9 signs you’re successful in life, even if your path looks different to others

Success is a relative term and it’s not always about driving a flashy car or living in a mansion. In fact, success can manifest in many different ways, and it’s entirely possible that you’re more successful than you think.

Success can be about pursuing your passions, maintaining strong relationships, or simply finding happiness in the everyday. It’s not always about the material things, and your path might look completely different to others.

Here are 9 signs that you’re successful in life, even if your path doesn’t quite match up with societal expectations.

Let’s dive into these indicators which might mean you’re actually doing pretty well.

1) You’re content with what you have

Contentment is often overlooked as a sign of success.

Many people equate success with the constant pursuit of more – more money, more possessions, more accolades.

But if you’re constantly chasing after more, you’re missing out on the joy of appreciating what you already have.

If you find yourself feeling satisfied and happy with your life as it is, that’s a pretty good indication that you’re successful.

It means you’ve reached a place of inner peace and fulfillment – and isn’t that what we’re all striving for at the end of the day?

Success is not just about accumulating things or reaching certain milestones. It’s also about finding happiness and satisfaction in your own unique journey.

If you’re content with what you have, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing better than you think.

2) You’re not afraid to take the road less traveled

I remember when I graduated from college, there was this set path that everyone seemed to be following. Get a job, climb the corporate ladder, buy a house, start a family – rinse and repeat. But that path never really appealed to me.

Instead, I decided to take a year off and travel. I worked odd jobs here and there to fund my adventures and learned more about myself and the world around me than any corporate job could’ve offered.

Sure, it was scary and uncertain, but it was also incredibly freeing and enriching. And looking back, I can say without a doubt that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

The point is, success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path.

If you’re brave enough to forge your own path and pursue your passions, even if they don’t conform to societal expectations, that’s a clear sign of success.

3) You’re resilient in the face of adversity

One of the key characteristics of successful people is their ability to bounce back from failure. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, was rejected by 12 different publishers before she finally got a deal. Today, she’s one of the best-selling authors in the world.

Resilience doesn’t mean you won’t experience failure or hardship. Quite the opposite, actually. It means that when you do encounter obstacles, you’re able to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.

If you find that you’re able to bounce back from setbacks and keep going, despite the challenges that life throws at you, that’s a clear indicator of success.

4) You’re always learning and growing

Success isn’t just about reaching a final destination. It’s about the journey and how much you grow along the way.

Whether it’s picking up a new skill, expanding your knowledge on a particular topic, or simply becoming more self-aware, the pursuit of personal growth is a clear sign of success.

So if you find yourself constantly seeking out new experiences, eager to learn, and open to change, you’re on the right track.

This ongoing commitment to personal development is a trait shared by many successful people.

5) You have close, meaningful relationships

Success isn’t just about what you accomplish on your own. It’s also about the connections you make along the way.

Having close, meaningful relationships is a sign of success in life. These relationships can be with family, friends, or romantic partners. They provide support, enrich our lives, and give us a sense of belonging.

If you have people in your life who care about you, who you can turn to in times of need, and who make your life better just by being in it, then you’re successful.

These relationships are the true measure of wealth in life.

6) You make a positive impact on others

The true measure of success isn’t just about what you gain, but what you give.

If you’ve ever helped someone in need, offered a shoulder for someone to cry on, or simply lent an ear when someone needed to talk, then you’ve made a positive impact. And that, in itself, is a huge success.

It’s the kind words, the small acts of kindness, the moments where you put others before yourself – these are the things that truly matter.

If you’ve touched the lives of others in a positive way, know that you’ve achieved something truly special. You’ve made a difference and that’s something to be proud of.

7) You know how to balance work and play

There was a time when I was so focused on my career that I barely had time for anything else. I was constantly working, always chasing the next big thing. But then, one day, I realized that life is not just about work.

Now, I make sure to carve out time for things that bring me joy – whether it’s going for a run in the park, spending time with my family, or just curling up with a good book.

If you’ve managed to strike a balance between your professional and personal life, that’s a clear sign of success.

It shows that you value your well-being and understand the importance of taking time for yourself.

8) You can adapt to change

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Success often comes not from avoiding change, but from being able to adapt and grow with it.

Whether it’s a career change, a move to a new city, or a shift in personal relationships, being able to navigate and embrace these changes is a clear sign of success.

So if you’re someone who can roll with the punches and come out stronger on the other side, then you’re definitely successful. Your ability to adapt is a testament to your strength and resilience.

9) You’re living a life true to yourself

At the end of the day, the most significant sign of success is living a life that’s true to who you are. It’s about following your own path, not a path dictated by society or other people’s expectations.

If you’re pursuing your passions, staying true to your values, and living a life that feels authentically you, then you’re successful.

Success is deeply personal and unique to each individual. Only you can define what success looks like for you.

Final reflections: Success is personal

The beauty of success is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s as diverse and individual as we are. What might be a sign of success for one person might not hold the same value for another.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.”

Whether it’s making a positive impact on someone else, finding contentment in solitude, or simply being able to balance work and play – these are all signs of success.

So, as you reflect on your own journey, remember to celebrate your small victories. Realize that your path to success doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

You are unique. Your journey is unique. And your definition of success should be unique too.

So, keep forging your own path, keep evolving, and most importantly, keep being true to yourself. That, in itself, is the true measure of success.

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.

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.

9 signs you’re filling a void in your life with shallow relationships

If a man displays these 14 traits, people will naturally respect him