Everybody wants a happy life. But sometimes people, in order to achieve a happy and successful life, rely entirely on external means like money and power.
I think this is a mistake. Ultimately, the source of happiness and joyfulness is within ourselves. And once our mind is more calm and joyful, then our activities can be more effective. ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama
A Buddhist's Journey 
He is so wise.
If you’re interested:
http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2011/01/01/backwards-living/
Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: They try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse: You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.
~ Margaret Young