So I've been away for some time now because of some unavoidable issues... I miss this community and I'm glad to say I am back and happy.
Today we're looking The correlation between Happiness and Success.
These two are important elements of life. Without them, life feels worthless right? So, let's take a definition of Happiness
A simple definition from the dictionary is that Happiness is a POSITIVE emotion that relates to life's satisfaction ,appreciation of life, moments of pleasure.
It's a state of well-being, joy or contentment.
Now let's look at Success.
Success means different things to every single person. But generally, it is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
This aim or purpose varies with individuals hence the reason for different definitions. I'm sure you have your own definition of success too?
What might be success to one may not be for another, that's why letting success determine happiness is a stressful thing as the aim and purposes change with time in life.
Most people follow a formula that has been subtly taught them by schools, parents, society. Here is the formula If you work hard,you will become successful and once you become successful then you'll be happy
News is, this formula is broken! Did I hear you ask why?
Because, each time you set a goal and achieve it, you change the goal post and set another goal!
You were once looking for admission to the University, then it was if I can just get this admission, I will be the happiest person
Then you got it, the goal changed to If I can just make a two-one..."you got it!
It changed as you didn't get a job, you became angry and unhappy... The goal for success became If I can just get a job Kai
You got it! Now it became If I can just get another job this one is too stressful! In fact I need promotion
That's it! So, if your happiness is dependent on these goals and achievements which we term "SUCCESS" then it will always be short lived. That's why there's the irony of life where the poor people in the village without good jobs will just sit play draft, dance, sing, go home happy and wake up happy in the morning. While the rich man in the city is in money yet cannot find that satisfaction with life.
Thus, happiness exudes from within. It is not an external situation.
It is from within you, it is a choice. Good news is everyone of us here has the right to make that choice.
Let's look at the CORRELATION between them...
Happiness leads to success but success does not necessarily lead to happiness.
I'll be teaching you about the Happiness Advantage, an empirical way of life that works for us, if only we can imbibe a positive mindset to be happy and successful at the same time. It is a way of life where you're realistic about the present while maximizing our potential for the future.
Happiness advantage is about learning how to cultivate the Mindsets and behaviors that have proven (empirically) to feel greater success and fulfillment. It's a work ethic.
Happiness is not the belief that we don't need to change; it is the realization that we can. Shawn Anchor
The most successful people don't look to happiness as some distant reward for their achievements nor grind through their days on the neutral/negative. They capitalize on the positive and reap the rewards at every turn.
Happiness at every turn of life!
Positive emotions can begin to open your eyes and minds to new solutions and ideas even at a very young age. Take for instance, At Google, the work place is so designed in such a nice manner that it looks like the house of a person, with games etc. To reduce the tension in the office, Make workers relax when working so their brains can be in the right state to innovate.
What are the activities of the happy advantage?
Meditation
Neuro scientists have discovered that meditation grows the part of the brain responsible for making us happy.
Find something to look forward to.
It could be a movie, a song, a loved one coming to town, etc .
Commit conscious Acts of Kindness
Infuse Positivity into your surrounding
Exercise -do regular exercises.
Spend money on people (friends, neighbors, needy,religous projects,) and Experiences (vacation, outings, games, picnics)
Exercise a signature strength
This means indulging in doing that thing you're very good at. It gives you joy, makes you feel special. So, do it.
You're already happy within, these things are activities that increase the longitivity. Learn your ABCDs
A. Adversity This is what we can't change. It is what it is.
B. Belief This is our reaction to the event. This can be controlled by you.
C. Consequence This is the outcome of a situation.
D. Disputation Learn to handle the voice of doubt and dispute around you.
In summary, choose a method to keep you motivated for success. When you try hard and fail, maintain your inner joy and peace, knowing it's not the end. Establish a new habit each week. Use daily affirmations for yourself e.g "I can" "it's possible" "I have to" etc. Learn to say NO! Not everything deserves a YES. Remember that stress can make you unhappy, so, declutter your life. So you can be happy, productive and successful
Talk to someone you admire, respect and trust, visualize success and RECORD your blessings .
Don't forget, you can have it all- happiness and success. But, choose happiness first.
#Thank you for reading up to this point. Please I entertain questions, arguments and contributions.
