The Difference between Success and Happiness

Sukkot is an agricultural festival that originally was considered a thanksgiving for the fruit harvest. 

Sukkot are hut-like structures that the Jews lived in during the 40 years of travel through the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. As a temporary dwelling, the sukkah also represents the fact that all existence is fragile, and therefore Sukkot is a time to appreciate the shelter of our homes and our bodies.

Sukkot is Z’man Simchateinu - a time to be happy ! 

I guess why I like the picture of 2 men sitting on a park bench laughing and being happy  - is the way it encapulates  happiness as a feeling - without the need for the trappings of success.

So what is the difference between success and happiness?

People strive for success ....... should they strive for happiness? 

All to often you see people with financial success feeling unhappy, while people who are not “financially successful” are feeling happy.

Maybe Success is material.... and.... Happiness is a feeling? 

So after doing a little  googling .... this is what I found.....

Success does not create happiness, but happiness can create success. Think about people who seem to attract success. Not the ruthless competitors — but people you just naturally want to be around.

Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.

Success is having all the money in the world; happiness is having family and friends to spend it on.

Success is measurable; happiness is limitless.

Success is a fancy car; happiness is a joyous journey.

Success is working hard; happiness is loving the work.

Success is having everyone know your name; happiness is knowing everyone’s name.

Success is being right; happiness is being true.

Success is money in the bank; happiness can’t be deposited.

Success is private jets; happiness is flying high.

Success is never easy; happiness will never feel difficult.

Success is money; happiness is value.

Success is late hours; happiness is all day.

Success is second homes; happiness is always home.

Success is material things; happiness is in the materials.

Success is praise; happiness is never needing it.

Success is reaching the top; happiness has no ceiling.

Success is all the money in the world; happiness is needing none of it.

Success is doing what you love; happiness is loving what you do.

Success is envied; happiness is shared.

Success is measured in human terms; happiness is a  gift for those who live their lives well according to their core values.

Success is not a reflection of happiness, but rather, the other way around. Happiness is the ultimate measure of success.