Defining True Success: Why Happiness Is the Ultimate Achievement

 “True success is a feeling of happiness and joy.” — Michelle Weimer

If you were going to define success for yourself — not by anyone else’s standards, but truly your own — what would that look like? It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that success means hitting certain milestones: a bigger bank account, a nicer home, a new title, the perfect body, the perfect partner… you know, the Instagram version of life. But behind every shiny picture and social media highlight reel is a deeper truth: success isn’t about how life looks — it’s about how life feels.

The Real Definition of Success
If you’ve ever received an email from me, you’ve probably noticed how I always sign off: “Happiness & Success.” That’s no coincidence. I truly believe the two go hand in hand. Because what’s the point of reaching every goal on your list if you don’t feel fulfilled once you get there? True success isn’t just about having more — it’s about feeling more. More peace. More purpose. More joy. Now, of course, the tangible achievements matter. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn more, grow your business, or improve your relationships. But those are simply the vehicles that take you toward what you really desire — happiness and joy.

Reconnect to Your “Why”
As this first month of the year wraps up, take a moment to look at the goals you’ve set. Ask yourself: Why do I want this? What do I hope it will make me feel? If that emotional connection isn’t clear, dig a little deeper. Maybe you want financial freedom so you can give more generously — and that generosity fills you with joy. Maybe you want to feel proud of your work because contributing to something meaningful brings happiness. Maybe you’re striving for stronger relationships because love, at its core, is what makes life rich. When you anchor your goals to emotion, you turn them into something far more powerful than a checklist — they become fuel for lasting motivation.

The Truth About Lasting Motivation
By late January, most people have already given up on their resolutions. But you’re not most people. When you attach your goals to the feelings of happiness and joy you want to experience, you’ll have the drive to keep going — even when life gets messy. You’ll recommit more easily, stay aligned with what truly matters, and move forward with purpose. Because when happiness leads the way, success naturally follows.

Your Call to Action:
This week, take 10 quiet minutes and revisit your goals for the year. For each one, write down how you want to feel when you achieve it — and why that feeling matters. Then keep that list visible. Let it remind you that true success isn’t about perfection — it’s about feeling fully alive in the process. And if you want ongoing guidance, accountability, and community as you pursue that happiness-driven success, I’d love to support you inside the Success Mastery Community — where clarity, growth, and joy come together to help you thrive.

Join the Success Mastery Community and start redefining success on your own terms.
Because this is your year — and now is your time.
To your Happiness & Success,
Michelle