The Keys to Success

Most people seem to think that success is the key to happiness. Succeeding in their chosen field, making lots of money, climbing the corporate ladder, or whatever is supposed to make you happy. WRONG! It's actually the reverse. Happiness is the key to success.

Does that idea seem strange to you? I suppose it does to many. Let me explain what I mean. The shortest, most down to earth explanation is this:

• When you are happy, you appreciate people and things more.
  
• The more you appreciate people, the more they want to do for you.
  
• The more you appreciate things, the more people want you to have. They may not give you what you want directly, but they would love to help you get it. (Think about it; do you like giving gifts to people who get excited about them or people who don't seem to like anything anyone gets for them?)
  
• The more people want to help you, the further ahead you get.
  

Sort of like happy networking. It might sound silly and/or simplistic, but nevertheless it is true. I'll give you an example:
Let's say you are climbing the corporate ladder. You are in the running for a promotion against one other person. Both of you are equally qualified and you operate in the same networking circles.

Is the boss going to give the promotion to your surly coworker who does his job well, but seems unhappy and ungrateful? The boss is much more likely to give the position to you because not only do you do your job well, but you do it with a smile. People like you and like to work with you.

Happiness is not the only key to success, but it is the first key. It's not the most important key, but it is the first key. It's not the last key, it's the. .........well, you know what I mean. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be happy. Do it now while there's still time.