Category: Personal Development >> Importance of Personal Development

In order to be happy you need to do what you like; to be successful you need to do it well


What the above statement boils down to in one word, which is 'self-actualization'. Self actualization simply put is about a person realizing what his or her potential is and trying to fulfill or maximize that potential. The term self actualization is most often associated with Abraham Maslow's 'Hierarchy of Needs', in which he states that 'self actualization is about becoming what you are capable of'. What this means is that if you want to succeed, you need to not only believe that you can succeed, but you also have to work for your success. This is very important especially if you wish to do well in life.


What people need to understand is this success is not about getting rich or having a really great job, car, or house; success is about discovering who you are and what you want to do with your life and then going out and doing that. This will not only make you happy but will also ensure that you will succeed at whatever you do. If for example you want to be a successful entrepreneur, then in order to be successful you first need to discover if being an entrepreneur is truly what you want. Once this happens then you need to go out and make it possible. Do not think that by just wanting to be a good entrepreneur you can become one. Becoming a successful entrepreneur is about making tough choices and hard decisions. It is not a bed of roses; rather it is a daunting journey filled with many challenges. However, the end result is that you are not only happy with what you do but you are successful as well.

Keep in mind that while doing what makes you happy is very important, what is even more significant is that in order to be a success you need to do your job well. It is essential that people realize that success is never handed to you on a silver platter even if you love what you do. You have to work hard in order to be successful. Remember that happiness necessitates a commitment on your part to want to succeed.

If you are doing a job that you love and enjoy then happiness automatically comes your way because you are getting both spiritual and emotional fulfillment from what you do. However being happy does not necessarily translate into one being successful. One can even be happy with a low paying job but this does not mean that he or she is a success. Success comes from working hard and doing your job well.

To be successful you not only have to love what you do, but you also need to work hard. This is where self actualization comes into play. Self actualization is about becoming personally fulfilled in all areas of your life, be it at your job or in your home life. It is about accepting and appreciating all that is around you and knowing that in order to be a happy and contented person you need to do what you love and do it well to be a success.