Defining Success as Happiness

We all strive to be successful,  but that word has different definitions for different people as well as varying degrees for evaluation.

Many people use financial status to define success and I can somewhat understand that.  Money usually means freedom and convenience.  It opens new doors and lets you experience more.  But I don't think its the money that makes you successful.  Would you now call Tiger Woods a successful man? Or would you say Mother Teresa was not successful?  The old adage "Money cannot buy happiness"comes to mind.

I really believe that success is the achievement of happiness.  Another subjective and abstract term.  I don't know anyone who is happy all the time but I do know a great deal of successful people.  So let's refine that definition to be the achievement of happiness most of the time, or a general feeling or happiness.  So what is happiness?

Although I would love to write a formula for this one, I am not sure I can.  I would include factors like laughter because if you are laughing you are usually feeling pretty good.  But that's an outward sign and I think happiness is best understood internally.  Achievement is also a good factor.  Although I like the other old adage that states it's the journey not the destination.  There should be a representation of trying, attempting or working towards.   And how much weight would we give to love?  Loving or being loved is a factor often overlooked or taken for granted.  I'd also like to add a small amount of independence to this equation.  Just a dash.  I think the ability to think and act based on your personal values and morals gives you a sense of happiness.

Maybe perspective should make a showing.  The truth is you cannot always control what happens to you but you can always choose how to deal with it.  If I perceive myself as happy or successful, I am happy and successful.

So many factors.  I'll work on it. :-)