Happiness and Success

The relationship between happiness and success is a debated topic for me since I’m torn between practice and reality.

What My Mind Says,

Happiness is an internal state influenced by personal values, relationships, and day-to-day experiences.

Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder. – Henry David Thoreau .

This quote emphasizes that happiness often comes from within and is not solely dependent on external achievements.

Success, on the other hand, is frequently defined by external achievements.

Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value – Albert Einstein

This suggests that societal standards of success might not always align with personal happiness. This dichotomy can create a tension between pursuing societal success and finding personal fulfillment.

But Wait !!!! Is above perspective is really TRUE?.

I also heard a statement in our debate: “Achieving societal success can lead to personal happiness.” For instance, an entrepreneur who successfully builds a startup often feels a sense of accomplishment and joy from their achievements. Conversely, others believe that happiness and success can be mutually exclusive. One can find happiness in personal pursuits without achieving traditional markers of success.

Questions to Ponder

In above context, Why do we need to measure success from society , Why it can’t be your personal experience? At the Same time Why the Current world practicing to measure success or happiness as an external input. ?

I am still debating inside my mind !!!