And we have now just enshrined, as soon as I sign this bill, the core principle that everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care. (Applause.) And it is an extraordinary achievement that has happened because of all of you and all the advocates all across the country.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Signs Health Reform Into Law

Though Weill is brash, sometimes vulgar, but always colorful, his route to power and super wealth has been an incredible achievement.

FORBES: Emperor Sandy

People crave positive feedback, recognition they put in extra effort, acknowledgement of leaders and peers, the glow that comes with knowing an achievement has been seen, appreciated and celebrated.

FORBES: 5 Ways Leaders Rock Employee Recognition

Talking to officials involved in launching negotiations for a broad new trade and investment agreement between the U.S. and the European Union, it's clear that even getting to the starting line has been an achievement.

WSJ: Trans-Atlantic Trading Partners Barter Over Rules

By the time Raspberry Pi celebrates its first anniversary at the end of February, more than a million will have been sold - an amazing achievement for what has been a shoestring operation dependent on voluntary efforts and the enthusiasm of the community.

BBC: The Pi Store opens

But no one who has been to Bruges will fail to appreciate what may be its foremost achievement: the insight with which Rodenbach has seized upon and expressed the elusive essence of an entire city, as though it had a human heart.

WSJ: Georges Rodenbach | Bruges-La-Morte | Incarnating the World Within | Masterpiece by James Gardner