Take in your accomplishment

Metaphorically speaking

It goes without saying that any great exploration warrants celebrations at the end. You took upon yourself hardship and risk, and things might not have turned out as you hoped. But they did turn out well: you succeeded. Time to count your lucky stars and pat yourself on the back for a while. Sure, the journey is the reward. But then, success in completing a journey at least suggest the celebration of receiving that reward in full.

Consequently, try not to rush on to the next commitment, job, programme, or problem to solve. Attend the graduation party, celebrate with your friends and family. Consider that it’s not only your accomplishment, but also a source of pride for your family and friends. While you should not celebrate for making anyone happy apart from yourself, it might be helpful to consider the impression your family and friends have about your success, as an indicator to what you achieved. You might not yet fully realize what you have accomplished here—let them help you appreciate the moment.

Research, to a degree, also means mastering consecutive levels of challenge. Since these levels of challenge are difficult from the start and only get more difficult, there is not just a sense of celebration but also a moment of reflection useful after mastering each level. What does it mean to have achieved a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, a doctorate?

(This is a preview section. The full chapter on this topic continues with the sections “Rough coordinates”, “Train of thought”, “In essence”, “To reflect”, “Two travellers’ tales”, “Devil’s advocate”, and “How to tackle”.)