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Success is a tricky thing to measure. Sure, there are the obvious markers like a high-paying job or a fancy car, but is that really all there is to it? I don’t think so.
According to psychology, there are certain accomplishments that indicate you’re more successful than you might give yourself credit for. These achievements aren’t always flashy, but they’re significant in their own way.
In this article, I’ll share with you 9 things that, if you’ve accomplished, mean you’re doing better than you think. Remember, success isn’t always about the big things; sometimes it’s the small victories that truly count.
1) You’ve mastered self-control
Ever found yourself reaching for that third cookie, despite knowing you don’t really need it? Or perhaps you’ve struggled to get up early in the morning for a workout, even though you promised yourself you would.
Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.
But here’s something interesting – psychology suggests that self-control is a key indicator of success. It’s not just about resisting temptation, but about setting goals and sticking to them, even when it’s tough.
If you can master self-control, you’re one step ahead of the game. It means you’ve developed the ability to make decisions that benefit you in the long-term, rather than just seeking immediate gratification.
So next time you resist that extra cookie or push yourself to get up for that early morning run, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re exhibiting a key trait of successful individuals.
2) You’ve learned to embrace failure
I’ll be honest here, failure used to terrify me. The thought of making a mistake or falling short of my own expectations was something I avoided like the plague.
But over time, I’ve come to realize that failure isn’t a setback; it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to learn, grow and become better at what you do.
I remember a time when I was trying to learn how to swim. Despite many attempts, I just couldn’t get the hang of it and it felt like I was constantly failing. But instead of giving up, I learned from every mistake and kept going – and eventually, I was swimming laps with ease.
So if you’ve experienced failure and used it as a stepping stone towards success, you’re doing better than you think. Embracing failure is a strong sign of resilience, a key trait in successful individuals.
3) You practice gratitude regularly
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”. It’s a mindset, a way of viewing the world. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge the good things in our lives and appreciate the positives rather than focusing on the negatives.
And here’s something to consider: a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found a strong correlation between gratitude and overall well-being. Participants who kept a gratitude journal reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who didn’t.
So, if you’ve incorporated gratitude into your daily routine, it’s a sign that you’re cultivating a positive mindset, another key characteristic of successful people.
4) You’ve nurtured strong relationships
No man is an island; we all need social connections to thrive. Relationships are an integral part of our lives, providing us with emotional support, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.
If you’ve managed to nurture strong relationships with friends, family, or colleagues, then you’re more successful than you might think. These relationships reflect your ability to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and maintain long-term commitments.
These are all essential traits for success in both personal and professional spheres. So take a moment to appreciate the relationships you’ve built – they’re a testament to your interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
5) You’ve learned to adapt to change
Change is a constant part of life. Whether it’s a new job, a move to a different city, or a significant shift in your personal life, being able to adapt to change is crucial.
If you’ve faced changes and handled them with grace, it’s a sign that you’re resilient and flexible – two traits that are highly regarded in the face of adversity.
Adapting to change also shows that you’re open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone. These are traits that indicate you’re not just surviving, but thriving in the ever-changing landscape of life.
6) You’ve given back to others
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about giving back. Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating to a cause you believe in, or simply helping a friend in need, these acts of kindness do more than just benefit the recipient.
Giving back is a reflection of your character. It shows that you’re not just focused on your own success, but that you’re also invested in lifting others up. You understand that true success isn’t just about personal gain, but about making a positive impact on the world around you.
So if you’ve spent time giving back to others, take a moment to appreciate what that says about you. You’re compassionate, generous, and understand the value of community – all hallmarks of a truly successful individual.
7) You’ve cultivated a healthy work-life balance
This one hits close to home. There was a time when I was working long hours, barely seeing my family or friends. My health was deteriorating and I constantly felt stressed and exhausted.
I soon realized that this wasn’t sustainable. So, I began to prioritize a healthier work-life balance. I started setting boundaries at work, investing in self-care activities, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance shows that you value not only your career, but also your personal life and well-being. It’s an accomplishment that signifies maturity, discipline, and the understanding that success isn’t solely about professional achievements but also about personal happiness and health.
8) You’ve pursued personal growth
Personal growth isn’t just about reaching milestones or achieving goals. It’s about continually striving to be a better version of yourself.
If you’ve dedicated time to self-improvement, whether it’s learning a new skill, practicing mindfulness, or seeking therapy to overcome personal challenges, you’re more successful than you might think.
This commitment to personal growth shows that you have a deep sense of self-awareness and a drive to improve. It’s an integral part of success that extends beyond material achievements, reflecting your dedication to evolving as an individual.
9) You’re content with who you are
At the end of the day, the most important measure of success is whether you’re content with who you are. If you can look at yourself in the mirror and feel proud of the person you’ve become, that’s a testament to your success.
Being content doesn’t mean settling for less or not striving for more. It means appreciating who you are, acknowledging your accomplishments, and having a sense of peace within yourself.
This kind of self-acceptance is a powerful trait. It’s a sign that you’re not just chasing after success as defined by society, but that you’ve created your own definition of success and achieved it.
Final thoughts: Success is personal
The interesting thing about success is that it’s deeply personal. While society often imposes its own benchmarks for success, it’s crucial to remember that your own journey is unique.
Psychology suggests that success isn’t just about wealth or status. It’s about personal growth, resilience, healthy relationships, and contentment with oneself. These are the traits that truly enrich our lives and provide a sense of fulfillment.
So if you’ve accomplished any or all of these 9 things, remember to give yourself credit. You’re more successful than you think. And even if you’re still working towards some of these, know that every step forward is a mark of progress.
Success isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself and finding happiness in your own terms. So keep moving forward, keep growing, and keep redefining success in your own terms.