Chasing Success Without Losing Joy: Inner Happiness in the Hustle

Let’s be honest—the hustle can be addictive. We’re all chasing that next big goal, whether it’s a promotion, financial success, or personal achievement. But as we push ourselves harder and faster, there’s one thing we often leave behind: our happiness.

In our recent podcast episode, Nina and I (Lucia) dove deep into this topic, exploring how easy it is to get caught up in the momentum of success without stopping to consider what truly makes us happy. It’s a conversation we believe everyone can benefit from, especially in today’s fast-paced, competitive world.

We started by addressing a crucial question: What is happiness? Sure, we all want to be happy, but what does that really mean? Many of us mistake fleeting moments of happiness—like the rush we feel after achieving a goal—for long-term fulfillment. That kind of dopamine-driven happiness is wonderful, but it doesn’t last. As soon as one goal is reached, we’re off chasing the next one, and the cycle repeats.

But there’s a better way. Happiness doesn’t have to be a fleeting feeling that comes and goes. We believe that inner happiness is something we can cultivate—something that burns steadily, like a fire in a fireplace. And here’s the best part: when you have that inner fire burning, every achievement feels like a bonus, not a necessity.

So how do we keep that fire alive? How do we chase success without losing joy along the way? We’ve put together a simple yet powerful “Happiness Toolbox” to help you find and sustain your own inner happiness, no matter how ambitious your goals may be.

1. Practice Gratitude: The Foundation of Happiness

Gratitude is the cornerstone of lasting happiness. It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have or what we’re still striving for, but the truth is, there’s always something to be grateful for—whether it’s our health, our relationships, or even the roof over our heads.

For me, practicing gratitude was a game-changer. I remember discovering Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without limbs. Seeing his joy and optimism despite his challenges made me realize how much I had to be thankful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from lack to abundance, and once you start embracing that mindset, everything changes.

How to practice gratitude: Some people like to keep a gratitude journal and write down 5-10 things they’re thankful for each day. For me, it’s more spontaneous—I’ll take a moment in the car or while I’m getting ready to mentally list the things I’m grateful for. And trust me, when you feel gratitude deeply, it has a profound effect on your energy and mood.

2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

In today’s world, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Social media is a big culprit—we scroll through endless feeds of people living what seems like perfect lives, and it’s hard not to feel like we’re missing out. But the truth is, comparison is a thief of joy.

Nina and I shared stories of how easy it is to get sucked into this mindset. But during the pandemic, something interesting happened. With everyone stuck at home, I no longer felt the pressure to keep up. There was no FOMO (fear of missing out) because no one was doing anything! It was a powerful reminder that our happiness doesn’t depend on what others are doing—it depends on how we feel about our own lives.

3. Embrace Positive Thinking (Without Falling into Toxic Positivity)

Positive thinking isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about shifting your perspective and finding ways to see the good in situations, even when they’re challenging. We’re not saying you should suppress your emotions—sometimes things are frustrating, and it’s okay to feel that. But once you’ve processed those feelings, try to reframe the situation.

For example, this morning I was rushing to get to the studio, and my son, who’s sick, was all over the place, messing with my makeup. It could have ruined my day, but instead, I chose to see it as a cute moment. He wanted to be close to me, and that’s something to be grateful for.

4. Find Purpose in Your Journey

Purpose is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but it’s incredibly important. When you’re living in alignment with your values and passions, every step of the journey feels meaningful. And here’s the thing—purpose doesn’t have to be some grand, world-changing mission. It’s about doing what makes you feel fulfilled, whether that’s running a business, being a great parent, or pursuing a creative passion.

For me, my purpose was always tied to helping others. That’s why I left my finance career to pursue something more creative and fulfilling. And even though people questioned my decision, I knew it was the right path for me because it aligned with who I am.

5. Take Care of Your Body

Happiness isn’t just a mindset—it’s also about how we treat our bodies. If we’re not eating well, moving regularly, or getting enough sleep, it’s hard to feel truly happy. Exercise, in particular, is a powerful mood booster. It releases endorphins—the “happiness hormone”—and helps us feel more energized and alive.

When I fell off my exercise routine after having kids, I felt the difference. My energy levels dipped, and I didn’t feel as good in my own skin. Once I got back into moving my body regularly, I noticed how much it improved my overall mood and mindset.

6. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

One of the most transformative tools in our happiness toolbox is meditation. It’s a way to reconnect with yourself, find inner peace, and reset your perspective. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I take 10 minutes to do a breathing exercise or meditation, and it makes a world of difference.

Meditation helps us slow down and tune into what’s really going on inside. It’s like pressing a reset button, allowing us to let go of stress and approach life with more calm and clarity.

Final Thoughts: Happiness is a Journey, Not a Destination

The takeaway from our discussion is simple: happiness isn’t something we find at the end of the road—it’s something we create along the way. Success and happiness aren’t mutually exclusive, but to truly enjoy the journey, we need to keep that inner fire burning. And with the tools we’ve shared—gratitude, positive thinking, mindfulness, and more—we believe you can cultivate a life that feels fulfilling, no matter what challenges or goals lie ahead.

What’s in your happiness toolbox? Let’s continue the conversation—share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep chasing success without losing the joy that makes it all worthwhile.

You can find full video here: