Success V/S Happiness: What Comes First

Mukesh Jain

The relationship between success and happiness is a complex and nuanced topic that has been the subject of extensive research in various fields, including psychology, economics, and sociology. The question of which comes first, success or happiness, has intrigued scholars and individuals seeking to understand the dynamics of achievement and well-being. In exploring this intricate connection, it becomes evident that the relationship is bidirectional, with success and happiness influencing each other in a dynamic interplay. This discussion will delve into the existing research evidence to illuminate the nuanced relationship between success and happiness, addressing key factors, psychological mechanisms, and real-world implications.

The Pursuit of Success and Its Impact on Happiness:

The pursuit of success is often driven by societal expectations, personal goals, and a desire for accomplishment. However, the attainment of success does not always guarantee happiness. Research in positive psychology and subjective well-being highlights several key findings regarding the impact of success on happiness:

A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology (Kashdan et al., 2008) explored the relationship between pursuit of goals, subjective well-being, and personality traits. Findings indicated that individuals who pursued intrinsic goals (e.g., personal growth, meaningful relationships) experienced higher well-being compared to those pursuing extrinsic goals (e.g., wealth, fame).

The concept of the “hedonic treadmill” suggests that individuals may adapt to new levels of success, leading to a baseline level of happiness that remains relatively stable over time. Research by Brickman and Campbell (1971) introduced this idea, emphasizing that even significant life events, such as financial success, may only provide a temporary boost to happiness.

A meta-analysis by Lyubomirsky, King, and Diener (2005) reviewed studies on the relationship between life events and subjective well-being. The analysis revealed that major life events, including career success, had a limited and often temporary impact on long-term happiness.

While success can contribute to momentary increases in happiness, these findings suggest that the pursuit of extrinsic goals and the adaptation process may limit the sustained impact of success on overall well-being.

Psychological Mechanisms:

The psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between success and happiness involve cognitive processes, emotional experiences, and individual differences. Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into why success may or may not lead to lasting happiness:

The “impact bias” refers to the tendency of individuals to overestimate the emotional impact of future events, both positive and negative. Gilbert and Wilson (2000) conducted research on affective forecasting and found that individuals often overestimated the positive emotional impact of future success, leading to expectations that may not align with actual experiences.

Research on the concept of “self-determination” theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) suggests that the pursuit of goals aligned with intrinsic motivations, such as personal growth and autonomy, contributes to greater well-being. In contrast, extrinsic goals, driven by external rewards or societal expectations, may lead to lower levels of happiness.

Studies on the psychological phenomenon of “hedonic adaptation” indicate that individuals have a remarkable capacity to adapt to changes in circumstances, both positive and negative. For instance, a study by Sheldon and Lyubomirsky (2006) explored the adaptation process in the context of lottery winners. The findings revealed that while lottery winners experienced a temporary boost in happiness, they eventually adapted to their new financial status.

The psychological mechanisms involved in the pursuit of success underscore the importance of aligning goals with intrinsic motivations, managing expectations, and recognizing the transient nature of emotional responses to success.

Happiness as a Precursor to Success:

While the impact of success on happiness is influenced by various factors, including adaptation and goal orientation, there is a compelling body of evidence suggesting that happiness can serve as a precursor to success. Positive emotions, a sense of well-being, and an optimistic mindset have been linked to numerous positive outcomes, including enhanced cognitive abilities and increased likelihood of achieving personal and professional goals:

Research by Lyubomirsky, King, and Diener (2005) highlighted the benefits of positive emotions on various life domains. Positive emotions were associated with improved physical health, social relationships, and success in areas such as work and education.

A longitudinal study by Diener, Nickerson, Lucas, and Sandvik (2002) investigated the relationship between subjective well-being and subsequent life outcomes. The findings indicated that individuals with higher life satisfaction were more likely to achieve success in domains such as income, occupational status, and relationship quality.

Studies on the “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions, proposed by Barbara Fredrickson, suggest that positive emotions broaden individuals’ thought-action repertoires, leading to increased creativity, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. These cognitive and emotional advantages may contribute to success in various endeavors (Fredrickson, 2001).

The evidence supporting the idea that happiness precedes and contributes to success highlights the importance of cultivating positive emotions, well-being, and a positive mindset for achieving one’s goals.

The Role of Positive Psychology Interventions:

Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) provide practical tools and strategies to enhance happiness and well-being. These interventions, grounded in empirical research, offer insights into the malleability of happiness and the potential for intentional efforts to positively impact one’s life:

The “Three Good Things” exercise, where individuals reflect on three positive events each day, has been studied by Seligman, Steen, Park, and Peterson (2005). Participants who engaged in this exercise reported increased levels of happiness and decreased symptoms of depression, demonstrating the effectiveness of simple interventions in fostering well-being.

The “gratitude intervention,” involving the regular practice of expressing gratitude, has been examined in various studies. Emmons and McCullough (2003) conducted a study on the effects of gratitude interventions and found that participants who engaged in gratitude exercises reported higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction.

Mindfulness-based interventions, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness meditation, have demonstrated positive effects on psychological well-being. Research by Keng, Smoski, and Robins (2011) found that mindfulness training led to reductions in symptoms of depression and improvements in overall well-being.

Positive psychology interventions offer evidence-based approaches to enhance happiness, suggesting that intentional efforts to cultivate positive emotions and well-being can contribute to both personal fulfillment and success.

Implications for Personal and Professional Development:

Understanding the intricate relationship between success and happiness has profound implications for individuals, organizations, and policymakers. Integrating research findings into personal and professional development strategies can foster a more holistic approach to achievement and well-being:

A study by Lyubomirsky, Dickerhoof, Boehm, and Sheldon (2011) investigated the impact of positive psychology interventions in an academic setting. Students who participated in interventions, including acts of kindness and expressing gratitude, reported increased life satisfaction and academic performance.

Research by Wrzesniewski, McCauley, Rozin, and Schwartz (1997) explored the concept of “job crafting,” where individuals actively shape the tasks and relationships in their work environment. Job crafting, driven by intrinsic motivations and alignment with personal strengths, was associated with increased job satisfaction and overall well-being.

The World Happiness Report, an annual publication that ranks countries based on subjective well-being, emphasizes the importance of well-being as a policy consideration. Countries with policies promoting social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption tend to have higher happiness scores (Helliwell, Layard, & Sachs, 2020).

Integrating positive psychology principles into personal development plans, educational curricula, and workplace environments can contribute to a more balanced and sustainable approach to success, considering both individual achievements and overall well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the relationship between success and happiness is a dynamic interplay influenced by psychological mechanisms, individual perspectives, and societal factors. While the pursuit of success is a common goal, the evidence suggests that success alone does not guarantee lasting happiness. Instead, understanding the role of positive emotions, intrinsic motivations, and intentional well-being practices becomes crucial for achieving a sustainable and fulfilling life.

Research indicates that happiness can serve as a precursor to success, influencing cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall life outcomes. Positive psychology interventions offer practical tools to enhance happiness intentionally, emphasizing the malleability of well-being.

The bidirectional nature of the success-happiness relationship calls for a balanced approach that considers both individual achievements and the cultivation of positive emotions. Recognizing the transient nature of emotional responses to success, managing expectations, and fostering intrinsic motivations can contribute to a more resilient and meaningful pursuit of goals.

Ultimately, the integration of research evidence from psychology, neuroscience, and related fields underscores the importance of a holistic perspective on success and happiness. By embracing intentional well-being practices, aligning goals with intrinsic motivations, and recognizing the reciprocal influence between success and happiness, individuals can navigate their journeys with greater fulfillment and a more profound sense of purpose.