Re: whats your definition of success?
I personally think that Buddha was incredibly motivated, he was motivated to do good, you do need tremendous amount of motivation to exercise and have incredible self control, I agree with you that success does not create happiness, the term I use is if you would like to survive or thrive. Now for balance, we decide to go balance route with our 12 yr old, we put him in several activities, his best friend and sort of pseudo brother Ben’s parents went the opposite way and put him in Taekwondo, this kid was a black belt at 10 and travels all over North America for competition, when he comes for sleep over he brings his own designated breakfast, he is very happy, now he is starting to learn other sports and activities, same story with my older sons friend Ethan, just got drafted in the NHL junior league hockey, watch out for him, he could be the first Brown Ice Hockey Star, parents are aiming for Bollywood also, he’s better looking than all Bollywood stars.
Buddha was not motivated to do good until very late in life. He was looking for peace and Nirvana. He only realized what happiness was when he reached enlightenment. Only after that did he and his followers started doing any kind of good.