sweet. I wanted it to be nothing short of the 'BITTERSWEET' article I had envisioned it to read as.
I know what giving your all and getting nothing back is like. It's a feeling many of us have experienced, pouring our heart and soul into something only to be met with disappointment.
I am always asked, or rather, people find my article's ending statements intriguing and have always wanted to know how I came about it. Reading this article and seeing it just below the last sentence has probably finally answered that question.
The frustration and sadness that come from seeing no return on our efforts can be overwhelming. But the part that even makes it unbearing is the aftermath, questioning our capabilities and whether we did our best.
The emotional investment can be immense, whether it's a project at work, a personal goal, or a relationship. Emma Irving captures this sentiment perfectly, stating, "There is a kind of mythology in meritocracy which is if you try hard enough if you're good enough, you will get there in the end…And of course, the implication if you do leave is you weren't good enough…rather than just saying there's just not enough jobs."
There is often the harsh reality that success is only sometimes guaranteed despite our best efforts, and external factors beyond our control can influence the outcome.
"We didn't do anything wrong, but somehow, we lost…"
During a press conference in February 2016 to announce Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop ended his speech by saying, "We didn't do anything wrong, but somehow, we lost." Upon this conclusion, he and the entire management team publicly wept.
It's a reminder that despite our best efforts, sometimes things don't go as planned, and we're left to pick up the pieces and find a way to move forward - not move on.
When I ponder concepts like this, I also wish I could offer consolation for myself or my readers. Still, I conclude that life is a ball of giving and not getting your all.
Impasse, so it is with everything. Look at all the topics the teachers cover during an academic session, but compare it with the volume the exams cover and countless other life examples.
This aligns with the vital few principles (Pareto Principle {80/20 Rule} & Pareto Analysis Guide), highlighting that a few critical factors often determine outcomes.
Despite our efforts, success is not solely dependent on hard work or talent; external factors and opportunities play a significant role, for or against us.
Recognising this can help us focus our energy on the most impactful areas while accepting that not everything is within our control.
But if you have read to this point and are starting to feel let down that I didn't offer any suggestions apart from outlining what is seemingly obvious, you should read how I treat my disappointments and failures below.
I treat it just like I treat romantic relationships. I summon the courage to end the relationship. Break it off, shake hands or give warm hugs, write a long letter and walk away.
At the end of everything, I am only but one traveller (in Robert Frost's words - please click and read the poem. It is beautiful.); I can only take one road at a time.
Many thanks for reading my perspective and giving feedback.
My fervent wish is for the personal growth of everyone and the success of all young professionals who put their hearts and souls into finding their purpose in life.
If you find this content insightful and would like to join my community of wonderful people, which I am trying to build, please subscribe and connect with me.
Copyright © Ekene Moses, 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Spot-on. I can relate as to many instances in the aspects of career and relationshipssssss.
Thanks for sharing! I perceive you already have an idea, of the significance of setbacks. The key however I found is perseverance, never to give up even when a chapter has closed. Hence, moving forward not moving on as you put it.