My views differ somewhat from yours. First, you are right that happiness arises from success in achieving one’s personal values, that is, values which may be peculiar to one person but need not apply to others.

I would add that happiness also requires the achievement of philosophical values, that is, values that apply to everyone, everywhere, at all times: reason, purpose, and self-esteem. Of course, in a sense, one can make those philosophical values into personal values by adopting them.

Second, happiness is not an emotion, though it is akin to an emotion in that it is a response to an evaluation. Rather, happiness is a “state of consciousness,” as Ayn Rand phrases it. It is a long-term phenomenon, not a mere traffic signal as are emotions. (See “Happiness,” The Ayn Rand Lexicon, 4th entry.) This means it is enduring even if there are short-term failures. A happy man does not cease to be happy just because he gets laid off. Likewise an unhappy man does not become happy just because he gets a dream job.

Happiness/unhappiness are indicators of long term success or failure. Emotions are indicators of short-term conditions: fear, joy, revulsion, and so forth. Emotions are exhausting and cannot be sustained; happiness is not.

Third, satisfaction is the second prize to aim for if happiness is not possible (due to circumstances beyond one’s control). Mary Ann and Charles Sures, Facets of Ayn Rand, pp. 74-76, note that Ayn Rand made this distinction clear. I recommend that discussion.

You have designed an exciting life for yourself. I wish you well.

Describing happiness as a consequence or result is a popular myth. In fact, success does NOT lead to happiness. Rather, happiness leads to success. Happiness is “the way,” just as love and peace are means rather than end results. Google it a bit, then Google your statements. Thanks for your great intentions, however.