In a world driven by achievements, accolades, and the pursuit of material success, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that happiness and fulfillment are just one accomplishment away. Yet, despite reaching the heights of success, many find themselves unfulfilled, questioning the very definition of what it means to truly "make it." In this week's episode of my podcast, Wake UP With Joy Stone, and in this edition of The JOY BLOG, I dive deep into the spiritual lens of success, happiness, and fulfillment, exploring why these concepts often feel elusive and how understanding our true self can lead to lasting peace.

The Ego's Trap

We've all been there—chasing after the next big thing, convinced that once we achieve it, everything will fall into place. Whether it's landing the dream job, buying the perfect house, or earning the admiration of others, the ego mind tells us that happiness is always just around the corner. But as we look into the stories of people like Marilyn Monroe, Kurt Cobain, and Ernest Hemingway, we see a stark reality: success, no matter how grand, doesn't necessarily lead to happiness.

These iconic figures had everything the world tells us should make us happy—fame, wealth, and adoration. Yet, they struggled with deep loneliness, existential voids, and ultimately, despair. Their stories are a powerful reminder that the external achievements we so often chase are not the key to true fulfillment.

So, where do we find the fulfillment we seek? The answer lies not in the external world but within ourselves. From a spiritual perspective, there's nothing to attain because we are already whole. The essence of who we are—our true self, or Svarupa in yoga psychology—is not defined by our accomplishments or material possessions. They are a treasure you already possess within yourself that are independent of any life circumstance or event.

In this deeper spiritual reality, we come to understand that we are not our thoughts or the circumstances of our lives. We are something much greater. This realization is the beginning of spiritual awakening, where we move beyond the noise of the ego mind and connect with our true nature—our Sat-Chit-Ananda (truth, consciousness, and bliss).

Happiness Equals Success, Not the Other Way Around

Positive psychology, the scientific study of what makes life worth living, aligns with these spiritual teachings. It reveals a paradigm shift: happiness is more likely to precede success, rather than follow it. True success originates from a deep sense of fulfillment, which, in turn, stems from understanding who you truly are and embracing your destined path—much like an acorn seed naturally grows into an oak tree. It fulfills its nature, not by striving to earn love and adoration through attempting to mimic an apple tree.

So, what makes us happy? It's not the temporary highs of achieving goals, but rather the lasting contentment that comes from fulfillment. Our journey to fulfillment begins with a simple yet profound question: "Who am I?" This question invites us to look beyond our thoughts, our achievements, and our circumstances, and to connect with the essence of who we truly are. It's a journey that requires us to let go of defining ourselves by our ego-driven desires and to embrace the spiritual truth that we are already whole and complete.

Reflecting on my own life, I share in this week's podcast episode how I, too, fell deeply into the trap of seeking external validation - which only fueled my years long struggle with anxiety. From a young age, I believed that success, the apporval from others, and "fitting in" would bring me happiness. Yet, despite achieving many conventional markers of success—career advancement, financial security, and material possessions—I was left feeling empty. It wasn't until I began to explore my true self and question the stories my mind was telling me that I found the path to real fulfillment.

Embrace Your True Self 

In the end, the world cannot give us what we are ultimately seeking. True happiness and fulfillment come from within—from knowing and embodying who we truly are. I invite you to listen to this week's podcast episode 39 to go deeper and explore this spiritual journey with me. It's time to learn to turn inward to discover the peace, joy, and contentment that are your true nature.

By embracing this spiritual perspective, you'll find that happiness isn't something to be attained; it's something that you already possess. Success, then, becomes a natural byproduct of living in alignment with your true self.

🎧 If you'd like to learn more, listen to Episode 39 of my weekly podcast: Wake UP With Joy Stone where I dive much deeper into this topic. Listen Here.