Have you ever wondered why many successful people do not seem happy, even though they have all the good things in life? The answer is simple: success alone does not guarantee happiness. For some, the pursuit of success may overshadow personal well-being and fulfilment.
External achievements may not address internal struggles or the need for meaningful connections. Happiness often requires a balance between professional success and personal contentment, emphasizing relationships, purpose, and self-discovery. While material wealth may provide comfort, emotional and mental well-being requires a holistic approach that goes beyond external achievements.
What are the ways to be true to yourself and still succeed?
Leading Delhi-based psychologist Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares 10 effective ways to be successful in life while being honest with yourself.
1. Define who you are
Ask yourself who you truly are and what you aspire to become. Is this what you always wanted to be? Define success on your terms; it’s a personal journey, not a one-size-fits-all. Discover your purpose by identifying activities that make you feel alive and vibrant. For instance, if creating art fuels your passion, that could be your purpose. Remember, you’re not a product of evolution; you’re a unique individual with a distinctive path. Embrace your authenticity, align your journey with your values, and chase success on your own meaningful terms.
2. Trust your instinct
Trust your instincts. When things feel uncertain, it’s better to pause and not rush into decisions. Your instincts are like your inner guide, a feeling deep inside driven by intuition, not just logical thinking. If something doesn’t feel right, accept it and take a step back. This way, you’re being cautious and avoiding potential problems. Success in life often comes from heeding these inner feelings and staying true to your instincts.
3. Accept your vulnerability
Vulnerabilities often give birth to innovation and creativity. Be your authentic self, as it empowers you to express your needs and stand up for what matters to you. Sometimes it’s okay to not be okay! Don’t hide your true feelings. Embracing vulnerability empowers you to overcome obstacles and achieve success by staying true to who you are.
4. Embrace Change
Change is a key to success when aligned with your values. Embrace new ideas without losing yourself. For instance, in a career shift, learn new skills while maintaining your core principles. Adapt to evolving technologies while upholding your ethical standards. This flexibility and authenticity create a winning combination, opening doors to opportunities while ensuring you remain true to who you are. After all, change is the only constant thing in this world.
5. Personal Growth
Success involves not just external triumphs but personal advancement. Devote time to activities aligning with passions, hobbies, and skills. This ongoing self-improvement brings satisfaction beyond work achievements. Embrace change by cultivating a hunger for knowledge and committing to lifelong learning. Acquire new skills, explore diverse perspectives, and challenge yourself to grow.
6. Stop Overthinking
Ever wonder why overthinking sabotages success and authenticity? Overanalysing creates mental clutter, stifling creativity. Consider an artist second-guessing every brushstroke—creativity diminishes. Authenticity thrives in simplicity. Trust your instincts, as genuine success emerges from clarity, not the chaos of overthought. Embrace simplicity, stay true to yourself, and success will follow effortlessly.
7. Honesty Helps
Being honest is tough but vital for success. Speaking openly preserves self-integrity and keeps you true to your values. It guides you like a compass, creating genuine connections and a fulfilling journey to success. Imagine openly admitting mistakes at work; it builds trust, shows authenticity, and opens doors to growth and achievement.
8. Nurture Genuine Bonds
In the pursuit of success, it’s crucial not to underestimate the value of cultivating meaningful relationships. Success can be a solitary journey, but genuine connections with friends, family, and mentors play a pivotal role. Nurturing these bonds offers emotional support, a sense of belonging, and inspiration. Such relationships contribute immensely to one’s overall happiness and well-being, ensuring that the path to success is accompanied by a fulfilling support system.
9. Learn from Failures
Success comes with setbacks. Embrace failure as a chance to grow, not a measure of your worth. Be true to yourself, acknowledging imperfections as stepping stones to success. When setbacks arise, persevere with resilience. See challenges as growth opportunities. Every failure is a step toward success. Stay committed, and overcome hurdles.
10. Health is Important
Take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise daily. Pursue your passion. Do things that make you happy from within. Success should not come at the expense of your well-being. Be true to yourself.
Finally, success is a journey unique to each individual. Define yourself, trust instincts, embrace vulnerability, and adapt to change while staying true to your values. Prioritize personal growth, simplicity, and honesty. Cultivate genuine relationships, learn from failures, and safeguard your well-being. In essence, success is not just an achievement but a harmonious blend of authenticity, resilience, and fulfilment.
Shivani Misri Sadhoo is an internationally recommended relationship Counsellor by world’s biggest and most trusted study and research-based foundation for couples therapy – Gottman Institute. She is trained on specialised key relationship counselling Skills from AIIMS, VIMHANS and various other reputed institutions. Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo, is also Certified for Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner with specialised training and experience in the field of affairs/betrayals, trust issues, difficulty communicating, conflicting values, bereavement, grief and loss (affairs, separation, divorce, childhood) and emotional health issue (anxiety, social anxiety, fear, depression, low mood).
Currently, Shivani Misri Sadhoo is one of the top counsellors with the HIGHEST Success Rate with over 17,000 happy couples and individuals (based in India and abroad), who has benefited from her therapy. Psychologist and Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo not only practice independently from her clinic in Greater Kailash, Delhi, India but also listed on the panel of eminent hospitals like IBS Hospital – Institute of Brain & Spine, Express Clinic, Fortis (formerly) based in Delhi.
