By Teresa Greco
“When I am successful in my personal and professional life, then I will be happy!” How many of us postpone our happiness because we are waiting to achieve a certain level of success in our lives so that we feel like we have earned our right to be happy? Or we have placed our happiness on a faraway timeline and believe that we will be happy sometime in the future when particular aspects of our life materialize the way we had always imagined. Contrary to the old saying that success leads to happiness, positive psychology unveils a realm where happiness and success converge. It suggests that the relationship between the two is not a one-way street but rather a complex interplay.
Research in this field has revealed that while external achievements such as wealth, fame, or status may temporarily boost happiness, they often fail to sustain well-being, leaving us with a constant desire for more. For instance, we might feel elated for a few days after earning a promotion or a degree, only to set new, slightly higher goals and push our happiness further into the future. On the other hand, people who are happy tend to be successful across multiple domains in life, including work performance, health, income, friendship, and even marriage. This is because true happiness doesn’t come from reaching goals but can be experienced from within at any given moment. Happiness is an innate quality of our spiritual self. When we live in awareness of this part of ourselves and align our mental, emotional, and physical selves with our true essence, success is a natural byproduct of our endeavours, as we are aligned with our authentic selves, core values, and purpose.
The Significance Of Eudaimonia
The pursuit of success without intrinsic meaning often leads to a hollow victory, like a mirage that vanishes upon closer inspection. Positive psychology highlights the significance of eudaimonic well-being, a concept that transcends mere pleasure-seeking and focuses on purpose and meaning. It suggests that true success is not about external validation but aligning our aspirations with our authentic selves, values, and passions. Research has shown that individuals who pursue intrinsic goals, such as personal growth, relationships, and community involvement, are more likely to experience greater levels of happiness and fulfillment. By identifying and pursuing meaningful goals, individuals can create a sense of purpose and direction in their lives, leading to greater overall well-being.
The Role Of Social Connections
Research has consistently shown that strong social support networks are associated with higher levels of well-being and greater success in various domains of life. By cultivating a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors, individuals can draw upon invaluable resources and encouragement to navigate the challenges on the path to success.
The Importance Of A Growth Mindset
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and effort. Individuals with a growth mindset are more resilient in the face of adversity, more willing to take risks, and more likely to view failure as an opportunity for growth. By cultivating a growth mindset, individuals can unlock their full potential by tapping into the inherent power of their true essence and remembering that anything is possible.
Practical Strategies For Enhancing Both Happiness And Success
In addition to these psychological insights, positive psychology offers some key strategies for tuning into our inner happiness. For example, gratitude exercises, such as keeping a gratitude journal or writing letters of appreciation, have been shown to increase levels of happiness. Similarly, mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help individuals reduce stress and cultivate a greater sense of peace and contentment in their lives. Performing acts of kindness for others creates positive emotions for them as well as ourselves. Lastly, we must make time to consistently practice these positive behaviours as it is not about occasional moments of joy but sustained well-being.
In summary, happiness and success are not disparate destinations but rather interconnected waypoints on the journey of life. Positive psychology invites us to reframe our understanding of these subjective constructs—not as isolated pursuits but as complementary facets of a fulfilling existence. Let us nurture meaningful relationships that enrich our lives and fuel our aspirations. Let us cultivate a growth mindset that empowers us to surmount obstacles and seize opportunities for growth. And let us remember that true success lies not in the accolades we amass but in the lives we touch as we navigate the labyrinth of our human experience with authenticity, passion, and purpose.
Teresa Greco is a Happiness Expert, Multiple-time TEDx Speaker, 4X Best Selling Author, Show Host, and International Writer. www.teresagreco.ca
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