At The Health Pulse, we believe success begins where your well-being thrives. The word “successful” doesn’t call to mind a billionaire in a boardroom or a celebrity on a red carpet. Instead, it paints the picture of someone quietly thriving. A person who has found harmony between their health, purpose, relationships, and peace of mind. 

In today’s world, success is often defined by external metrics like income, titles, followers, or possessions. But a growing body of research shows that true success and happiness are deeply intertwined with well-being, not wealth. 

According to a 2023 Gallup Global Emotions Report, people who report high levels of happiness and life satisfaction are not necessarily those earning the most, but those who experience strong social connections and good health.  

Similarly, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest-running study on happiness (spanning over 80 years), found that the quality of our relationships is the strongest predictor of long-term health and fulfilment, even more than career success or income. 

So, when we think of success, we imagine a person who lives by these principles, let’s call her Amara. 

Amara starts her mornings slowly. She makes time for a walk, a nutritious breakfast, and moments of gratitude. Her calendar is full but balanced with space for work that excites her, family dinners, self-care, and rest. She’s ambitious but not anxious. She defines productivity not by how many tasks she completes, but by how aligned she feels with her values at the end of the day. 

Amara (Not a real person)

Research supports this kind of rhythm. Studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight that physical inactivity contributes to over 5 million deaths per year globally, yet even moderate exercise such as 30-minute walk five days a week can reduce risks of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes by up to 30–40%. Success, then, starts with something as simple as movement. 

Amara also prioritizes emotional well-being. She practices digital boundaries, journaling, or mindfulness habits backed by neuroscience. Research published in JAMA Psychiatry (2022) found that mindfulness-based interventions can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression as effectively as medication for some individuals. 

And when it comes to relationships, she invests time in nurturing them. She listens deeply, forgives easily, and surrounds herself with people who uplift her. According to a 2021 American Psychological Association review, people with strong social ties have a 50% increased chance of survival over time compared to those with weaker connections. This shows that emotional health is physical health. 

So, in our eyes, success looks like Amara’s life, steady, fulfilling, and full of health. 

It’s not about perfection, but about presence. It’s not about having it all but about having what truly matters, peace of mind, a healthy body, meaningful work, and love that anchors you. 

Because when your life beats in rhythm with your well-being, that’s when you’ve truly found your pulse of success.  

References 

1. Gallup (2023). Global Emotions Report. 

2. Harvard Study of Adult Development (2023). What Makes a Good Life? 

3. World Health Organization (2024). Physical Activity Fact Sheet. 

4. JAMA Psychiatry (2022). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Escitalopram for Anxiety Disorders. 

5. American Psychological Association (2021). The Power of Social Connection.