Happiness Doesn’t Follow Success

Psychology literature defines “happiness” as an emotional state marked by fewer negative emotions and more positive emotions like joy, serenity and excitement.

What is happiness, anyway? It’s described in psychology literature as being defined by emotions like excitement, joy and serenity or a sense of “subjective well-being.” However you define it, it’s marked by a favorable ratio of positive to negative emotions. Many fall prey to the idea that career success, goal achievement and positive events come first, with happiness jogging along behind. But research suggests that happiness might be the front runner that ultimately pulls career success along.

Research suggests that happier employees get better performance reviews, more social support from co-workers&#...