By Juhi Bansal

I have spent majority of my adult life thinking success is raising the bar constantly. Set a goal, achieve, and work towards getting on to the next rung on the ladder. Not only at work but also in personal life be it working out, reading books, trying new things or travelling to newer places. It just makes so much sense to “not rest on your laurels”. You’re guilty of it too. I know you are because each one of us is a hustler at heart. We are always striving to do “better” in life. A few years ago, two things happened. I turned 30 and I started CB. Now, I don’t know which one of these is to blame but somehow the mad ambition to achieve more and more has been replaced with stopping every now and then to take in the moment. Also, I think it’s totally Iy’s philosophy. Whenever I say “hurry up”, she follows it up with “why”. When I say we don’t have the time, she counters with “why not”. And it makes sense, doesn’t it? Why are we always scrambling for time, working towards getting more and more done? Does it ever stop?

A few days ago I came across this wonderful tweet by American psychologist, Adam Grant: “After reaching a goal, raising the bar often increases motivation but decreases happiness. To enjoy your success, imagine how your past self would see your current achievements. If you knew 5 years ago what you’d accomplish now, how proud would you have been?”

And it makes so much sense! I have a workaholic for a husband and he is never ok with where he is. He always feels he could have done better. And although I tend to agree with him, I am much happier on days I know I have everything I needed 5 years ago. 5 years ago I didn’t even have an inkling I’ll end up doing all that I’ve managed to do. I am sure it’s true for you as well.

So today, do this for me- thank God or nature or just yourself if you don’t believe in these two for whatever you’ve managed to achieve so far. Give yourself a pat on the back. Close your eyes and smile at your accomplishments- however insignificant you might think they are. Tell yourself it’s completely fine if you’ve not done more push ups than last week. Success may not be a choice but happiness definitely is!