8 signs you’re actually thriving in life, even if you don’t feel successful yet

Success is a tricky thing, isn’t it? We often measure it by the car we drive or the house we live in. But those are just material things, and they don’t necessarily mean we’re thriving.

Thriving means feeling satisfied, fulfilled and confident in your overall life journey. And guess what? You might be thriving more than you think, even if you don’t feel “successful.”

Here’s the thing: there are subtle signs that indicate we’re doing better than we give ourselves credit for. And the beauty is, they’re not always tied to financial or career achievements.

So, let’s dive into these 8 signs that show you’re actually thriving in life, even if you don’t feel successful yet. Buckle up, because you might be surprised at what you discover about yourself.

1) You’re learning and growing

Personal growth is a clear sign of thriving, don’t you think? It’s not always about the corner office or the swanky car. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

Consider this: you’re constantly pushing your boundaries, learning new things, and stepping out of your comfort zone. That’s a sign that you’re doing better than you think.

Here’s the beauty of it: it doesn’t have to be something big. Maybe you’ve taken up a new hobby, started a side hustle, or even just read a self-improvement book.

These are all signs that you’re progressing in life. You’re not stagnant; you’re evolving. And yes, that means you’re thriving – even if it doesn’t feel like “success” in the traditional sense.

So take a moment to appreciate your personal growth. It’s proof that you’re moving forward in life, and that’s something to be proud of.

2) You value the small things

It’s funny how the little things in life often mean the most. On the surface, they may not seem like indicators of success or thriving, but they truly are.

Take me for example. I’ve started to appreciate simple moments like drinking a cup of coffee in the morning while watching the sunrise, or spending quality time with my family during dinner. These moments used to pass me by in my rush to chase “success”.

But now, I realize they’re golden. They’re moments of peace, joy, and connection. They’re reminders that life isn’t just about chasing big dreams and accomplishments – it’s also about cherishing the journey and the simple pleasures along the way.

So if you find yourself finding joy in the small things in life, you’re likely doing better than you think. This appreciation shows that you’re living in the moment and truly experiencing life – a clear sign of thriving.

3) You’re not afraid to ask for help

You know, it’s a common misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But in reality, it’s quite the opposite.

Asking for assistance actually demonstrates strength and maturity. It shows that you understand your limitations and aren’t too proud to seek advice or guidance.

When you’re comfortable enough to admit that you don’t have all the answers and can use a little support, it’s a sign that you’re comfortable in your own skin. You understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses – and that’s perfectly okay.

This willingness to seek help not only aids personal growth but also fosters stronger relationships, as it often involves trusting others and showing vulnerability. So if you’re open to asking for help when needed, take it as a positive sign – you’re thriving more than you think.

4) You embrace impermanence

Impermanence is a fundamental principle in Buddhism. It’s the understanding that everything changes and nothing is permanent. This might sound a bit daunting but, in fact, it’s a very freeing concept.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into how embracing impermanence can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life.

When we accept the transient nature of life, we tend to let go of our attachment to outcomes. We become less focused on the “what ifs” and more present in the “right nows”.

This acceptance leads us to value and enjoy our experiences more fully, knowing they won’t last forever. We become more adaptable, resilient and open to change.

So if you’re someone who goes with the flow, adapts easily to change and doesn’t hold on too tightly to things or outcomes, it’s a strong sign that you’re thriving in life. Embracing impermanence is not just about dealing with loss or change, it’s about truly living life in the moment and appreciating it for what it is – a constant journey of change and growth.

5) You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable

I used to dread discomfort. I’d do anything to stay in my safe, familiar cocoon. But then I realized that all the growth I craved was outside of that comfort zone.

Embracing discomfort has changed my life. It’s when I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone that I started a new business, traveled solo, and learned new skills. And guess what? All these actions have made me feel more alive and fulfilled than ever.

So if you find yourself voluntarily stepping into situations that scare you or make you uncomfortable, congratulate yourself. You’re not just surviving – you’re thriving.

Remember, it’s in these moments of discomfort that we stretch our boundaries, learn about ourselves, and grow. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

6) You’re okay with saying ‘no’

This might sound a little odd, but hear me out. We live in a culture that encourages us to say ‘yes’ to everything. To every opportunity, every social event, every request. But there’s power in saying ‘no’.

Saying ‘no’ means you value your time and energy. It means you have clear boundaries and you’re not afraid to enforce them. It shows that you understand the importance of balancing your commitments and not over-extending yourself.

If you’re comfortable with turning down requests or opportunities that don’t serve you, it’s a sign that you have a healthy respect for your own well-being and time. This self-respect and ability to prioritize your needs is a clear indicator that you’re thriving in your life.

So next time you feel guilty for saying ‘no’, remember this: it’s not a sign of weakness or failure, but a testament to your strength and self-awareness.

7) You celebrate others’ successes

We’ve all been there – a friend lands a dream job, a relative buys a new house, a colleague gets a promotion. It’s natural to feel a twinge of envy. But here’s the thing – if you find yourself genuinely happy for them, it’s a sign that you’re thriving.

Being able to celebrate others’ successes shows that you’re secure in your own journey. It shows that you understand everyone’s path is different, and someone else’s success doesn’t diminish your own.

So next time you feel joy at someone else’s good news, give yourself a mental high five. This ability to be happy for others is a clear sign of emotional maturity and personal growth – key indicators that you’re doing better than you might think.

8) You’re kind to yourself

At the end of the day, the most important sign that you’re thriving, even if you don’t feel successful yet, is that you’re kind to yourself.

You understand that mistakes are part of life and don’t beat yourself up over them. Instead, you use them as learning opportunities. You don’t compare your journey to others and you give yourself the love and respect you deserve.

Self-compassion is a crucial part of thriving in life. It’s about acknowledging your worth and treating yourself with kindness, no matter what. So if you’re able to show yourself love and kindness, even when things don’t go as planned, know that you’re on the right track. You’re thriving.

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

Success, just like happiness, is subjective. It’s not always about the external achievements or the applause from the crowd. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet moments of growth, the small victories, and the journey of self-discovery.

As we’ve explored in this article, thriving in life is about more than just outward signs of success. It’s about personal growth, appreciating the simple things in life, embracing change, and being kind to yourself.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I dive deeper into these concepts and how they can radically transform your life perspective.

But remember this: you are on your own unique path. You may not feel successful yet, but that doesn’t mean you’re not thriving.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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