"النجاح هو الحصول على ما تريد. السعادة هي أن تريد ما تحصل عليه."

This quote highlights the crucial difference between the external achievement of our goals and the internal contentment with our current circumstances. Success is often measured by how much we accomplish or obtain—whether it’s a job promotion, a new home, or any other milestone. On the other hand, happiness is more about feeling satisfied with what we already have, in the here and now.

To put this in perspective, think about why this might have been said. The pursuit of success can sometimes lead us to overlook the simple joys of our everyday lives. This quote nudges us to appreciate what we already have, instead of constantly chasing after more. It’s a reminder that true contentment comes from within.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Imagine Jane, a hardworking professional who’s been eyeing a senior role in her company. For years, she’s put in extra hours, taken on challenging projects, and networked tirelessly. Finally, she lands the promotion—success! But once the initial excitement wears off, she finds herself stressed, overwhelmed, and not much happier. She realizes that while she achieved her goal, she had neglected other aspects of her life that brought her genuine joy—like spending time with family, reading books, and gardening. Jane’s quest for success didn’t translate into happiness because she wasn’t content with what she had; she was always looking ahead to the next goal.

Applying this wisdom means taking a moment to appreciate your current situation. It’s about finding joy in the small things that make up your day-to-day life. So how do you do it? Start by practicing gratitude. Take five minutes each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It could be anything—a good cup of coffee, a supportive friend, or simply the fact that you’re healthy. Another way is to set realistic goals. Instead of constantly aiming for massive achievements, try setting smaller, more attainable goals that bring you joy and satisfaction when accomplished.

Now, picture this scenario: You’re a college student juggling classes, part-time work, and a social life. Your ultimate goal is a high-paying job at a prestigious firm. You study hard, sacrifice sleep, and miss out on social events. Graduation day comes, and you land that dream job. But after a few months, you realize you’re burnt out and miss the carefree days of hanging out with friends and enjoying hobbies. If you had taken the time to appreciate your college years and balanced your efforts with leisure, you might have found happiness along the way—not just success at the end.

Success is important, sure. But balancing it with an appreciation of what you already have can lead to a fulfilling, happy life. Remember, it’s not just about the goalposts you hit; it’s also about the journey and the little joys you encounter along the way.