Happiness and Success: What comes first

(Exploring the real Happiness Equation )

Happiness and success—two seemingly inseparable goals that drive our daily grind. We’re taught from a young age to work hard, climb the ladder, achieve greatness, and then, only then, happiness will follow. But what if this age-old equation is broken? What if, rather than happiness being the reward for success, it’s actually the catalyst for it?

Let’s take a closer look at the science that’s turning this conventional wisdom on its head, guided by insights from positive psychology pioneers like Shawn Achor and Sonja Lyubomirsky. Their groundbreaking research suggests a simple but profound idea: the happier you are, the more likely you are to succeed.

Shawn Achor, an expert in the field of happiness research and author of The Happiness Advantage, challenges the notion that success breeds happiness. In his studies, Achor found that happiness fuels success, not the other way around. He recalls a story from his days at Harvard where students, having reached the pinnacle of academic success, still felt overwhelming pressure and stress. The expectation was that being at Harvard should equate to happiness, but for many, it didn’t. Instead, Achor discovered that those who cultivated positivity, even amidst challenges, performed better academically and socially.

According to Achor, our brains perform better when we’re feeling positive. The dopamine released during happy moments doesn’t just make us feel good—it lights up the learning centers of our brain, enhancing our creativity and problem-solving abilities. Achor’s message is clear: “Happiness is not the belief that we don’t need to change; it is the realization that we can.”

Sonja Lyubomirsky, a leading researcher in positive psychology and author of The How of Happiness, adds another layer to this conversation. Her research underscores that happiness is not just a result of external circumstances or accomplishments. Instead, it is heavily influenced by intentional activities and our mindset. In one study, Lyubomirsky asked participants to engage in activities designed to boost happiness, such as practicing gratitude or kindness. The results were compelling: those who consistently engaged in these activities experienced sustained increases in happiness, regardless of their life circumstances.

Lyubomirsky’s work suggests that our happiness is largely within our control—nearly 40% of it, in fact. While genetics and life circumstances play a role, our actions and attitudes are pivotal. She famously states, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

Research consistently shows that happier people earn higher incomes, have better health, and enjoy more fulfilling relationships. Achor’s studies reveal that happy employees are more productive, creative, and resilient, leading to better job performance and career advancement. It’s as if happiness is the secret ingredient that transforms hard work into success.

But what about resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks? Positive psychology reveals that happiness enhances resilience. Happier people are better equipped to cope with stress and adversity because positive emotions act as a buffer against life’s challenges. They help us recover more quickly and maintain our equilibrium when things go awry.

Take the example of Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx. Blakely attributes much of her success to her ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of rejection. She embraced failure as a learning opportunity and continued to pursue her vision with unwavering optimism. Her story exemplifies how happiness, or a positive mindset, fuels resilience and success.

Intriguingly, happiness also has a ripple effect on our social connections. Happy people tend to attract others, building strong networks of support and collaboration. This is crucial in both personal and professional realms, where relationships often pave the way for opportunities and growth. Happy individuals are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual success.

One of the most fascinating aspects of positive psychology is the impact of intrinsic motivation on happiness and success. While external rewards like money or status can drive achievement, they often fall short in providing lasting fulfillment. Instead, intrinsic motivators—such as passion, purpose, and personal growth—play a more significant role in our well-being.

Consider the story of Steve Jobs, who famously said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Jobs’ passion and intrinsic motivation fueled his drive to innovate and succeed, even in the face of setbacks. His story illustrates that when we align our work with our passions, we not only find greater happiness but also achieve greater success.

Positive psychology’s insights also extend to organizational culture. Companies that prioritize employee well-being and cultivate a positive work environment experience higher levels of engagement, productivity, and retention. Google, for instance, is known for its employee-friendly policies and emphasis on work-life balance, which contribute to its innovative and successful culture.

The traditional equation of hard work leading to success and happiness often overlooks the role of happiness in promoting creativity and innovation. Positive emotions broaden our cognitive repertoire, enabling us to think more creatively and explore novel solutions. When individuals are in a positive state of mind, they are more open to new ideas and perspectives, which can lead to innovative breakthroughs. This creative advantage not only enhances individual success but also contributes to organizational growth and societal progress.

Timeless wisdom of poets and thinkers who have touched upon the essence of happiness in their works. The Persian poet Rumi, known for his spiritual insight, once wrote, “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the idea that true happiness comes from aligning our actions with our inner selves.

Likewise, Omar Khayyam, in his rubaiyat, reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment:

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”

His words encourage us to find joy in the here and now, rather than postponing it for future achievements.

Turning to African poetry, the celebrated Nigerian poet Ben Okri offers us a profound perspective:

“Our future is greater than our past. It can be greater than we ever imagined. Happiness is not a place we arrive at, but a journey we take.”

Okri’s words remind us that happiness is not a destination, but an ongoing adventure, full of potential and promise.

Even the modern mystic Osho Rajneesh speaks to this interconnectedness of joy and fulfillment, suggesting that “Happiness is not something that you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” His teachings encourage us to take responsibility for crafting our happiness, emphasizing the importance of living in alignment with our true selves.

The Final Brushstrokes

Ultimately, the insights of positive psychology remind us that happiness is not a distant destination to be reached after achieving success. Instead, happiness is a powerful force that propels us toward success and fulfillment. It is not about waiting for the stars to align but about creating our own constellation of joy and purpose.

As we navigate the complexities of life, it is essential to embrace the interplay between nature and nurture, recognizing that we have the power to shape our happiness through our choices and actions. By understanding the genetic basis of happiness, we gain valuable insights into the factors contributing to emotional resilience and mental health, empowering us to make informed choices and adopt intentional strategies to enhance our happiness and lead more fulfilling lives.

In the end, the pursuit of happiness is a dynamic journey that involves both our genetic makeup and the environments we create for ourselves. By embracing this holistic perspective, we can unlock the potential for a happier, more fulfilling existence and continue the timeless quest for joy and well-being. Here’s to making that journey a joyful one!

In conclusion, the traditional equation of hard work leading to success and happiness is a simplified view of a complex reality. Positive psychology offers a fresh perspective by highlighting the reciprocal relationship between happiness and success. Rather than viewing happiness as a reward for achieving success, positive psychology suggests that happiness is a precursor and catalyst for achieving it. Through the insights of researchers like Shawn Achor and Sonja Lyubomirsky, we gain a deeper understanding of how positive emotions, intrinsic motivation, and social connections contribute to both personal and professional success.

By embracing the principles of positive psychology, individuals can cultivate a mindset that values well-being as an integral part of the journey toward success. Happiness is not a distant destination but a present state that enhances our capacity to thrive, adapt, and achieve our aspirations. As we challenge the conventional wisdom and embrace the power of positive emotions, we unlock the potential to lead more fulfilling and successful lives, both individually and collectively. In a world that often equates success with external achievements, the insights of positive psychology remind us that true happiness and fulfillment are found within, waiting to be nurtured and shared.