Success is a tricky thing to measure.
We often equate it with money, power, and prestige.
But what if I told you that according to psychology, there’s more to it?
You see, by the age of 30, you might have achieved a few things that, while they may not be grand on the surface, are actually significant indicators of success.
In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 such achievements.
These are subtle signs that show you’re more successful than you think, even if your bank account or job title suggests otherwise.
1) You’re content with what you have
Success isn’t always about having the fastest car or the biggest house.
In fact, according to psychology, being content with what you have is a significant indicator of success.
Contentment doesn’t mean you’ve given up on your aspirations or settled for less. It’s about appreciating what you’ve already achieved and recognizing the value in it.
In your 30s, if you’re able to look around at your life – your relationships, your experiences, your growth – and feel a sense of satisfaction, that’s success.
It shows that you’re not constantly chasing after the next big thing, but instead, you’re living in the present and enjoying what you have.
This sense of contentment also aligns with the principles of mindfulness and acceptance, key concepts in eastern philosophy.
It’s about being present and appreciating the journey, not just the destination.
2) You’ve learned to say no
In my early 20s, I was a chronic people-pleaser.
I always agreed to do things that I didn’t really want to do, just to keep others happy. But by the time I hit 30, I realized something important: it’s okay to say no.
Learning to say no is a huge sign of success. It means you value your time and energy and you’re not willing to let others dictate how you should spend them.
I remember the first time I said no to a social gathering I wasn’t interested in. It felt weird, almost wrong. But it also felt liberating.
For once, I was prioritizing my needs over other’s expectations.
So if you’ve managed to master the art of saying no by your 30s, pat yourself on the back.
It means you’ve grown into a person who respects their own boundaries and values their own time.
3) You have a strong network of relationships
Did you know that human beings are inherently social creatures?
We thrive on connection and companionship. According to psychology, one of the key indicators of success is the strength of your relationships.
By the time you’re in your 30s, if you’ve managed to cultivate a network of strong, dependable relationships – be it with friends, family, or colleagues – you’re doing better than you think.
These relationships serve as your support system, your sounding board, and your cheerleaders. They enrich your life in ways that material possessions can’t.
Plus, they contribute to your emotional well-being and resilience in a significant way.
So if you’ve got a group of people in your life who you can rely on and trust, that’s a big tick in the success box.
4) You’re not scared of failure
Fear of failure can be crippling. It holds us back from taking risks and chasing our dreams.
But if you’ve reached your 30s and have embraced the fact that failure is just a part of the journey to success, then you’re on the right track.
It’s not about celebrating failure, but understanding its value. Each failure is a lesson learned, a stepping stone towards your goals.
If you’ve adopted this mindset, it shows that you’ve grown from experiences and come out stronger.
You’ve discarded the fear that once held you back, making way for courage and resilience.
5) You prioritize your well-being
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget about our own well-being.
But if by your 30s, you’ve learned to prioritize self-care and wellness, you’re definitely on the right path to success.
Whether it’s hitting the gym, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking time off to recharge, valuing your physical and mental health is a significant sign of success.
It means you understand that to be truly successful, you need to be at your best – not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
It shows that you’ve learned the importance of balance and are willing to invest in yourself.
6) You’ve learned to forgive
Holding onto anger and resentment can weigh heavy on your heart.
It’s like carrying around a bag of bricks, adding unnecessary weight to your journey.
If by your 30s, you’ve learned the art of forgiveness, you’ve achieved a level of emotional maturity that many strive for.
Forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing someone’s actions. It’s about releasing the burden of anger and letting go of the past. It’s about choosing your peace over your pride.
It shows a depth of character and a strength of spirit. It’s a testament to your resilience and your capacity for empathy.
7) You’ve learned to love yourself
There was a time when I would look in the mirror and only see flaws.
My focus was always on what I lacked or what I could improve. It was a constant battle with myself.
But over time, I’ve learned to love myself, flaws and all. It’s not about being narcissistic or self-absorbed. It’s about accepting who you are, appreciating your strengths, and embracing your imperfections.
Learning to love yourself is a major milestone. It means you’ve stopped comparing yourself to others and started appreciating your unique qualities.
It means you’ve stopped chasing the idea of perfection and started embracing your authentic self.
So if you’ve reached a point where you can look in the mirror and genuinely love the person staring back at you, celebrate it. You’re more successful than you realize.
8) You’re financially responsible
Financial responsibility is a significant sign of success that’s often overlooked.
It’s not about how much money you make, but how well you manage it.
If by your 30s, you’ve learned to live within your means, save for the future, and make wise financial decisions, then you’re more successful than you think.
It shows that you’ve understood the value of money and the importance of planning for the future.
You’ve learned to strike a balance between enjoying the present and preparing for what lies ahead.
9) You’re living a life true to yourself
The most important measure of success is whether you’re living a life true to yourself.
It’s about being authentic, pursuing your passions, and staying true to your values and beliefs.
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter what car you drive or how big your house is. What matters is whether you’re happy with the life you’re living.
Remember, success is subjective. It’s not about ticking off a checklist but about living a life that feels right for you.
It’s all about perspective
The perception of success is deeply personal and varies from person to person.
It’s not just about accumulating wealth or achieving a high social status; it’s about personal growth, acquiring wisdom, and fostering meaningful relationships.
By your 30s, if you’ve managed to touch lives positively, learned to love yourself, and are living true to your values, you’re more successful than you might think.
Success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself and living a life that brings you contentment and satisfaction.
So take a moment, reflect on your journey so far and the achievements you’ve made.
You might just find that you’re more successful than you’ve given yourself credit for.
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