In lesson 21, I came across a phrase that interested me a lot because it makes me reflect and see the reality of the world we are living in today. Saltz said that “A lot of successful people are unhappy. And a lot of happy people aren’t successful.” This makes me remember and think that it is so true and that all of us in this society are blinded by always seeing the superficial and the material. Some people will say, at the time of “achieving success will bring happiness”, but it is only a social statement, it doesn’t really mean that, since the reality is that there are many people who achieve unsurpassed success but are unhappy, such as fame, wealth, power, and prestige, but there are others who are not “successful” are satisfied and live a happy and meaningful life. This is because to achieve great achievements in any field, personal sacrifices are made, whether it be mental health, or relationships with family or friends, or even free time. It is always like this, throughout our lives we are made to choose or we have to choose one of two, it’s so difficult to want and get everything at once. Those people who are happy is because they do not measure success in wealth or professional achievements. Therefore, according to Saltz “Success and happiness live on different sides of the tracks” meaning that there is an invisible barrier between both worlds and there is a disconnection between them, but are they completely opposite? Using as an example the famous “king of pop” Michael Jackson, an artist recognized worldwide for his music, but was he happy? I don’t think so, because being a public image, it’s possible to be around controversies and many more things that may have generated suffering and sadness, which leads to a tragedy. This shows the idea that success does not always guarantee happiness.
However, we can ask ourselves if there is the possibility of integrating happiness and success? In my opinion, it is a yes, although they are not necessarily opposite, but it does not mean that they are equal either. First, be clear about your goals, your values, and prioritize what you want while finding a balance. Therefore, define what success is for you, and redefine it without making personal sacrifices. For me, focusing on my personal well-being is the basis for success, because if I’m not feeling well within myself, both emotionally and physically, the success achieved is temporary and short-lived. I am an ordinary person, and success for me is achieving emotional stability, opportunities for personal growth, and financial security, but without sacrificing what is a priority, my happiness and well-being.