Tuesday Health & Wellness

Happiness vs. Success

Happiness and success are often spoken about as if they’re the same thing — but they’re not. And confusing the two can be exhausting.

Happiness is deeply personal. When it comes naturally — when it shows up quietly and honestly — it’s beautiful. But when happiness feels like something we have to chase through other people’s approval, accomplishments, or material things, it can quickly become stressful and unhealthy.

Success is a different value altogether.

For some, success looks like earning a degree, landing a good job, or growing within a company into a higher-paying role.

For others, it may be using a God-given talent to positively affect people’s lives.

It might even be a small business that becomes a neighborhood hub — offering community, connection, and friendship.

The challenge comes when we adopt definitions of success that don’t truly belong to us. The journey toward success can feel fulfilling and aligned — or it can be filled with discontent, comparison, and disappointment in ourselves and others.

I believe happiness and success don’t exist only as end goals. They show up in moments — throughout different seasons of our lives. And it’s possible to feel both, many times over, without one canceling the other out.

What matters on both journeys is self-care without compromising yourself. Having healthy outlets to reflect, regroup, and rest isn’t optional — it’s essential. Protecting your peace, your values, and your well-being is part of staying whole.

Pain and challenges are a part of life — that’s unavoidable. But how we experience those moments is often shaped by whether we feel grounded, aligned, and at peace with how we define happiness and success.

Wellness isn’t about chasing either one.

It’s about knowing when you’re living in alignment with yourself.

Closer Question

How do you define happiness and success — and do those definitions support your well-being?