What is the relationship between success and happiness? Are the two inevitably intertwined? I can think of plenty of people who are successful and incredibly unhappy, and yet of all the happy people I know, they are all successful in their minds even if they don't meet society's definition of success (namely financial, but nowadays celebrity status also appears to a measure of success - how many followers do you have, how many likes on social media, etc.). How do we achieve this level of happiness, or more specifically, what is the key that these individuals have discovered towards being happy in all circumstances?
Apparently I am much better at asking questions than finding solutions; however, after some contemplation over the weekend I've come to the conclusion that happiness is related to confidence, and confidence comes from not letting others' opinions influence your sense of self-worth. Seems pretty straightforward, right? I've always been much better at preaching than practicing.
Personally, I am a people-pleaser and consequently have always been more concerned with what others think of me than what I think of myself. Consequently, I hate confrontation and have always preferred taking a diplomatic approach rather than obstinately defending my point of view. Admittedly, there is an exception to everything, but I realize that my modus operandi has progressively evolved to become complacent in simply listening and realize that I need to practice speaking up.
If I allow others to sway my behavior, then I can't have much confidence in myself or my beliefs. Obviously there is a entirely separate discussion about knowing when to pick your battles (and sometimes diplomacy is the best option), I have to start listening to myself in order to grow and strengthen my confidence. I don't know if all happy people are also faithful people, but they have found the key to listening to, and trusting in some greater force within their being. I believe that this is the Holy Spirit at work within each and everyone of us - we just have to find a way to stop and listen.
There are a lot of uncertainties this coming week for me that will significantly impact my life that may finally find resolution. Regardless of the outcome, I know God has a plan and purpose for me even if others define these outcomes as a "success" or "failure". I take comfort in knowing that God is with me every step of the way and has equip me to take on whatever obstacle comes my way - I have an incredible family and support system. I leave you with this: Hebrews 10: 35-36 "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may received what was promised."
Apparently I am much better at asking questions than finding solutions; however, after some contemplation over the weekend I've come to the conclusion that happiness is related to confidence, and confidence comes from not letting others' opinions influence your sense of self-worth. Seems pretty straightforward, right? I've always been much better at preaching than practicing.
Personally, I am a people-pleaser and consequently have always been more concerned with what others think of me than what I think of myself. Consequently, I hate confrontation and have always preferred taking a diplomatic approach rather than obstinately defending my point of view. Admittedly, there is an exception to everything, but I realize that my modus operandi has progressively evolved to become complacent in simply listening and realize that I need to practice speaking up.
If I allow others to sway my behavior, then I can't have much confidence in myself or my beliefs. Obviously there is a entirely separate discussion about knowing when to pick your battles (and sometimes diplomacy is the best option), I have to start listening to myself in order to grow and strengthen my confidence. I don't know if all happy people are also faithful people, but they have found the key to listening to, and trusting in some greater force within their being. I believe that this is the Holy Spirit at work within each and everyone of us - we just have to find a way to stop and listen.
There are a lot of uncertainties this coming week for me that will significantly impact my life that may finally find resolution. Regardless of the outcome, I know God has a plan and purpose for me even if others define these outcomes as a "success" or "failure". I take comfort in knowing that God is with me every step of the way and has equip me to take on whatever obstacle comes my way - I have an incredible family and support system. I leave you with this: Hebrews 10: 35-36 "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may received what was promised."
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