What if Success is Measured by Happiness?
December 21, 2009 by Jen Groover
Filed under Career, Featured
How do you determine success? I assume we overwhelmingly qualify it in terms of income or materialistic value as I have never heard someone define another’s success by their happiness –a component I believe to be the fundamental element of success.
I have met many wildly financially “successful” men and women whom seem to have everything in life except the most important thing….happiness. Let me quickly reject the notion that I think abundant wealth is a trade-off of any sort for happiness—on the contrary. I think financial success can alleviate a lot of burden and give people the opportunity of self-fulfillment through helping others. What saddens me is when someone sacrifices happiness for financial gains or a title that they think will intrinsically satisfy them.
When I wake up in the morning I am excited to start my day almost like a child who leaps out of bed simply to play all day. My exuberance and wonder for what the day has in store for me makes me grateful for the decisions I have made and the course my life has taken.
I am saddened when I do not see people enjoying what they do and only doing it because they feel they have no choice, or believe that’s how people will perceive them to be successful. They do not realize that happiness is a pillar of true success.
To be happy or passionate about who you are and what you’re doing can be the fuel and clarity to not only achieve but surpass your goals. If financial wealth and social status are meant to come, they will find you. They will come as you discover your true passions and, instead of being that of empty ambition, they will enhance your life while allowing you to experience the fulfillment that comes from doing what you love and from helping others in need.
So, if success is measured by happiness….do you consider yourself successful?
Why Not…
- Why not evaluate what you’re doing in your life. Are you feeding your happiness or your ego and society’s expectations?
photo: flickr.com
Jen Groover’s new book “What If & Why Not? How to Transform Your Fears Into Action and Start the Business of Your Dreams” can now be ordered online at amazon.com.
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