The short answer: You are successful if you are happy with the Life Story you are living. Success can change in how it looks throughout your life, but not in how it feels to you. What felt like success earlier in your life & career, might feel really bad later on when you have different life priorities. Happiness can coexist with unpleasant emotions like sadness, grief, and even anger. For example, if you are generally pleased with your life as a baseline state of being, then you can be happy even when experiencing moments of anger, sadness, disappointment, etc. Happiness with your life as a whole experience IS success. So, what IS happiness? Happiness is a combination of these key factors: 1-Knowing and liking who you really are on the inside, beyond other people's expectations or labels for you 2-Feeling accepted (seen+heard+valued=accepted) as the human being you are, not because of what you 'do' 3-Feeling that you contribute to something meaningful beyond yourself When those key factors are all in congruence, you get to experience a sense of fulfillment and meaning for the life you live and the work you do. That's happiness. This is why happiness can coexist with unpleasant experiences like an adverse event, grieving a loved one, losing a job, etc. You can go through unhappy circumstances but still remain in a state of feeling happy with your life overall. When you feel happy with your life, THAT is the very measure of success.
I swear, it's all about the journey. There are potholes that throw you off course, moments when your heart soars, and others when it feels ripped from your chest, leaving you certain you won't recover. But then the dust settles, you find your footing, and you're back out there-because to me, that's what success and happiness are: finding the courage to begin again.
My definition of success has changed a lot, instead of looking at finish lines -- numbers, job titles, houses or cars, or a level of public profile - I factor in things like whether I get to do work that at least sometimes lets me feel like I made a genuine difference in the lives of other people. Success to me is about working with people I respect and admire for people I want to help succeed. To me, growth for growth's sake is meaningless, but profitable growth with interesting clients solving important problems is what keeps me engaged and excited. It's about the ability to spend time with people I love and care about. Creating an environment where your employees and clients/customers feel valued and appreciated makes me feel proud that I have built a successful business. Happiness is when you align your time, actions and relationships to your purpose and values. For me happiness leads to success not the other way around.
Success and happiness are interwoven in a thread that is often pursued yet seldomly attained. This tragedy arises because these "wants" miss what is truly important to the soul. Success and happiness are outwardly facing measures of accomplishments and are thus both elusive and ephemeral. Both require the seeker to wait, leading to unease, doubt, and dismay. A better pursuit can be found in seeking joy over happiness, as the actor Matthew McConaughey espouses. Joy is the immediate satisfaction one receives from the act of doing. Joy does not require the pursuer to wait or relinquish their power of attainment to an outside force. With joy, no other party holds the keys to approval and permission. Think back to when you were engrossed in the bliss of doing something meaningful, and you will readily agree with this assertion. Joy can neither be given nor taken, as it is the soul's birthright. As a software developer and now an entrepreneur, I am constantly learning and relearning this lesson of finding joy in creating something out of nothing.
Self-Care, Financial Wellness, Mindfullness & Resilience Advocate at Pheel Pretty
Answered 2 years ago
To me, success means living in alignment with my values and purpose, rather than chasing external validation or comparing myself to others. It's about feeling fulfilled in what I do, knowing that I'm making a positive impact while staying true to who I am. Happiness, on the other hand, comes from inner peace and contentment-being present in the moment and feeling gratitude for where I am, rather than constantly striving for the next thing. The two are deeply interconnected because success, in my view, is not about beating someone else or reaching some arbitrary milestone. It's about growth, balance, and staying at peace with myself. When I stopped competing with others and started focusing on my own journey, I found both success and happiness working together. True success brings a sense of inner calm, and that peace creates space for genuine happiness to flourish.
My definition of success and happiness has evolved over the years. I used to think success was monetary and based on what I had achieved professionally. I thought happiness was an aspirational idea that was fleeting, here for a minute and gone the next. Now I believe success and happiness are interconnected - if you are successful at something it's likely it is making you happy. If you are happy, it may be because you're feeling you've been successful at doing something. I see happiness as a generalized state of mind, not measured by small accomplishments. I am happier now in my later years than I was when I was younger. I pay attention to the moments that go well, to the connections I have in my life. Being the right weight or having a better job title are external measurements of happiness and of success. I no longer rely on those to feel contentment, I am happy to say!
Success means achieving small goals and little goals, both professionally and personally. Happiness, for me, comes from being present in the successes and not comparing them to what success looks like for other people. Happiness is of course tied to success, but happiness can't be dependent on success because sometimes I fail and it's an opportunity to try another path.
To me, success and happiness are deeply interconnected and stem from living with "passion and purpose." I've faced numerous challenges in my life, including a life-changing moment when I nearly lost my life 12 years ago. That experience taught me that true happiness doesn't come from chasing external achievements but from pursuing what you genuinely believe in and care about. Passion fuels happiness, and success follows naturally when you dedicate yourself to something you believe in. I am incredibly passionate about the travel industry. I've built my career on the values that matter to me-creating memorable experiences, helping others see the world, and sharing my love for exploration. Because of this, I wake up each day feeling fulfilled, which brings me happiness far exceeding any financial gain. Success is not just about personal accomplishments but positively impacting those around me, whether it's my clients, my family, or my team. When you pursue your passion, happiness flows from the journey, not just the outcome. "Happiness fuels success, and success deepens happiness," creating a cycle that enriches your life and the lives of those around you. I believe that if more people shifted their focus from trying to find happiness to simply living their passions, they'd find themselves on a rewarding path to success. The connection between happiness and success is not just personal; it's also contagious. When you're fulfilled, your happiness naturally radiates, uplifting those around you and inspiring others to follow their passions, too. Living passionately creates a ripple effect that goes far beyond individual success, helping build a community that thrives on purpose and meaning.
Success and happiness come from doing something you love while earning a decent living from it. While you may not become extremely wealthy, pursuing your passion is far more important. Many people make good money but are miserable, and that isn't true success; it's a sacrifice. Finding fulfillment in what you do is essential for a happy and rewarding life.
Success and happiness, for me, are like two sides of the same coin - shaping each other. Personally, success isn't a singular destination; it's the ongoing journey of growth and fulfillment. It's about tackling challenges that stretch me, and witnessing the positive impact of my work. Happiness is that fleeting sense of serene inner peace that never lasts, but while I have it, I try to enjoy it. This philosophy came alive outside of work in my career. I was leading a marketing campaign for a non-profit focused on dog adoption. The initial goal - increasing website traffic - felt like a standard metric. But when I saw a surge in adoption sign-ups, a wave of happiness washed over me. The success of the campaign wasn't just about numbers; it was about bringing a positive change, and that intrinsic motivation fuelled a deeper sense of accomplishment. This experience cemented the link between success and happiness in my life. When my work contributes to something meaningful, the satisfaction goes beyond external validation.
"Success and happiness are deeply interconnected for me, but my definition of success has evolved over time. When I was younger, I saw success in more traditional terms-personal achievements, reaching milestones, or attaining certain goals. But as I've grown older, I've come to realise that true success is less about what I accomplish for myself and more about the positive impact I can have on others. Now, success means helping others grow, seeing them gain value from working with me, and watching them succeed in their own endeavours. There's a unique joy and sense of fulfilment that comes from knowing you've contributed to someone else's journey. In that way, my happiness is closely tied to seeing others thrive. Their success feels like a reflection of my own, and that's where I find the deepest sense of achievement."
Success isn't just about achieving external milestones-it's about living in alignment with my values and creating a life that feels fulfilling. Happiness comes from pursuing the things that light me up, whether it's helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses or having the flexibility to spend time with loved ones. When I feel balanced and true to myself, success follows naturally. It's not about hustling for happiness but about creating a life that feels meaningful along the way.
I think success that is interconnected to happiness is the ultimate goal in life, whether it's at work or with your most important relationships. For me, striving for success gives me a sense of purpose and contribution, and happiness brings me joy, a feeling of being alive in this world, and a sense of worth. Combined, success is something I feel, not something I achieve; purpose + worthiness = success. When I understood what key internal needs brought me joy and sorted them in order of importance to me, I could focus and apply them to my business success. Examples of internal needs include relatedness, feeling unique, connection/love, and growth. I'm a photographer who specializes in corporate headshots. On the outside, that might not seem to contribute much to this world. But I see it very differently. I have come to the conclusion that my greatest internal purpose is to make people feel great about themselves, to help people see their worth, feel more confident in themselves, and then be willing to put themselves out there more and succeed. Because I get a lot of joy in doing this, I naturally succeed every day I photograph people. It's a win, win, win!
Success and happiness are two of the most sought-after goals, but many of us chase one at the expense of the other. For years, I believed that achieving external success-wealth, status, and societal milestones-would naturally lead to happiness. I worked hard, checked all the boxes, but deep down, I felt empty and disconnected. It wasn't until I hit rock bottom that I understood how intertwined success and happiness truly are. I realized that real success isn't about external accolades. It's about living a life aligned with your values, nurturing your well-being, and showing up authentically, no matter what the world expects of you. Happiness, I found, isn't something you gain once you've "made it." It's something you cultivate within yourself-through self-compassion, gratitude, and prioritizing what really matters in life. For me, success is not measured by financial achievements or status but by how closely my life reflects my values. It's about doing work that brings meaning, nurturing relationships that support me, and growing emotionally and spiritually. Success means staying true to myself and living with integrity, not just achieving what society deems important. Happiness, on the other hand, comes from the small, intentional choices I make every day to care for my mental and emotional well-being. It's about practicing gratitude, being present, and finding joy in the moments that matter. It's an inner state, something we create through our attitudes and habits, not something tied to material gains. The turning point for me was realizing that success and happiness are inseparable. When I pursued success without considering my happiness, I felt drained and unfulfilled. But when I began prioritizing my happiness-my mental health, my relationships, and my sense of purpose-I found that success naturally followed. Success and happiness are interconnected because both stem from living in alignment with who you truly are. When you pursue goals that reflect your authentic self, happiness becomes a natural byproduct. And when you focus on cultivating happiness, you lay the foundation for lasting success. True fulfillment is about building a life that feels good from the inside out, where both success and happiness coexist, rooted in your values and your unique path forward.
The Interconnected Journey of Success and Happiness to Achieve Personal Fulfillment For me, success and happiness are deeply intertwined and evolve as I navigate through life. Personally, success isn't just about reaching financial goals or professional milestones; it's about creating a meaningful impact in the lives of others while achieving personal fulfillment. I remember a time early in my career when I landed a significant client for my legal process outsourcing company. While it felt like a major success at first, I quickly realized that true happiness came from the positive feedback I received from my team about how we collectively supported that client. It was a reminder that my success is amplified when it aligns with my values of teamwork and service. Now, I strive to measure success not only by business achievements but also by the relationships I build and the positive change I foster in my community. This interconnectedness between success and happiness drives me to pursue endeavors that are fulfilling and contribute to a greater purpose, creating a cycle where both thrive together.
Success for me is about building something meaningful that positively impacts both my customers and my family, like running a business that reflects hard work and integrity. Happiness comes from the relationships I build along the way whether it is with my clients, my team, or my loved ones. They are interconnected because when I see my efforts making a difference in people's lives, it gives me a sense of fulfillment that brings happiness. Success without personal satisfaction feels empty, but when passion and purpose are aligned, both thrive. Ultimately, success is about balance and contributing to something bigger than myself.
Success and happiness are deeply connected for me. Success is not just about financial milestones or business growth but about creating a life where your personal and professional values align. For me, happiness comes from having the freedom to pursue my passions, making a meaningful impact on others, and having time for family and health. When I help business owners achieve their goals, that brings me satisfaction but it is the personal fulfillment seeing their lives improve, not just their businesses that drives my sense of success. Ultimately, true success leads to happiness because it is grounded in purpose and balance.
Success to me means living with purpose and meaning, while positively impacting those around me. As a physical therapist, I find success in helping patients overcome pain and improve function. Happiness comes from living according to my core values of compassion, growth, and service. The two are interconnected because when I can help others in a meaningful way, it fulfills me. For example, one patient had lived with chronic back pain for over 15 years. After 6 weeks of targeted therapy, he was pain-free for the first time and able to golf again. His joy and regained freedom made all the effort worthwhile. Stories like these inspire my team and I to continually improve our skills and search for innovative solutions. On the personal side, time with loved ones also contributes to my happiness. Simple pleasures like cooking a meal together or going for a hike provide opportunities to strengthen relationships, reflect and recharge. Balance between work and life is key. When work feels meaningful and personal life is rich, success and happiness naturally follow. The path is not always easy, but maintaining an attitude of growth and persistence pays off. There will be failures and setbacks, but focusing on continuous progress and maintaining optimism leads to greater fulfillment over the long run. Success and happiness start from within. Define what they mean for you, align your actions with your values, and make the choice each day to build the life you want.
For me, success and happiness are deeply interconnected, but they are not necessarily the same thing. Success often involves external validation, achieving goals, and making a tangible impact, which can bring a sense of accomplishment. However, happiness is more internal-it's about feeling content with who you are and how you're living your life. Personally, success is not just about achieving milestones or recognition, but about living in alignment with my values, making a difference, and continuing to grow intellectually and emotionally. It's about knowing that I've contributed positively to the world, whether through my work, my relationships, or my ideas. Most importantly, success to me means improving the lives of others and making a positive difference in the world. Happiness, on the other hand, comes from moments of peace, connection, and fulfillment, regardless of external achievements. For me, success feels empty if it doesn't bring happiness or improve the quality of my inner life and improve the lives of others. Similarly, happiness feels fleeting if I'm not pursuing meaningful work or making strides toward my potential. In my experience, they feed into each other-when I feel successful in a way that aligns with my core values, it boosts my happiness, and when I'm happy and at peace, I'm more motivated and creative, which drives me toward greater success.
Success and happiness, to me, are deeply interconnected because they both stem from balance and fulfillment in life. Success isn't just about financial achievements or professional milestones-it's about doing work that I'm passionate about and seeing that work have a positive impact on others. Early in my career, I realized that helping businesses grow through SEO not only advanced their goals but also gave me a sense of purpose. The satisfaction of seeing clients succeed has always been a key part of my own happiness. Happiness, on the other hand, comes from feeling at peace with my accomplishments and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When I achieve success in ways that align with my personal values, such as delivering results for clients or mentoring others in digital marketing, I feel both fulfilled and content. That alignment is what connects the two-success fuels my happiness, and being happy in my work drives me to achieve more. Without that balance, either could feel hollow.