Success is the race and happiness is the finish line. Ingrid Bergman once said that “Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.” We used to attribute happiness as the product of success. We forget that the true measure of success is found in the race, not the finish line. Success is in the process.

There are 3 types of goals; the process, performance, and outcome goals. Process goals are specific actions or ‘processes’ of performing. For example, aiming to run for 2 hours every day to train for a marathon. Process goals are 100% controllable by the individual. Performance goals are based on personal standards. Outcome goals are based on winning. Outcome goals are very difficult to control because of other outside influences. But the outcome goal usually being defined as success.

We usually failed to realize that to be able to achieve the desired output it was the process goals that really push you to achieve it. These are the actions you have taken along the way to be able to achieve what you want. This is the true measure of success. You were successful in cultivating the habit of taking the necessary actions to achieve the goal. 

For example, you were successful in doing your regular training and running consistently and were able to finish a marathon with flying colors. Without your persistence and consistency in the process to the actions that need to be taken, do you think you will be able to finish a marathon with flying colors? Maybe yes, but the habit of being consistent and showing up on a daily basis was the true success. It is something that can’t be taken from you. The discipline you gain in training for the marathon will be with you throughout life and that is success and happiness.