Often people strive to acquire the number one position. However, once they become number one and feel that hey have achieved everything, it marks the beginning of the rather strange life. Their mind gets totally occupied with retaining the number one position. They become cautious of the people just behind them and put extra effort in maintaining image.

The person at a number one position sleeps less, eats less and his peace of mind disappears. Blood pressure, sugar, anxiety, restlessness and palpitation, suddenly become a part of this rich man’s world. In addition, he is left with no inspiration and no one to look up to and achieve a different, much higher target. Not merely he, his entire family bears the brunt of him being at number one position. A self-acquired responsibility dominates his mind almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks in a year.

On the other hand, imagine the condition of the person who is at number two position. Apart from a little pain of not being at number one position, he is much relaxed and happier. He knows that he can get away with few things as there is a senior above him to take responsibility. He has a well nourished ambition to become number one and he works hard for it. He has a strong credibility attached, as people around him know that still has to reach top and will not spoil his position or reputation. He enjoys an easy life with family and friends. All he needs is to concentrate on his present job, work hard, be honest and dedicated and things would automatically fall in his way. If you have played the game of chess, you would understand the value of ‘Vazir’ who is considered number two in the game but is sometimes even more important than the number one, the kind. Once the ‘Vazir’ is killed, half of the game is won by the opponent. The ranks are in the same order. At times, the number two play a far more important and stronger role in an organisation, than the number one. The dependency of number one on number two makes the later the ‘Vazir’ of the organization without which the ‘King’ is incomplete and fears losing a battle.

This does not imply that one should not strive to become number one. This article is for those who are aiming at becoming number one but they are somehow are not able to achieve the position. Do not worry. There is a famous ad line ‘We are at number two we work hard’. Your efforts are duly recognized by everyone and especially those who fear that someday you would become number one, so be happy.

Some important tips to achieve happiness.

Stop Comparisons:
Social comparisons is a natural part of human behaviour. and it can be a healthy source of both motivation and affirmation. But taken to the extreme, social comparison can become and unhealthy, unhappy competition. Try not to compare your successes to others. It can be especially harmful if you are making material comparisons.

Share your skills:
Giving back to the community and helping others is linked to greater levels of happiness. Volunteering in your community can provide a valuabel social interacation, increase your sense of purpose, and make you happier.

Money and happiness:
Winning a million dollars? You couldn’t resist, could you? Winning a million bucks willl make you instantly wealthy, that’s for sure. But happy? Not so much. Because money won’t buy you bliss.

Take note of what’s good in your life:
Literally. Studies show that people who spend a few minutes every evening writing down what went well each day show a significant increase in well-being.

Give gratitude:
Write a letter of thanks to someone who has been particularly good to your or has had a profound impact on your life. Once the letteris written, deliver it personally to the recipient. If your gratitude letter has a long distance to travel, call the recipient to make sure it was received and tell the person on the phone how much you appreciate his or her presence in your life.

Happiness and the meaningful life:
Spend more time doing what you love. There is no mysterious, magical formula that you have to follow exactly in order to achieve happiness. Happiness is a personal, individual journey of self-discovery. What makes you happy is not necessarily the same as what makes your friend, your partner. or your son or daughter happy.