Happiness within ones’ self and lifestyle are key factors in achieving success. Success is something we all strive for, but how do we know when and if it has been achieved? Success is not something that can easily be defined, as it will vary from person to person. Webster’s dictionary defines success as the degree or measure of succeeding; the obtainment of wealth, favor or eminence. True success must be defined and measured from an individual standpoint. The largest measure of success can be achieved through happiness. In order to achieve happiness and success we should frequently evaluate ourselves, set goals within reach and not compromise who we are to fit the world’s standards of success.

Self-evaluation

Self-evaluation is where we take a look deep within ourselves. Through self-evaluation we come to know what our personal values are and can analyze whether or not we are living accordingly. Personal values are the things in our life that we hold close to our hearts, minds and souls. Knowing what those values are is a vital piece to achieving success, as well as happiness. These are the things that influence our motivation and inspiration. They are the core of who we are. With self-evaluation we can determine if our lifestyle and goals fit into our personal values and beliefs. We feel good about ourselves and much happier when our lifestyle lines up with the things that are most important to us physically, spiritually and emotionally. We can evaluate what changes need to made in our daily life in order to become more successful. Self-evaluation also helps in creating goals and deciding whether or not those goals are realistic for us to obtain. 

Set goals within reach

What are your goals? Looking at the first part of the definition from Webster’s dictionary it states, it is the measure of succeeding. When setting goals it is important to make sure they are attainable. When we set goals out of our reach, we become overwhelmed and this leads to disappointment and frustration. By making small goals that lead to the end goal, we will remain encouraged and not become overwhelmed. Once we become overwhelmed, it is easy to feel defeated and want to give up. Achieving the goals we have set makes us happy, encourages us and gives us the strength to carry out the next goal. Example: The end goal is to end hunger within the community. The first goal would be to help end one hungry family at time. Once that has been achieved, help a street, then a neighborhood, then a city, etc.

Never compromise your values

Once there is a goal in place, it important to not compromise our beliefs and values to fit the standards of the how society defines success. Our society often defines success on a financial level. It is easy to become caught up in the world and lose sight of our personal values and beliefs. There are always shortcuts to becoming successful financially, but most of the time these involve letting go of the things we value. There are tons of stories where people fought against the core of their beings for worldly success. Despite money and fame they felt empty and incomplete on the inside. Financial success alone will not make anyone happy. Mother Theresa was one of the most successful people the world has known. She knew who she was and never defied the things that mattered most in her life. It was not fame or wealth that brought her success, but remaining true to her personal values and never allowing compromise in her life. We must be happy, passionate and believe in what we are doing to obtain true success. No matter how successful we may become financially or socially, if we fail to remain true to who we are and what we believe, we have still failed.