Enlightenment isn't a gradual process. It's a radical and irreversible shift in perception of reality. The lead-up to enlightenment may be gradual (this involves breaking down your own thought patterns), but the happening is in an instant. There's no such thing as partially enlightened being. The light switch is either on, or its off.

However, that doesn't mean game over, or that you've actually achieved anything. It's just passing through the door into a new paradigm. Enlightenment is only the beginning of a vast territory into the unknown.

Really, enlightenment doesn't mean shit unless you're willing to start all over again. If people think its the final destination, they'll be terribly disappointed.