8 signs you’re a successful but not entirely happy person, according to psychology

Success and happiness, two words often used interchangeably, but are they really the same thing?
According to psychology, not necessarily. You could be wildly successful, climbing the corporate ladder or making a mark in your field, but that doesn’t guarantee happiness.
In fact, sometimes success can mask a deep-seated dissatisfaction or unhappiness within ourselves. As an individual who has achieved a certain level of success, I’ve experienced this paradox firsthand.
This article will delve into the 8 signs that you might be successful but not entirely happy, shedding light on this psychological conundrum. It’s time to take a closer look at your life beyond the surface-level achievements.
1) You’re constantly chasing the next big thing
Success can often feel like a never-ending treadmill, always striving for the next milestone, the next big win. But what happens when those wins start to lose their lustre?
Psychology tells us that this is a common sign of an underlying unhappiness. It’s called the ‘hedonic treadmill’ – the idea that we quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes.
If you find that your achievements no longer bring you the same joy they once did, and you’re continually seeking bigger and better accomplishments to fill that void, it could be a sign of dissatisfaction.
Remember, success isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about finding joy and fulfilment in the journey, not just the destination.
2) You feel disconnected from your loved ones
Being successful often means working long hours and making personal sacrifices. I know this all too well.
There was a time in my life where I was so engrossed in my work, chasing one career milestone after the other, that I barely had any time for my family and friends. My relationships started to suffer as a result.
Despite the professional success I was enjoying, there was a gnawing feeling of loneliness and disconnection. It felt like I was living in a bubble, isolated from the very people who mattered most to me.
Psychology suggests that this is a common experience among successful individuals. We become so absorbed in our work that we unintentionally neglect our personal relationships, which can lead to feelings of unhappiness and isolation.
It’s important to remember that success is not just about professional accomplishments; it’s also about maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships. If you find yourself feeling disconnected from your loved ones, it might be time to reevaluate your priorities.
3) Lack of self-care
In the pursuit of success, we often put our health and well-being on the backburner. Skipping meals, skimping on sleep, and disregarding physical exercise can become the norm.
Interestingly, research shows that highly successful people are more likely to neglect their health. A study found that people who work more than 50 hours per week were more likely to have reduced physical and mental well-being.
If you’ve been neglecting your self-care routines, it’s not just your health that’s at risk – your happiness could be on the line too. Prioritizing self-care isn’t an act of indulgence, it’s a necessary part of maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Remember, true success includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re neglecting your health in your pursuit of success, it might be a sign you’re not as happy as you could be.
4) You’re often stressed or anxious
High levels of stress and anxiety are often the unwelcome companions of success. With greater responsibilities and higher stakes, it’s natural to feel the pressure. But when stress becomes a constant in your life, it’s a clear sign that something is amiss.
Psychology points out that chronic stress can lead to a host of health issues, from heart disease to mental health disorders. More importantly, it can be a major barrier to happiness.
If you’re constantly feeling stressed or anxious despite your professional success, it might be time to take a step back and assess the situation. Are you taking on too much? Do you need to delegate or prioritize better?
Being successful doesn’t have to mean living a life of constant stress. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your professional achievements.
5) You feel like you’re wearing a mask
It’s one thing to put on a brave face during a tough meeting or when facing a challenge, but it’s another to feel like you’re constantly wearing a mask.
Psychology talks about the concept of ‘imposter syndrome’, where despite external evidence of their competence, individuals believe they are frauds and do not deserve the success they have achieved. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness.
If you often catch yourself feeling like you’re pretending or playing a role, it might be a sign that your success isn’t bringing you the fulfilment you crave.
Remember, it’s okay to be vulnerable and to acknowledge your feelings. True happiness comes from being authentic and accepting ourselves as we are, successes and flaws included.
6) You struggle to find contentment
In my own journey, I have found that success can sometimes feel like a moving target. Just when I think I’ve reached it, I set new goals, new benchmarks, and the finish line seems to move farther away. This constant chase can lead to an inability to feel content with what I have achieved.
Contentment is not about settling or giving up on growth. It’s about appreciating what you have while still striving for more. It’s a delicate balance, but one that is crucial for happiness.
Psychology suggests that this struggle to find contentment is common among successful individuals. If you’re finding it hard to celebrate your achievements and be at peace with where you are, it might be a sign that you’re not entirely happy.
It’s important to take moments to pause, reflect and appreciate how far you’ve come. Your journey towards success is just as important as the destination itself.
7) Your self-worth is tied to your success
A key indicator of unhappiness, despite professional success, is when your self-worth becomes solely tied to your achievements. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that your value as a person depends on your professional accomplishments.
Psychology, however, tells us that self-worth should be independent of external validation. It is about recognizing your inherent value as an individual, separate from what you do or achieve.
If you find yourself feeling less valuable when you’re not achieving or when you face failure, it could be a sign that you’re not entirely happy. Remember, your worth is not defined by your success alone. You are more than your achievements.
8) You neglect your passions
One of the most telling signs that success hasn’t brought you happiness is when you no longer make time for the things you’re passionate about. When professional achievements take precedence over personal passions, it can lead to a feeling of emptiness.
Psychology emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment. These are often unrelated to our work or mainstream successes but are crucial for our overall happiness.
Remember, true happiness comes from living a balanced life. If you’re sacrificing your passions for success, it might be time to reevaluate. Your passions are a vital part of who you are and what makes you truly happy.