"El éxito empresarial es una cosa pero la felicidad personal es otra."

You know, it’s funny how we often mix up personal happiness with professional success. We think if we ace that project, get that promotion, or hit that sales target, we'll be happy. But in truth, these are two very different things.

Here's the deal: business success means achieving your goals at work. You climb the ladder, you gain respect, you might even see more zeros on your paycheck. It feels great—no doubt about it. But personal happiness, that's deeper. It's about feeling content with your life, having good relationships, and waking up with a smile, not just a sense of duty.

Let's rewind to the early 2000s when this idea really hit home for many. Remember Steve Jobs? On the outside, he had it all—a revolutionary career, a company that changed the world. But if you read his biography or listen to his Stanford commencement speech, you’ll realize he struggled with personal happiness. Jobs was passionate about his work, but he faced challenges in his personal life, like his health and relationships. His success didn’t shield him from those very human experiences.

Let’s talk about a clear-cut example: imagine John, a high-flying executive at a major corporation. John works 70-hour weeks, always on the phone, jet-setting across the globe. He's winning awards, making tons of money, but his personal life? It’s a mess. He’s estranged from his kids, barely sees his friends, and can’t remember the last time he had a relaxed weekend. Now look at Sarah, who runs a small bakery. She makes a modest income, but she loves her work and has time for her family and hobbies. She's happy. John has business success, but Sarah has personal happiness.

So, what’s the takeaway? Here’s a bit of advice: balance is key. You need to carve out time for what makes you happy, not just what makes you successful. Take breaks. Spend time with loved ones. Find hobbies that have nothing to do with work. It’s not just about the quantity of time but the quality.

Think about a time when you felt truly happy. Maybe it was a lazy Sunday afternoon with your family or a quiet moment with a good book. Now, imagine if you could sprinkle more of those moments throughout your life. You don’t have to quit your job or drop all your ambitions—just make sure you’re not trading all your personal time for professional gain.

Here’s a little story: my friend Karen worked in finance. She was good—really good—and she was proud of what she did. But she was always stressed. No time for anything but work. One day, she had a health scare. Nothing too serious, but it was a wake-up call. Karen started setting boundaries. No emails after 7 PM. Weekends were family time. She took up painting, something she’d loved as a kid. And you know what? She didn’t become less successful. In fact, she felt more creative and energetic at work. And she was happier.

So, next time you’re vying for that corner office, ask yourself: will this make me happy? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to rethink how you’re spending your days. Personal happiness and business success—let’s not confuse the two. You deserve both.