Are You Happy or Successful?

Yesterday, I heard an excellent little story. While I was busy working, the radio was playing in the background. For some reason, I paid attention just at the right time to hear the story being told.

Then, a little later, @lisamgentile1961 shared a link to a great video on Telegram, which led to a little conversation between Lisa, @elianaicgomes, and myself which reminded me of this story. So, I thought it well to share the little story here today.

A Story About the Success of a Fisherman

It is told that a rich man was on holiday and one day he decided to go for a walk on the beach.

As he strolled down the beach, he came across a fisherman who was lying down next to his fishing boat while smoking his pipe.

The rich man walked up to the fisherman and asked him what he was doing, to which the fisherman replied, "I am relaxing, smoking my pipe".

"So, why aren't you rather out fishing?", the rich man asked.

"I've caught enough fish for the day", the fisherman replied.

The rich man wanted to know why he didn't go out to catch more fish.

The fisherman asked, "And what would I do with the extra fish?"

The rich man said, "You could sell it and make more money. If you keep doing that you might soon be able to fit a bigger motor on your boat. Then keep on doing that and soon you will be able to buy a second boat".

The fisherman asked, "And what would I do with two boats?"

"Then you could make even more money and soon you could buy many boats", replied the rich man.

"And then? Why would I want so many boats?" the fisherman asked.

"Then you can make lots of money and enjoy your life... as I do", said the rich man...to which the fisherman just replied, "so what do you think I'm doing right now?"

What are Your Priorities?

This story made me think about our priorities. It reminded me of the importance of keeping your goals in line with your core values and principles. Pay attention to the reason why you want to achieve your goal.

We so often set out to achieve these ambitious goals.

But why?

Because we felt it was expected of us? Was it to be "in"? Was it because of the status associated with that goal or maybe the money?

Or are you really aiming to live out your passion? Will your goals bring you success, happiness, and fulfillment? Or just..."success"?

When looking at what is going on in the world I often can't help to wonder... What happened for example to the oath that so many people in the medical profession took, saying that saving lives is the main priority. Yet we often hear about corruption even in the medical industry.

Even when you urgently need medical attention, you first need to complete forms and provide details of your medical plan before they attend to you...sometimes even in life-threatening situations.

Is this really about saving lives and caring for fellow human beings...or is it more about the money? Don't get me wrong...I have no problem with paying for good medical services. But what is the priority? The money or taking care of someone in need? Which is the priority?

I can speak of experience. During the early morning hours of 1 February 2019 (03h00 to be exact), we got attacked inside our house. Although I was able to fight off the attackers, I still ended up with a knife blade sticking out of my face. During the fight, I got stabbed in the face and the blade broke off. So, I had to be taken to the hospital to get the blade surgically removed from my face.

Before I got attended to, my family first had to submit all the detail of our medical plan. When they heard that we don't have a medical plan, it became a problem...there was hesitation...until we ensured them that we would be paying cash. Then, suddenly things started happening at the speed of light again... I am just grateful that at the given time we had the funds to cover the expenses.

I am only using the medical profession as an example. But we find this kind of situation all over the world and in any profession.

So often, we are chasing dreams and setting goals for the wrong reasons. When you achieve that goal, what happens next? Are you really living your dream? Do you have a passion for what you do? Or are you just there for the money?

Money can't buy happiness. If we can be happy and content, living out our passion, it is so much more fulfilling. To have money (and even lots of it) is nice and there is a lot that we can do with that money. But it cannot buy happiness.

Pleasure, enjoyment...sure, money can buy that. But in short spurts. I'm talking about being fulfilled, happy with your circumstances, having your family and loved ones around you. Money is nice, but it takes more than money alone to have that.

There are people with hardly any money in the bank, yet they are some of the happiest people in the world.

What makes you happy? What do you enjoy doing? What is your definition of success?

Lets us know in the comment section below and let's talk about it.