The Effort is the Reward: How I Try to Live by This Mantra Every Day
Embracing the Effort
Life often pushes us to focus on outcomes—on the finish line. But, as I’ve learned through my own journey, true fulfillment doesn’t come from checking off boxes on a to-do list or achieving a new milestone. It comes from the effort itself—the work, the sacrifices, and the dedication it takes just to be present in the moment.
“The journey itself is the destination.”
In this post, I want to dive deeper into the Milestones motto, "The Effort is the Reward," and share how this mindset has shifted how I approach not only my work but also life.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
The Problem with Chasing the Finish Line
In my previous post, I shared a bit about my journey—how I transitioned from aerospace engineering to data science, earned certifications from top universities, and completed a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon, all while balancing a family and a full-time job. It was an intense period. I was constantly in pursuit of the next goal.
For example, one year, I challenged myself to read more. I pushed myself to the point where I was reading two books a week. But something strange happened—I stopped enjoying it. I wasn’t reading to learn or grow; I was just reading to hit a number, to feel like I was achieving something. And the same thing happened in other areas of my life. I earned certification after certification in data science but never stopped to acknowledge the work that went into each one. It was exhausting, and eventually, I burned out.
Shifting the Focus: From Achievement to Effort
That’s when I realized something had to change. The effort I was putting in—the hours spent learning, the sacrifices I made, and the struggles I overcame—wasn’t being acknowledged. I wasn’t taking the time to honor the process. I decided to slow down, be present, and find joy in the effort itself.
This is why Milestones exists. It’s not just about celebrating the big moments in life, like a wedding or a promotion, but about pausing to appreciate the journey that got us there. Every sacrifice, every decision, every late night—it all matters.
Pro Tip: Next time you accomplish something, no matter how small, take a moment to pause. Reflect on the effort that got you there—because that is where the magic happens.
How I Live This Mantra Every Day
Today, I try to apply this mindset to everything I do. Instead of rushing to the next project, I focus on enjoying the process. Whether it’s working on a watch or learning a new skill, I aim to be present. This shift is reflected in the choices I’ve made in my daily life too:
I no longer wear a smartwatch. While I love data, I’ve chosen a mechanical watch instead—a reminder to stay present and appreciate each moment, without notifications pulling me away from the here and now.
I start each morning by brewing a cup of coffee using a Chemex, one cup at a time. The ritual of grinding the beans, heating the water, and slowly brewing the coffee is a reminder that life, like coffee, is better when savored.
“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.”
Why The Effort Matters More Than the Outcome
It's easy to focus on the end goal—the certification, the completed watch, the finished book—but when we do that, we miss the point. The effort we put in is what shapes us, what helps us grow. It's in the challenges, the mistakes, and the long hours that we truly find ourselves.
At Milestones, each handcrafted watch is a symbol of this belief. It’s not just about the final product—it’s about the effort that goes into each piece. Every detail is a reminder that the work we put in matters more than the destination.
“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.”
Honoring Your Own Effort
So, how can you apply this to your life? Start by slowing down. Instead of rushing to complete your to-do list, take a moment to appreciate the effort you're putting in right now. Whether you’re learning something new, working on a project, or simply going through your day-to-day routine, acknowledge the work. Celebrate it.
This is the philosophy that guides me and the Milestones brand: Life is not about reaching the finish line—it’s about the journey, the effort, and the moments we choose to stop and savor along the way.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to check out our latest Milestones models—crafted with the belief that The Effort is the Reward. Each piece is a reminder to celebrate your journey, every step of the way.
