Happiness is considered as a fundamental element in the definition of success in today's world, as it reflects an individual's general well-being and satisfaction. It is expected that this perspective of success will continue to play a crucial role in how individuals define and strive for success in their personal and professional lives. Furthermore, individuals are increasingly prioritizing balance and well-being to strike a balance between work and personal life, which will ultimately lead to greater happiness.
This new view is replacing the traditional belief that achieving success will bring happiness. However, linking your happiness solely to reaching your goals can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. Happiness should not depend on external factors such as a promotion or material possessions, but a balance of well-being, personal fulfillment and satisfaction. It is important to remember that happiness is a state of being, not a destination.
“A man wants to earn money in order to be happy, and his whole effort and the best of a life are devoted to the earning of that money. Happiness is forgotten; the means are taken for the end.” ― Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays
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The Hamster Wheel
You are NOT a hamster. Get off the wheel.
It is common to find that there are always more goals to pursue, as soon as one is achieved, the focus shifts to the next objective. Setting and achieving goals is important, but basing happiness solely on success is like trying to catch butterflies, as there will always be another position, another thing, another measure of achievement to strive for. This constant pursuit of the next big thing prevents individuals from being content and appreciating what they already have.
Contentment and gratitude are integral parts of happiness. When one is constantly chasing a dream that may not even be truly theirs, it can lead to a cycle of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a lack of satisfaction in the present moment. It is important to take a step back and evaluate if the things we are chasing truly bring us happiness or if we are already looking forward to the next thing.
Goodbye FOMO. Hello JOMO
The concept of "joy of missing out" or JOMO is the feeling of contentment and satisfaction in choosing to not participate in certain social or cultural activities. It is the opposite of FOMO (fear of missing out) and refers to the idea that one can find joy and fulfillment in staying in and enjoying one's own company or spending time with a small group of loved ones, rather than feeling pressure to constantly be out and about.
JOMO is becoming more and more popular as people are realizing the importance of self-care and taking time for oneself. It is about prioritizing one's own well-being and mental health, rather than feeling obligated to constantly be on the go or participate in every social event. It is important to recognize that JOMO can be a positive thing and can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Success Is as Individual
Success is a highly individual concept, as it can mean different things to different people. Everyone has their own unique set of values, priorities, and goals, and what may be considered successful to one person may not be the same for another. Therefore, success is something that needs to be defined and pursued on an individual basis. It's important for each person to understand their own aspirations, passions and what they value in order to define what success means to them. It also means that one should not compare themselves to others and their definition of success as it can lead to dissatisfaction and a feeling of not measuring up. Success should be personal, authentic and meaningful to the individual.
It is not a destination. “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” — Dale Carnegie
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to determine what will bring them happiness. It's alright to desire the symbols of success, but it's important to reflect on the reasons behind those desires. Often, people desire these things because they believe they will bring a certain feeling or satisfaction. If the feeling you desire is security, consider other ways you can achieve that, such as volunteering for a charity, choosing more affordable vacation options, or starting a savings plan. It's important to remember that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in external things but rather in the way we approach and experience life.
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Happiness and success are closely intertwined, as happiness can play a vital role in achieving success. The definition of success varies from person to person, and it's important for each individual to understand their own aspirations, passions and what they value in order to define what success means to them. While external factors like money, status, and material possessions can bring temporary satisfaction, true happiness and fulfillment come from within. It's important to remember that happiness is a mindset and not a destination. It's the way we approach and experience life that makes us truly happy. Remember that finding balance between work and personal life, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.
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Love that soggy too JOMO and self care, Angel!!
I spent many years in the pursuit of happiness! Here’s it’s a right in our constitution. I love your perspective on this related to success. You are so right about how individual it is. I am so happy with my home business, and only take on as much work as what makes me happy. To others, it may not look like success. But I love what I do, and I am happy!
I love your perspective on this related to success. You are so right about how individual it is. I am so happy with my home business, and only take on as much work as what makes me happy.