Embracing the Present: The Journey to Happiness Beyond Success
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." — Dalai Lama
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In the past, I used to believe that happiness was something I’d “earn” once I reached certain milestones. I’d tell myself, “I’ll be happy when I land that dream project, when I hit that income goal, when I achieve this or that.” Success and happiness were tightly linked in my mind, and I assumed that if I worked hard enough, the fulfillment I craved would eventually follow. But the reality was that every time I reached one goal, there was another one waiting on the horizon, pulling me into an endless loop of “what’s next?” My happiness was always just out of reach, tied to some future achievement that never truly satisfied.
Then, something clicked. I realized that postponing my happiness meant I was putting off living my life the way I wanted. I was always in waiting mode, expecting the “big moment” to finally bring me joy and fulfillment. And this waiting wasn’t just exhausting; it was draining. I started questioning whether happiness really had to be a reward for success or if it was something I could choose, right here and now. What if I didn’t have to wait? What if, instead, I could decide to be happy without any conditions attached?
This shift in thinking didn’t come overnight, and it definitely didn’t happen all at once. But I began to make small, intentional choices that reinforced the decision to choose happiness in the present. I traded my high-intensity gym routines for meditative walks that connected me with nature and helped me find peace in my day. I started aligning my business practices with my personal values, prioritizing projects that felt meaningful to me rather than ones that only looked impressive on paper. I stopped chasing validation from others and focused on how my choices made me feel. Slowly, I began to notice how much lighter I felt, how much more connected I was to my life as it was, not as I wanted it to be.
This choice—to embrace happiness before success—changed everything. I started realizing that the drive to succeed often stems from a deeper desire for feelings like security, freedom, or joy. And once I recognized those underlying desires, I asked myself, “Why wait?” Why not feel secure now, in the small ways I can? Why not find moments of joy today, instead of linking it to some future goal? As I made these shifts, I discovered that the feelings I had been hoping success would bring were actually within reach the whole time.
Choosing happiness now isn’t about giving up on goals or being complacent. It’s about shifting my focus from constantly striving to appreciating. I’m still ambitious, but now I celebrate my journey as much as my achievements. It’s as if I’ve finally given myself permission to enjoy the little things: a quiet morning, a meaningful conversation, or a creative project that aligns with who I am. I’ve given up delaying how I wish to feel, and that has given me a profound sense of freedom.
Now, when I wake up each day, I remind myself that I don’t have to wait for anything to feel happy or fulfilled. Happiness isn’t a finish line; it’s a choice I get to make every single day. And by choosing it, I’ve not only found a deeper satisfaction in my life, but I’ve also redefined what success truly means to me. It’s not about the next achievement or the next big milestone; it’s about feeling alive and at peace in the present moment.
This is my invitation to you, too: stop waiting for the world to give you permission to be happy. Choose it now, embrace it now, and let it guide you to a life that feels rich, fulfilling, and true to who you are. Happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a companion you can carry with you, every step of the way.
Imagine how many times you've told yourself, "I’ll be happy when…” — when you land that dream job, when you reach a certain income, or when you accomplish that next big goal. But here’s the thing: happiness doesn't have to be something we delay until we hit some far-off milestone. It’s a choice, a mindset we can embrace right now, right here, in this very moment. The truth is, waiting for happiness often leads to a never-ending chase for "the next big thing," and that can leave us feeling exhausted, always striving but never arriving. Instead, what if you could decide today to let happiness be part of your journey? What if success became something that builds on a foundation of fulfillment, rather than a desperate race to reach it?
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Choosing happiness before success doesn’t mean giving up ambition or settling for less; it means aligning your life with what genuinely matters to you. It means finding joy in the small victories, savoring moments of peace, and reconnecting with what fuels your spirit daily. The journey is meant to be as fulfilling as the destination, and the power to feel alive and content is yours to choose at every step. Start now — choose happiness as your companion, not your reward. Embrace today as the day you decide to feel the peace, joy, and fulfillment you deserve, regardless of what’s still ahead. Success is powerful, but it’s so much richer when it’s built on a foundation of happiness.
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You’ve made all the difference. :)
OK Bo?tjan Dolin?ek