Aiming for Awards, Not Rewards

Lessons from Lord Rama and the Path to Lasting Success

Aiming for Awards, Not Rewards

As we celebrate Diwali, marking Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after years of exile and triumph over challenges, his journey offers timeless lessons on the virtues of aiming for awards rather than rewards. Lord Rama’s mission, driven not by personal ambition or short-term gains, exemplified duty, integrity, and devotion to the welfare of others. Much like the path to achieving meaningful awards in our professional and personal lives, his story embodies resilience, patience, and long-term dedication. For anyone looking to create a legacy that transcends immediate gratification, Lord Rama’s journey shows that awards—not rewards—are the true symbols of enduring success and impact.

Awards vs. Rewards: Understanding the Difference

In both life and work, the pursuit of excellence takes on different forms. Awards are recognitions of sustained dedication, impact, and integrity. They are symbols of distinction for those who act with purpose and for a cause greater than themselves. Like Lord Rama’s pursuit of dharma (righteousness), awards mark achievements that contribute positively to society and inspire others. Rewards, on the other hand, serve as short-term incentives, providing immediate, tangible benefits. While they may drive us to perform specific actions, they rarely align with the higher purposes that define true legacy. By aiming for awards over rewards, we align our actions with principles and values that foster long-term personal growth and lasting contributions.

Benefits of Aiming for Awards: Lessons in Character and Commitment

1. Intrinsic Motivation: The Power of Duty and Self-Drive

Throughout the Ramayana, Lord Rama’s actions were driven by an intrinsic sense of duty and a commitment to his values. He didn’t seek personal gain; instead, he willingly chose to honour his father’s wishes and fulfil his responsibilities, even when it meant great personal sacrifice. This form of intrinsic motivation, where the drive comes from within, can be a powerful source of sustained effort over time.

This approach resonates with the example of Raghav (name changed), a young IAS officer in India dedicated to improving educational outcomes in rural communities. Rather than aiming for short-term commendations, Raghav is motivated by the desire to create lasting change and earns a national award for excellence in public service. Inspired by the principles of service and sacrifice, much like Lord Rama, he pursues long-term goals that bring enduring impact to his community, showing the difference between working for rewards and striving for something truly meaningful.

2. Vision for the Greater Good: Beyond Personal Gains

Lord Rama’s journey was not limited to personal honour; it was directed towards restoring justice and promoting righteousness in society. Awards, similarly, often recognise contributions that transcend individual success and benefit a broader community or field. This broader vision for the greater good encourages us to think beyond personal gain and focus on the positive impact we can create for others.

Consider Emily (name changed), a sustainability officer in a multinational corporation in the US. Instead of chasing quarterly targets or bonuses, she commits to the long-term goal of making her company a leader in environmental sustainability. By initiating policies that reduce the company’s carbon footprint and championing renewable energy, Emily focuses on creating value that extends far beyond immediate financial rewards. Her dedication ultimately earns her company an international award for corporate responsibility, showcasing her commitment to a higher purpose. This pursuit aligns with Lord Rama’s mission of upholding principles for the greater good, illustrating the profound impact of visionary thinking over short-term incentives.

3. Endurance in Adversity: Staying the Course

The journey to earn an award often requires resilience and the ability to endure hardships, as demonstrated by Lord Rama, who faced exile, battles, and trials to uphold his duty. The strength and resolve to persist through adversity are essential for anyone aiming to achieve long-lasting success. Much like Lord Rama’s path, striving for awards requires patience and tenacity, qualities that are indispensable in both professional and personal spheres.

Both Raghav and Emily encounter significant challenges on their paths to achieving recognition for their work, yet their dedication to a larger purpose keeps them steady. In the corporate and government sectors alike, this endurance sets apart those who chase short-term rewards from those who work towards awards that reflect sustained commitment and integrity. This resilience not only strengthens character but also builds a reputation for reliability and consistency.

4. Broader Legacy and Lasting Impact

Awards often celebrate those whose achievements uplift others, as Lord Rama’s actions uplifted an entire kingdom. His return to Ayodhya was not merely a personal victory but a beacon of hope, representing the triumph of good over evil and inspiring generations to follow the path of righteousness. Likewise, award-worthy work tends to inspire a legacy that others can look up to and emulate, creating a ripple effect that positively influences individuals, communities, and industries alike.

When Raghav receives a national award for his contributions to rural education, he does more than achieve personal success; he paves the way for other civil servants to take on transformative projects. Emily’s company, through its corporate responsibility award, becomes a role model for sustainable business practices, encouraging other organisations to prioritise environmental stewardship. These examples mirror the lasting impact of Lord Rama’s journey, underscoring the profound influence of contributions rooted in a sense of duty and vision.

5. The Value of Recognition Over Reward

Just as Lord Rama’s legacy continues to be honoured through the ages, awards offer a level of prestige that remains relevant long after the recognition is granted. Unlike rewards, which often bring immediate yet temporary satisfaction, awards are symbols of enduring accomplishments. They allow individuals to build a reputation based on integrity and resilience, much like the revered legacy Lord Rama left behind. For Raghav and Emily, their respective awards become testaments to the impact of their dedication, elevating their reputation and opening doors for future opportunities to make a difference.

Balancing Awards and Rewards: Recognising Their Roles

While awards should be the primary focus for anyone seeking long-term success and personal fulfilment, rewards do play a role in providing motivation along the way. Occasional rewards can offer encouragement and recognition for specific achievements, allowing individuals to maintain a balance between short-term goals and long-term aspirations. The key is to keep one’s primary focus on meaningful accomplishments, using rewards as supplementary motivators that reinforce desirable actions and milestones.

Embracing the Spirit of Diwali: Celebrating Legacy and Purpose

As we light lamps to celebrate Diwali, we commemorate Lord Rama’s values—duty, resilience, and a commitment to a higher purpose. Aiming for awards over rewards enables us to channel these virtues into our own lives and careers, encouraging us to pursue goals that create lasting fulfilment and meaningful impact. Whether in the government or corporate sectors, the examples of Lord Rama, Raghav, and Emily remind us that true success lies in the legacy we build, not in the immediate rewards we gather along the way. This Diwali, let us celebrate not just the festival of lights, but the light of purpose, perseverance, and righteousness within each of us.

Happy Diwali!