Whether it’s an IPO, a big donation or a high-profile relationship, success is all around us. We can be influenced by the successes of others, but in the end, success is personal. It’s a journey, and like any good adventure, it involves setbacks and surprises.
When it comes to our careers, we are often told that the way to success is to achieve as much as possible, get as many accolades and be seen by as many people as you can. Yet that path isn’t a guarantee of happiness or fulfillment, as Northeastern network scientist Albert-Laszlo Barabasi explains. At a public discussion with Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun, he discussed his work on how success isn’t just about achievement and recognition but is more complex and elusive.
The happiest people aren’t those who have the most money, according to a study. Instead, they’re those who find meaning in their work and enjoy healthy relationships. The study, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, finds that the best way to feel happy is to focus on what you do rather than how well you do it.
A new year brings a fresh start and a chance to make changes that will boost your health and happiness, but it’s not always easy to know where to start. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you kickstart your wellness goals and improve your quality of life.
While it is easy to get lost in a sense of hopelessness about the state of our planet’s biodiversity, there is also a wealth of inspiring conservation success stories. From reimagined rivers to restored mountain slopes, it’s clear that the efforts of dedicated organisations, scientists and engaged private-sector partners can have a positive impact.
Whether it’s a healthy lifestyle, the ability to save money or simply enjoying a satisfying career, our definitions of success are as individual as we are. We asked our readers to share their own views on the topic and found that most believe that a fulfilling life is more than just dollars and cents.
People say that their personal definition of success includes a happy family (45%), living paycheck to paycheck (27%), or finding the right career fit (48%). However, they are at odds with society, which they believe equates success with having a certain amount of money (59%), power (35%), or fame (35%). People also view financial success as being able to pay bills, have a flexible schedule and enjoy time off.