Happiness Is The Key To Success
Posted by Dan on November 11, 2009 in The VoyageI wanted to weigh in quickly on today’s post by Sean Ogle, What defines success? And the comment quoted..
“…you’re just a kid who was likely pampered his whole life growing up, and finally when it was time to be an adult, you had a hard time facing the music that in the real world, nobody cares how much fun you have at your job. You either do it well, or you get fired.”
We’ll just ignore the first part because it is a pathetic cheap shot and, well you know what they say about arguing on the internet. I too care if I have fun while doing my job, I also agree that in the “real world”, “nobody cares how much fun you have at your job. You either do it well, or you get fired.” But just because that is so does not make it right, personally I do care if you have fun in your job. If you don’t, I really encourage you to do something about it.
I don’t live in the real world, in my world people do give a shit about the lives of others and their happiness, thankfully there are others who inhabit this world, I am not alone. It’s a case of “be the change you want to see in the world” but we like to take our medicine with a dash of reality. We know others do see it the same way and we know that the others can’t accept that we see it like that.
This is just another case of someone getting their knickers in a twist when someone else makes a lifestyle choice different to the template they have built their own around (and they say they don’t care about your happiness).
It doesn’t just come from people outside of our little community. Last week I didn’t post, for one it just wasn’t happening for me but I was also demoralized by a comment from someone I respect. I’d like to say I’ve learned a lot from it but the truth is I haven’t figured it out yet, does the guy just not like me? I may be reading it wrong (I can’t even tell if it was directed at me), maybe I just need to engage with him more.
What I did learn is that people, even those who you expect to know better tend to react rather than respond. It’s a very human thing to do and most of the time we aren’t even aware we are doing it but trying to be aware and take a moment to consider before responding can save you from putting your foot in it and only later realizing you missed the point.
From inside and outside, knowingly or unknowingly, people will say you can’t, shouldn’t or won’t succeed. Success is not a number, a certificate or a promotion, success is being happy.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Herman Cain
Tiny URL for this post: http://tinyurl.com/286dtdj
You make great points here. I’m counting on seeing a lot of the same opposition that Sean experienced with that post in my own life over the next 4-5 months. People are very closed minded, and the person who left that comment is clearly bitter that they have let too many years slip away living an unhappy life.
I’ve been lucky that I haven’t yet encountered any of the negative feedback from strangers. I have a few friends who have questioned my career and life choices, but no bitter comments yet from people wishing they were doing the same thing. You’ve made some really good points in this post… happiness is definitely a key for true success. And like Sean has said, he considers himself at a place where he is setting himself up for success. Part of which means doing what makes him happy. I think everyone should be so lucky.
Dude, sorry for the late, laaaate comment, but this is a great reflection. I LOVE living outside the “real” world where we actually give a shit about each other and pursue what makes us happy. I totally agree with your sentiment that happiness is what makes you a success or not. I’m working hard on a new resource for all the folks who want to join us outside the “template” lifestyle next month!
I truly believe happiness is the key to success, and the evidence to this is to see how badly sad and frustrated people work!
Alternating bad and good moments is human, so if that comment demoralised you, I wouldn’t worry much about it, I’m sure it’s not the first time and it will not be the last one either.
We learn a lot from disappointments and problems so we shouldn’t take them too badly but take advantage from them instead. I know, it’s hard and it sucks…
You are absolutely right not to accept the situation as it is, because even if someone accepts it, doesn’t make it right.
Thought-provoking post, well done.
[...] Site tagline: Adventure Travel and Lifestyle Design Dan says: “I say screw the naysayers, let’s do this.” Why you should check this blog out: Dan is currently working in IT support while he builds up a side income from various web projects. He’s planning to start traveling full time later this year, starting in Southeast Asia. Most recent post: Happiness Is The Key To Success [...]
[...] from Voyagner submitted an article called “Happiness is the Key to Success“. If you can combine self-motivation and happiness, then you really are on to something. [...]