By 
Life can sometimes feel like a winding path, full of false starts, detours, and dead ends. It’s easy to question whether you’re heading in the right direction, especially when progress can seem slow or even non-existent. But what if you were told that despite the doubts and uncertainties, you are actually on the right track?
Sometimes, the signs are subtle, easy to overlook or disregard.
Today, we’ll highlight nine signs that demonstrate you’re moving in the right direction, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Let’s dive in.
1) You’re embracing change
Life is a constant flux of change; it’s the only thing we can truly count on. If you’re rolling with these changes rather than resisting them, it shows that you’re growing and evolving as an individual.
With the changes we are seeing these days, this has never been more important. The World Economic Forum, for instance, ranked “Resilience, flexibility, and agility” as one of the most important skills for workers in its Future Of Jobs Report 2023.
This doesn’t mean that you have to enjoy every change or that they won’t cause stress – that’s a natural part of life, too. But if you’re finding that you can navigate these shifts with grace and resilience, take it as a sign that you’re aligning more closely with life’s natural rhythms and are indeed moving forward.
2) You are learning from past mistakes
Have you noticed a pattern of making fewer repeat mistakes?
This is another clear sign that you’re moving in the right direction. You’re not just going through life, but growing through it, taking lessons from your failures and using them as stepping stones to improve.
Let me share a personal example. A few years back, I was notorious for overcommitting myself – saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity and invitation that came my way. Needless to say, it led to burnout and a lot of unfulfilled promises. It was a mistake that cost me time, energy, and even some relationships.
But as I started to recognize the pattern, I made a conscious effort to change. I learned to evaluate opportunities and invitations, saying ‘no’ when necessary to maintain a healthy balance in my life. This shift didn’t happen overnight, but over time, I found myself making that mistake less frequently.
Find yourself in a similar situation where you’re learning and adapting from past errors instead of repeating them? Give yourself a pat on the back.
3) You have your finances under control
Okay, so I’m not saying that you’re rich or “financially free,” but if you’ve got a handle on your money, that’s a big deal.
Having your finances under control doesn’t mean you have piles of cash sitting around; it means you’re managing what you have wisely. You’ve got a budget, you’re saving regularly, and you’re not drowning in debt. This level of financial discipline is a strong sign that you’re heading in the right direction.
I remember when I first started taking my finances seriously. I wasn’t making a ton of money, but I began tracking my expenses, paying down debt, and setting aside a small amount each month for savings. It wasn’t glamorous, and there were times when I questioned whether it was worth it. But over time, those small, consistent efforts added up. My financial situation improved, and more importantly, so did my sense of control over my life.
If you’re in a place where you’re actively managing your finances—making sure your bills are paid on time, avoiding unnecessary debt, and building some savings—you’re doing better than you might think.
Money is not everything but it’s not nothing either. Financial stability is a foundation for so many other areas of life, from stress reduction to the freedom to pursue opportunities.
4) You are grateful for what you have
“Ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This sounds pretty soft but it’s actually a big one.
Gratitude is much more than a buzzword in the self-help world. It’s a transformative practice that can shift your perspective from lack to abundance, from discontent to satisfaction.
Research has also shown that it can lessen anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce stress. I think we can all get on board with these benefits.
5) You’re taking ownership of your life
What do I mean by this?
Well I mean you’re not just reacting to life, but actively shaping it. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal development, taking responsibility for your actions and their outcomes is a hallmark of progress.
For example, in my early career, I spent a lot of time blaming external circumstances for why things weren’t going my way. It was only when I started taking ownership—realizing that my choices, my habits, and my mindset were the biggest factors—that I began to see real change. I stopped waiting for life to happen and started making things happen.
If you’re recognizing that your life is a product of your decisions and you’re consciously making choices to steer it in the direction you want, it’s a strong indication that you’re on the right track. This sense of agency is empowering and is a clear sign that you’re moving forward, even if progress sometimes feels slow.
Taking ownership doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes, but it does mean you’ll learn from them and keep moving forward, stronger and more determined than before.
6) You have a plan, and you’re sticking to it
“When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” Seneca (Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 71)
Having a plan is one thing, but sticking to it? That’s where the magic happens.
You might not be exactly where you want to be yet, but the fact that you’ve mapped out a path and are following through on it is a huge indicator that you’re on the right track. This doesn’t mean your plan is flawless or that you won’t need to adjust along the way—life has a way of throwing curveballs. But having a direction and consistently working towards it is what separates those who get stuck from those who keep moving forward.
7) You are taking care of yourself physically
It’s so easy to let our physical health take a backseat, especially when life gets hectic. But if you’re making time to take care of your body, you’re doing something incredibly important for your overall well-being.
Taking care of your physical health isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and maintaining the energy and resilience to face life’s challenges.
Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep are foundational to both physical and mental health. Countless studies back this up. For example, as noted by the folks at Healthline, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mood, boost energy levels, and even enhance cognitive function.
Personally, I’ve noticed that when I’m consistent with my exercise routine, everything else in life seems to fall into place more easily. I’m more focused, more positive, and better equipped to handle whatever comes my way.
It’s not about being perfect—there are days when I miss a workout or indulge a little too much—but consistently making your health a priority is a powerful sign.
8) You are focusing on what you can control (instead of stressing over what you can’t)
Life throws all sorts of challenges our way—many of which are completely beyond our control. Worrying about these uncontrollable factors only drains your energy and distracts you from making real progress. When you choose to focus on the aspects of your life that you can influence, like your actions, your reactions, and your mindset, you’re setting yourself up for success.
As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus famously said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
This approach isn’t just about keeping calm in the face of adversity; it’s about being proactive and resourceful. This mindset not only reduces unnecessary stress but also empowers you to make meaningful progress in areas that truly matter.
The bottom line
Navigating life can be tricky, but these signs are a clear indication that you’re moving in the right direction – even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Remember, progress isn’t always linear or obvious, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
We’d love to hear from you. Are there other signs you’ve noticed in your own journey? How do you gauge if you’re heading in the right direction?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.