Lea Michele thinks being happy is her "greatest success".

The brunette beauty - who plays Rachel Berry in FOX's musical TV series - told The Huffington Post: "I really think that in this business it's so funny because you achieve different levels of success and you always think, 'Well maybe I just need to get that next award or that next job.'

"You always think that when you get to the next level you'll be the happiest, but for me success is really about being happy and proud of myself and the work that I do. That to me is the greatest success."

Lea - who made the transition from actress to recording artist by releasing her first studio album 'Louder' in March this year - also puts her success in the industry down to her unique personality and refusal to fit into a "mould".

She said: "If I've learned anything over the past five or so years of moving to Los Angeles and getting [cast in "Glee"] is that being yourself is the most important thing.

"I always thought that I needed to fit into a mould and be a certain type of person in order to become successful or to make it in this world, but it was really just being me that introduced me to the people that have opened so many doors for my life and for my career."