"成功はおかしなものです 成し遂げたとき必ずしも幸せであるとは限りません"

Success is a tricky concept. You can achieve what you set out to do, but that doesn't guarantee you'll feel fulfilled or happy. It's like climbing to the top of a ladder only to realize it's leaning against the wrong wall. You might get to where you aimed, but is it where you truly want to be?

Take the historical context. Think about the 1980s—a decade often remembered for its excess and the "greed is good" mantra, famously portrayed in the movie "Wall Street." Many people chased financial success, believing it would bring them happiness. But despite the flashy cars and big houses, a lot of them found themselves feeling empty. The core idea here is that success and happiness don't always go hand in hand.

Imagine this real-life example: John, a corporate lawyer, has climbed the ranks at his prestigious law firm. He's earning a six-figure salary, has a penthouse apartment, and drives a luxury car. On paper, you might think John's got it all. But he's stressed, works 80-hour weeks, and rarely sees his family. He realizes one day that despite his successes, he's not happy. He's missed out on his kids' milestones, his health is deteriorating, and he feels disconnected from his own life.

This paints a vivid picture of how success in the traditional sense doesn't always equal happiness. It begs the question, what does true success look like for you? Is it a high-paying job, or is it something else—like having time for your passions, relationships, and well-being?

So, how do you apply this wisdom? First, take time to reflect on what truly makes you happy. It might be different from what society tells you. You don’t have to follow the conventional path if it doesn’t fulfill you. Set personal goals that align with your values and passions. Success should be about achieving what matters to you, not just what looks good on a resume.

Now, think about Jenna's story. Jenna was a top executive at a marketing firm. She had power, prestige, and a hefty paycheck. But every day, she felt a pang of dissatisfaction. She loved painting but hadn't touched a brush in years because of her demanding job. One day, she decided to make a drastic change. She quit her job, downsized her lifestyle, and opened a small art studio. She might not be earning as much, but she's happier than ever, spending her days immersed in what she loves.

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal and subjective. Your version might not look like someone else’s, and that’s okay. The key is to figure out what brings you joy and strive for that. And remember, it’s a journey. You might need to re-evaluate and adjust your goals as you grow and change.

In the end, realize that success should feel good, not just look good. Don’t get so caught up in the race that you forget why you started. Find your own path, and let happiness be your compass.