Happiness/Independence

The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.
-Mark Twain

Although placing sentimental value on something or someone can be emotionally useful, the attachment can become risky. If the object of interest changes, the result can be devastating in many ways. In order to be truly happy, one has to find such happiness from within. This ensures that no matter what happens around them, that happiness will always return. In other words, one should have good self-esteem to be happy. Without a definite "you," actions feel meaningless.

This is not the same as complete detachment from the world around you. Not defining yourself in terms of other things is not the same as ignoring the outside world.

Defining Success

Some people judge themselves on how much money they make, or how many home runs they hit. If you're a human of superhuman ability, this is usually not a problem. But the fact is, most of us are not superhuman. It is impossible for everyone to be above average.

Each individual must decide what success looks like to them and then take steps towards that goal, finding compassion for oneself in every step. Everyone measures success differently, and it is unfair to hold oneself to society's standard of success as it's not realistic for everyone to reach.