The Journey of Success and Happiness: A Perspective
Success and happiness are like two wheels of the same cart—they complement each other but don’t always travel in tandem. While happiness is often a byproduct of positive living, success is a destination that varies for every individual. A negative mindset, however, can derail both, no matter how rich or powerful one might be.
True happiness stems from empathy, gratitude, and love for all living beings. It’s a state of being, not something acquired. Success, on the other hand, can be materialistic or spiritualistic, but its essence lies in achieving goals that extend beyond oneself—those that serve a higher purpose for society or the greater good.
The Japanese philosophy of Ikigai beautifully encapsulates this harmony of purpose, happiness, and longevity. It teaches us to find joy and meaning in what we do every day, making every step a fulfilling journey, not just a means to an end.
What is Success?
Success is often perceived as reaching a destination, but it’s really about the path you take. It’s defined by the memories you create, the people you touch, and the sense of purpose you carry along the way. As Sir Richard Branson puts it:
“Too many people measure how successful they are by how much money they make or the people they associate with. In my opinion, true success should be measured by how happy you are.”
But here’s the paradox: not every successful person is happy, and not every happy person is successful—because happiness is a state of mind, independent of material achievements.
Arianna Huffington challenges conventional metrics of success—money and power—by adding a third:
“Well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving.”
These pillars transform success from mere accumulation to something deeply fulfilling. They guide us toward becoming better humans, a goal far nobler than fleeting accolades.
Redefining Success: Stories That Inspire
Mark Cuban shares a refreshingly simple perspective:
“Success is waking up in the morning with a smile on your face, knowing it’s going to be a great day.”
Cuban’s take underscores that success isn’t always about wealth or status. He felt successful even when he was living with six friends in a cramped apartment because his happiness wasn’t tied to external validations.
Thomas Edison, the legendary inventor, emphasized relentless effort:
“Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”
For Edison, the journey mattered as much as the destination. His satisfaction came from pushing his potential to the fullest, not just in achieving results.
The Finish Line Fallacy
As children, we approach life with curiosity and joy. Watch a two-year-old playing with blocks: they laugh, experiment, and delight even when their pyramid collapses. They aren’t bound by finish lines or success tags—they’re happy simply participating.
But as we grow, we internalize societal finish lines and labels. We measure success against milestones, comparing ourselves to others. When we fail to meet these artificial benchmarks, we feel unsuccessful, even if we’ve given our best effort.
The truth? Success isn’t about crossing a finish line. It’s about enjoying the journey, giving 100%, and finding joy in the process, regardless of the outcome.
From Inspiration to Perspiration: The Journey of Success
True success begins when you align with your purpose. It’s about taking intentional steps, making necessary adjustments, and staying focused. Every day you give your best effort becomes a successful day.
Even if you don’t achieve your desired goals, the satisfaction of having tried your best will bring a sense of happiness. This is what makes the journey worthwhile.
Practical Steps to Enjoy the Journey of Success
- Discover Your Purpose:
Take time to understand what truly matters to you. What is the greater good you want to contribute to? - Focus on Daily Efforts:
Success is built in small steps. Dedicate each day to purposeful actions that align with your goals. - Embrace Setbacks as Learning:
Like the child whose pyramid falls, laugh at your mistakes and learn from them. Every failure is a stepping stone. - Let Go of Labels:
Stop tagging yourself as successful or unsuccessful based on outcomes. Focus on the effort and growth instead. - Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge your daily victories, no matter how small they seem. - Give Back:
True fulfillment lies in contributing to the well-being of others. Success that helps someone else creates lasting joy.
A Thought to Reflect On
Happiness and success are intertwined, but neither is fixed. They’re fluid states, influenced by how we perceive our journey and efforts. Let go of rigid definitions and focus on the present.
When you rest at the end of the day, ask yourself:
“Did I give my best to what matters most?”
If the answer is yes, then congratulations—you’ve had a successful day.
May you find joy in your journey, purpose in your actions, and fulfillment in every step you take toward your goals.
Yajuvendra Khajekar
