More Than the Result: Why the Journey Deserves Our Applause

I still remember the day I got my Class 10th results. I was travelling to Rajasthan with my family when they came out. I checked my marks and they were good and for a moment, I felt proud of my effort. But within minutes, my parents and grandmother were answering calls from relatives, neighbors, and people who hadn’t spoken to us in years. Everyone suddenly wanted to know just one thing: “What’s the result?”

In that moment, looking out at the dark road from the window seat, one question kept coming to my mind: Where were these people during my journey?

Student studying alone late at night under a lamp, showing the effort behind success and why we must applaud the journey.

Where were they when I stayed up late studying, finishing endless projects and assignments? Where were they when I felt tired, confused, or afraid I wouldn’t meet everyone’s expectations? Where was their encouragement then?

This reflection didn’t leave me. I realized how much this happens not just to me, but to so many students. We carry the weight of exams and expectations for months and then people only appear when the result comes. If the marks are good, there’s praise. If they’re not, there’s silence or worse, judgement. But hardly anyone asks: “What did you go through? What did this journey teach you?”

Person walking alone on an empty foggy road, symbolizing the unseen struggles and why we must applaud the journey.

For me, my Class 10 journey meant so much more than the final score. That year shaped me in ways no result could ever measure. I got clarity about what I want to do in life. I gained confidence and learned to handle pressure. I faced good days and bad days and every experience taught me something. It was that journey that made me more self-aware, more reflective, and even inspired me to write blogs like this one today. The journey gave me direction, so much so that the result felt small in comparison.

That’s what we often forget: the journey shapes us. It builds our character, teaches us resilience, and gives us lessons we carry for life. But society rarely notices that side, they only celebrates the final outcome.

And it’s not just students. Think about dreamers too, someone trying to build a business, write a book, create art, or fight for a cause. They work day and night, face failures, learn, and grow, often alone. Then, when they finally show their result, everyone appears to clap or to judge. But how many people showed up for the struggles behind the scenes?

This reflection matters because it affects us deeply as individuals and as a society. When we judge people only by their result, we make them feel lonely and misunderstood. And sometimes, even the most talented students or dreamers lose their spark because they feel unseen. They start to doubt themselves. They choose something smaller than what they’re capable of not because they lack talent, but because they lacked support when they needed it most.

It may seem like a small thing, but it’s not. A few words of encouragement, a simple “How are you doing?” during someone’s struggle can mean more than praise after the result. It doesn’t cost anything to ask, “How is your preparation going? How is your work?” If their voice sounds low, try to lift them up. These small acts matter because we are social beings, and our actions don’t stop with us. They create ripples. The way we show up — or don’t affects others more than we realize. And that’s how, as a society, we shape each other’s courage, confidence, and choices.

So, what can we do? It’s simple, but deeply important:

Be someone who shows up for the journey, not just the result. Be there when people are trying, failing, learning, and growing. And even if you miss the chance to be there, at least don’t judge their outcome. Recognize the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, and the silent growth that happens along the way.

Next time you see a student waiting for results, or a friend chasing a dream, or anyone daring to do something meaningful be the one who says, “I see you. I see your effort. Keep going.”

Because our words, our presence, and our actions matter. They create ripples that can shape lives.

And when we choose to applaud the journey not just the result, we create a world where more people feel seen, supported, and unafraid to dream big again.

Maybe that’s the greatest result we could ever hope for – together.

So next time, choose to stand by someone’s journey not just their result.

Two friends sitting together studying and supporting each other, showing why we should applaud the journey.

You can also read my blog: They Are Always Watching: Silent Lessons We Give To Children

For visual reflections and latest updates of new blogs, check out the Instagram

2 thoughts on “More Than the Result: Why the Journey Deserves Our Applause”

  1. Everybody only cares about the result and overlook the journey. On my result day I also faced similar thing. The relatives whom I haven’t spoken in past year were calling me. though there were a few who inquired about me before also.
    But it really breaks heart of someone who has made a lot of sacrifices yet didn’t got a expected result, and these people just ask about result.
    If you got good marks then it was expected, if you got less marks it was not expected.
    As I have been through same situation I would never ask anyone about their end result without knowing their journey.

    Keep it up.👏👏

    1. You’ve put this so well, people really do forget there’s a whole journey behind every mark sheet. I’m glad you shared your own story here, it adds so much meaning. Hope more people start asking about the effort, not just the numbers. Thanks a lot for this! 🌟

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