It may not surprise
you to learn that success and happiness seem to go hand in hand. According
to a New York Times opinion piece written by Arthur
Brooks, president of a public policy think tank in Washington, D.C., research
shows that people who feel they are successful are twice as likely to say they
are very happy as people who don’t feel that way.
But this happiness
equation isn’t as simple as it seems. If you’re like me, more times than not
you automatically associate “success” with money—and that’s where things get
interesting. Brooks goes on to point out that you can measure your success in
any “currency” you choose. Sure, you can count it in dollars or the kind of car
you drive. But what if your currency were how many kids you taught to read or the
amount of time you spent protecting irreplaceable habitats?
Don’t we each owe it
to ourselves to figure out what currency matters most in our lives? Taking
the time to look past old assumptions and reflect on what’s truly meaningful
can bring a fresh perspective to everything you do.
Eight months ago I
left behind a job I liked to do work that I’m truly passionate about. As I’ve
discovered, pursuing your passion can be a remarkable gift to yourself. I
believe it also increases the likelihood of experiencing the “success” that
Brooks describes. So, while my days of a steady paycheck and benefits are
now just memories, I can honestly say I’ve never felt more fulfilled and
happy. Hey, there’s that word again—HAPPY.
Interestingly, redefining
your currency doesn’t always mean financial sacrifice. When you’re doing work
that’s meaningful to you, the extra energy and enthusiasm you bring to each day
can yield surprising results and open up new opportunities. Sometimes resources
just seem to follow. If so, that’s not a bad side benefit.
Either way, here’s to hoping you discover the currency that means genuine success to you.
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