The Real Link Between Happiness and Success

Growing up, many of us were taught that happiness is what comes after success. That once we tick enough boxes, land the right job, earn a certain salary, hit big milestones, then we’ll finally feel fulfilled. But the more I journey through life and career, the more I see the opposite happening. The people who seem the most grounded and joyful are not necessarily those with the biggest achievements. Their happiness seems to come first, and success often follows naturally, not the other way around.

I’ve noticed this pattern play out especially in my work as a business analyst. The ones who thrive are rarely those constantly chasing metrics or drowning in pressure. Instead, it’s those who approach each day with a calm sense of purpose and curiosity. They enjoy what they do. They take challenges as opportunities to grow. Because they’re not defined by outcomes, they’re free to bring their best selves into each project and that’s often what leads to outstanding results. Clients trust them. Colleagues rely on them. And their growth feels organic, not forced.

This mindset also shows up in business. I’ve worked with brands and teams where the energy is driven by joy and genuine care, and it’s always different. People feel it. Customers respond to it. It becomes less about pushing a product and more about solving real problems in a meaningful way. When the core of a business is built around purpose and people, not just profits, you start to see a different kind of success, i.e., one that lasts longer and feels more complete.

What truly ties it all together for me is faith. Faith changes the way I measure both happiness and success. It reminds me that my value doesn’t come from achievements or job titles. It centers me when results fall short and humbles me when things go well. It creates a kind of joy that isn’t shaken by circumstances, and it helps me show up to work and life with a full heart. In a world obsessed with performance, faith brings balance and a deeper kind of fulfillment that cannot be measured.

So maybe the key is not to chase happiness after we’ve succeeded, but to build our lives in a way that happiness leads the way. When we do what aligns with our values, when we bring joy into the everyday, and when we let faith guide our steps, success starts to look a lot more like peace. And in the end, that might be the only kind that really matters.