We all want to be successful in one way or the other, successful at our work, in our marriage, achieving our goals. Many of us think that if we become successful that automatically will mean that we become happy. If that was true I think one person that would be the happiest person in the world would be Tiger Woods, but the latest news report is telling us a different story. I think that Tiger together with so many of us are affected by “Destination Decease” telling yourself, when I reach this goal, or when, when, when…. then I will be happy. We have been bombarded from everywhere that success leads to happiness.
Unfortunately, this isn’t true!
The truth is that the formula is actually the other way around, in order for us to become successful the first focus we should have is being happy. There have been for the past 10 years plenty of research confirming this. One study shows that the best leaders, best co-workers are happily married and are having good relationships with there peers. So it’s not very surprising that the longest study on relationships done at Harvard shows that the most important thing for a for filled life is just that.
This is what INC. write in one article about this study:
“For over 75 years, Harvard’s Grant and Glueck study has tracked the physical and emotional well-being of two populations: 456 poor men growing up in Boston from 1939 to 2014 (the Grant Study), and 268 male graduates from Harvard’s classes of 1939-1944 (the Glueck study).
Due to the length of the research period, this has required multiple generations of researchers. Since before WWII, they’ve diligently analyzed blood samples, conducted brain scans (once they became available), and pored over self-reported surveys, as well as actual interactions with these men, to compile the findings.
The conclusion? According to Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one thing surpasses all the rest in terms of importance:
“The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.
Not how much is in your 401(k). Not how many conferences you spoke at–or keynotes. Not how many blog posts you wrote or how many followers you had or how many tech companies you worked for or how much power you wielded there or how much you vested at each.
No, the biggest predictor of your happiness and fulfilment overall in life is, basically, love.”
So are you focusing on the right place in order to become the person you want to become?
Start focusing on the important things in life and see how that will lead to a successful business life, better leadership qualities and how it will help you achieve your goals.
LIVE BETTER – LEAD BETTER
Johan Odén
