Are You Successful and Happy Enough?

Which one comes first?

My New Year didn't begin so easy this year, as I was hospitalized for several days due to gastroenteritis, which I believe may have been triggered by my eating habits and excessive coffee intake—though I've cut back compared to the previous years.

I discovered an article suggesting that gastrointestinal issues can arise from flying. Although cabin pressure is controlled, the lower air pressure at high altitudes compared to sea level can reduce oxygen transport, potentially leading to hypoxia. Furthermore, gas in the intestines can expand by 25% at an altitude of 2400 meters (8000 feet), posing a significant concern for those with gastrointestinal disorders.

I also came across another article highlighting the relationship between stress and gastrointestinal issues. Richard (2010) characterizes stress by excessive emotional demands. Notably, Robert Sapolsky, a stress expert from Stanford University and author of ‘‘Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers’’ (Henry Holt and Co., 2004), explores the link between stress and disorders of the digestive tract.

The brain-gut connection is critical in this context; the number of nerve fibers in the digestive tract surpasses those in the spinal cord, leading to its nickname, the "mini-brain," associated with the "brain-gut axis." These nerves communicate through neurotransmitters, including serotonin—95% of which is found in the digestive system. Serotonin, produced by enterochromaffin cells in the stomach, can induce nausea and vomiting when it binds to its receptors.

When stressed, the body releases Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH), prompting adrenal glands to provide energy to cope with stress. Unfortunately, CRH also suppresses appetite and can increase stomach acid, leading to long-term issues like upper abdominal pain and bloating, often referred to as "gastrointestinal disease."

Stress may also impact intestinal health, contributing to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can cause uncoordinated contractions and heightened sensitivity to pain in the intestines, making routine contractions feel uncomfortable.

Numerous articles indicate that gastroenteritis issues stem from various factors, predominantly lifestyle habits, which are often modifiable. However, one critical element we often overlook is our stress levels. While we may feel we are managing well, our subconscious might reveal otherwise, highlighting the importance of happiness in our daily lives. Despite inevitable challenges, a well-adjusted subconscious mind can help us navigate difficulties effectively

Improving our well-being is intricately linked to happiness.

Research suggests that specific practices can foster well-being:

1. Resilience: This cognitive ability helps individuals recover from adversity.

2. Positive Outlook: Recognizing the good in people and experiences is essential for enhancing well-being.

3. Attention: Enhancing listening skills and remaining present can foster a positive mindset.

4. Generosity: Acts of kindness not only boost your happiness but also promote joy in others, enhancing overall well-being.

5. Self-awareness : Identifying factors that contribute to or detract from your happiness is vital. Eliminate barriers to your well-being and find contentment in life choices, as they directly influence your health and happiness.

It is well acknowledged that happiness improves overall well-being. According to some research, happier people live longer lives and have healthier lifestyles. These people usually engage in regular physical activity and maintain good health, which lowers their risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and gastroenteritis.

Although obtaining happiness can be challenging, developing specific behaviours can improve well-being and happiness. By implementing these habits into our daily lives, we may enhance our happiness.

Positive and Negative Emotions

Happiness has a tremendous impact on our health, particularly the immune system. According to research, persons who consistently feel good emotions such as joy, satisfaction, and appreciation have a stronger antibody response to immunisations, which increases their immunity to illnesses.

Conversely, negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, and anger, can impair the immune system, increasing our vulnerability to illness.

''Every Minute You are Angry You Lose Sixty Second of Happiness'' Ralp Waldo Emerson.

Intentional efforts and healthy habits are ongoing activities that bring joy. Here are some techniques suggested by Lyubomirsky in her book The How of Happiness to boost happy feelings:

1. Practice Gratitude

Even during difficult circumstances, keep your focus on the things of your life that you value. Focussing on the positive can become a habit. For example, during a long and boring flight, take a time to consider your blessings—whether they be your job, your home, or your loved ones. Writing in a thankfulness diary can become a gratifying daily habit.

2. Manage Your Desires

While desires are natural, overfocusing on them can lead to discontent. Learn to regulate your desires by concentrating on your truly needs. Be attentive of your emotions as they occur and practice self-compassion. Stay in the moment and cherish what you already have.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Prioritising physical health is critical for happiness. Get enough sleep, consume a well-balanced diet, and indulge in regular activities like walking, dancing, gardening, body treatment, or sports. People who are happier tend to have healthier behaviours. Even on stressful days, sticking to rituals that promote well-being will help you feel better. Finding your ''Me Time'' is crucial in order to release and take care of yourself

4. Practice Mindfulness

Engaging in stress-reduction activities such as yoga and meditation promotes awareness, which relieves tension and anxiety and leads to a sense of inner calm. I am well aware that mindfulness is not an easy activity; nonetheless, with consistent practice, you will gradually improve.

5. Compete Against Yourself, Not Others

Competing with others frequently reveals the worst aspects of your personality, which can contribute to depression. Instead, concentrate on competing with yourself and being the best version of yourself.

This approach fosters personal growth and resilience, with your well-being being the most important outcome.

Happiness is the ultimate goal of virtually all the decisions we make in life (Gilbert, 2010)

Success versus Happiness

The reality is that happiness is often subjective and difficult to quantify. Success is frequently measured externally or in comparison to other individuals.

Happiness is typically associated with individuals, whereas success can be associated with either individuals or groups.

Achieving happiness is a common objective. Most people have a great desire to succeed in life, and they assume that success would automatically lead to happiness.

While we can never say for definite which is more essential, we do know that success and happiness are intricately linked.

The really important question then is, which comes first: happiness or success? This is similar to the chicken and egg scenario.

If happiness comes first, you must conclude that you must learn how to be happy before you can achieve success.

On the opposite side is the assumption that success comes before happiness.

What does it take to really feel happy? Is success necessary for happiness? Millions of individuals around the world are likely to disagree with you on that issue since success does not ensure happiness.

There are just as many people who consider themselves happy, while not being successful, as there are successful people who are still figuring out how to be happy.

So, which one one more important?

When it comes down to it, success and financial wealth do not always correspond with happiness and security.

It doesn’t do you much good in terms of your level of happiness if you are successful monetarily, but miserable in your personal life.

On the other hand, you may be really happy in your personal life or other connections while yet battling with success or finances.

In summary, both of them are interconnected,

Happiness affects your level of success and your level of success affects your happiness.

In the end, we cannot always control our external circumstances because life is constantly changing.

We only have control over our state of mind. Whether you believe that happiness attracts success or not, you may choose happiness on a daily basis.

Finding the time and flexibility to accommodate yourself and your needs can be challenging in a business setting. If you want to assist yourself or others achieve peak performance and properly evaluate their lives, consider what it takes to be a successful corporate athlete while being healthy and happy.

Additionally, the photo above was taken during the pandemic of Covid-19 while I was busy running my foundation and visiting rural villages in Bali. I met a woman who lived a simple life and was over 100 years old. She felt happy and healthy because of her simplicity, and she could still do her everyday activities and eat food from her own garden, which made her extremely happy in her life. Practice gratitude is her key. Happiness and success are simple concepts for her!

This article is a personal reminder, but it may also serve as your reminder. Managing people is sometimes easier, but managing ourselves is often far more difficult. This article emphasises the importance of happiness in order to remain healthy, regardless of your level of achievement. Success means nothing without health and happiness.