Success won't give you happiness... but it may take it away from you

If you believe that success is a means to achieving happiness, we have two news for you. First: You are not the only one who thinks this; In fact, it is a deeply rooted social belief that is inculcated in us since childhood. And two: the evidence suggests that this relationship doesn’t work that way, and that traditionally successful people are actually prone to making mistakes that keep them from being happy.

Raj Raghunathan, a professor at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas Austin, said: Wellness 360.

Raghunathan explained that it is common for people who adhere to the traditional concept of success to fall into situations that are detrimental to their well-being. He also offered alternatives to avoid it.

Raj Raghunathan explains the paradox of the relationship between success and happiness

3 mistakes that take away your happiness even if you succeed

1. You strive to be in control

The more responsibilities a person has on a daily basis, the greater will be his need for control. For example, in the workplace there are leaders who can engage in micromanagement situations… And while it may seem at first glance that being in control is a way to avoid trauma and be happier, the result is just the opposite.

The first reason is that others do not like to be controlled; Second, that life has uncontrollable high levels of uncertainty, Raghunathan said.

How do you avoid this error?

Know that you cannot control everything. If you base your happiness on what you want to happen, you are more likely to end up with frustration.

2. Seeking a sense of superiority

To make it clear, it is necessary to share an uncomfortable truth with you: if you hold a high position within your company or in your circle, many people will laugh at your jokes even if they are not funny and will lie to please you.

Raghunathan explained that the phenomenon, in which people find what someone higher in the hierarchy says or does more likeable, is highly prevalent in organizations. A study in which a joke not particularly funny but not unpleasant was shared with two groups; In the first, they said the CEO did it, while in the second, they attributed him to someone lower in the hierarchy. The results showed that the first group considered humor more entertaining than the second group.

“If you’re the highest-ranking person, you get a lot of feedback that you have positive traits,” he explained.

Drifting behind these comments and opinions from third parties naturally leads you to believe that you have more positive traits than others and “leads you to strive for excellence.” Thus, you are more likely to allow your mood to depend on external factors and your emotions to be on a whirl, he said.

How do you avoid this error?

You need to find your own flow and allow yourself to navigate situations calmly and naturally. Remind himself that you only need to measure yourself against yourself in the past.

3. You prioritize your relationships

Raghunathan explained that the more money people have, the easier it is for them to isolate themselves. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to make new friends. Their context makes them underestimate their personal relationships. This, in the long run, makes them feel lonely.

How do you avoid this error?

Reprioritize relationships with friends or family and create new opportunities to meet people.

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