Everyone in life wants to be successful and to be happy. But, these mean different things to each of us.

Some people want successful relationships. Others want financial freedom. Some people want challenging work or careers, some people want great kids, others want freedom of choice and the ability to control their destiny in life. Some want fame, power and influence. Some want leisure, while others want to learn and grow.

Defining what success and happiness is for you is the first step in its achievement. Many people wander through life from day to day and year to year without a clue as to what they really want in life, and then they act surprised when they don’t get it. They secretly hope life will give them what they want.

Life is a neutral process. It tends to give us what we desire, work for, and believe in. If we lack a clear vision, unrelenting belief, and consistent focused action, we will inherit the appropriate results.

There is an old saying, “Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.”

Success and happiness are not accidents. They are the results of purposeful pursuits of what you want and believe you deserve. Don’t limit yourself with self-defeating thoughts, beliefs and actions. Dream big dreams, never give up, and don’t let others talk you out of your secret longings.

Success and happiness are not accumulations of stuff, toys, things, a wall full of awards, fame, power or influence. Unfortunately for many, that is how they have chosen to define success. The lure of these temporary and often empty symbols or trappings of success will not satisfy your longing over the long term.

Success and happiness are not what you are getting as you travel life’s highway, but who you are becoming. The interesting thing is that you will never have to worry about what you get, as long as you focus on your own inner development. Success and its outer symbols tend to be attracted to those people who have shown they can handle the smaller successes in life with integrity, a grateful heart, and humility.

Tim Connor
http://www.timconnor.com