Wishing for True Fulfillment: Rethinking Success and Happiness
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Chapter 1: What Should We Truly Wish For?
When contemplating what to wish for in life, we often default to aspirations like promotions, financial success, and material possessions. However, these external achievements might not lead to genuine happiness.
This is a reflection on the misguided intentions behind conventional well-wishes.
In the past, I frequently penned farewell notes to colleagues that included phrases such as, “I wish you every success in your new endeavors.” Looking back, this sentiment seems misguided. Individuals who appear successful at every turn might not question their happiness' foundation, believing that material wealth and career accolades equate to fulfillment. Yet, these individuals risk conflating their joy with their external circumstances.
Section 1.1: The Reality of Setbacks
What occurs when a person who has always enjoyed success faces an unexpected setback, such as a job loss, health crisis, or personal issues? Such life events can be profoundly disheartening. Their happiness becomes contingent upon resolving the external factors that brought about their distress.
Understanding the Essence of Success
Success is often misinterpreted in the workplace. As a compassionate leader, one may desire for team members to thrive. But what does that success truly entail? Does it mean never making mistakes, or is it preferable for them to learn and grow from small errors?
Subsection 1.1.1: Redefining Success
Is success defined solely by climbing the corporate ladder or accumulating wealth? Or should we encourage appreciation for the fulfillment that comes from performing their current roles with greater proficiency?
Section 1.2: Parental Aspirations
What do parents truly desire for their children? Often, kids express a longing for wealth, fame, or power. However, with maturity, many parents realize that the most valuable gifts they can offer are happiness, meaningful relationships, and the chance to make a positive impact in the world.
Chapter 2: External Desires vs. Inner Contentment
It’s common to encounter individuals who seem perpetually dissatisfied, regardless of their accomplishments. I've observed that the urge for more—be it responsibility, salary, or recognition—does not necessarily correlate with talent.
This video, "Learn English: How to wish someone in person and on Facebook," offers insights into crafting meaningful greetings and well-wishes that reflect deeper sentiments.
The Pitfalls of External Goals
It's easy for parents and mentors to advise against placing one's hopes in external factors like wealth or fame. Setting such goals can lead to inevitable disappointment and unhappiness during the journey toward achieving them.
We are living in an age of abundance; most individuals possess more material wealth and knowledge than ever before. Yet, we often find ourselves frustrated and at odds with one another, feeling that our personal success remains elusive.
A Mind at Peace
Instead of wishing for more promotions and material gains that may not bring true happiness, we should aim for deeper contentment. The advice we give to our colleagues and children holds true for ourselves: To achieve lasting joy, we need to cultivate a tranquil mind.
When freed from feelings of doubt, jealousy, or worry, our happiness becomes independent of external circumstances. Joy is found not in external achievements but in a peaceful and reflective state of being.
The second video, "Don't Say 'Same To You' | Learn 20 Better Responses For Wishes & Greetings In Spoken English," provides alternatives for expressing wishes and greetings in a more thoughtful way.
As you write your next farewell note, consider a different sentiment: “I wish you a series of small challenges that teach you to appreciate the abundance in your life and the people around you.” If that feels too verbose, a simple “Be well” can suffice, allowing them to interpret the sentiment in their own way.
So, may you be well.