If a man displays these 9 behaviors, he’s compensating for a lack of success in life

There’s a noticeable difference between a man who is truly successful and one who merely puts up a facade.

The difference is all about authenticity. A man who feigns success tends to overcompensate in different ways, hiding his true circumstances.

On the flip side, a genuinely successful man simply lives his life, without feeling the need to exaggerate or show off.

Spotting these behaviors can help you identify those who are trying to appear more successful than they truly are. And I believe, we should know what these signs are.

So let’s dive into it – here are the 9 behaviors that a man might display if he’s compensating for a lack of success in life.

1) Excessive bragging

It’s a common trait among men who are overcompensating for a lack of success – they can’t stop talking about their achievements.

And it doesn’t just stop at business or career successes. It could be anything from their latest car purchase, holiday trips to exotic locations, or even their fitness regime.

Welcome to the world of excessive bragging.

Bragging, in itself, isn’t unusual. We all like to share our achievements and successes with those around us. But when it becomes a constant aspect of someone’s conversations, it might be hiding something else.

You see, truly successful people understand that their actions speak louder than words. They don’t feel the need to continually talk about their successes because they are content with their achievements and don’t need others’ validation.

So when you encounter a man who is always talking about his latest triumphs, consider that he might be compensating for a lack of success in his life.

But remember: It’s not about being judgmental. It’s about understanding human behavior. And sometimes, what someone is trying to show isn’t necessarily what’s really going on in their life.

2) Flashy displays of wealth

We’ve all encountered those men who seem to have an incessant need to showcase their wealth.

From designer clothes to luxury cars, they make sure everyone around them is aware of their extravagant lifestyle.

Let me share a personal example. I once knew a guy, let’s call him John. John was always the first to pick up the tab at the bar, always wore designer labels, and drove the latest model of a high-end sports car.

It was impressive at first, but over time it became apparent that these flashy displays of wealth were a mask. John was struggling with his startup business and was deep in debt. The luxury car and the expensive nights out were all funded by credit cards and loans.

The truth is, truly successful people don’t feel the need to constantly display their wealth. They’re secure in their accomplishments and don’t need material possessions to validate their success.

So if you come across a man who seems obsessed with showing off his wealth, he might be compensating for a lack of genuine success in his life. Remember, real success isn’t about what you show to the world, it’s about what you’ve truly achieved and how content you are with it.

3) He’s always the center of attention

We all enjoy a moment in the spotlight, but for some men, this need can become a consistent pattern.

These are the men who dominate conversations, always have a story to top yours, and seem to be in a constant battle for attention.

In social psychology, this behavior is often linked to a concept known as “narcissistic supply.” Narcissistic supply refers to the attention, admiration, and even fear that narcissists seek from others.

Narcissists depend on this supply for their self-esteem and self-worth. Without it, they feel empty and worthless. This is why they constantly strive to be the center of attention.

In many cases, this behavior is a cover-up for their lack of success. They divert attention from their failures by creating a larger-than-life persona that demands attention and admiration from others.

So if you encounter a man who always needs to be in the spotlight, he might be compensating for his lack of success. Remember, true success doesn’t require constant validation from others. It’s about personal fulfillment and contentment with one’s achievements.

4) He can’t handle criticism

Criticism, when constructive, is a tool for growth. It helps us identify our weak points and work on them to improve ourselves.

However, some men struggle with accepting any form of criticism. They see it as a personal attack on their abilities or achievements.

This can often be a sign of an insecure man who’s overcompensating for his lack of success. He might have a fragile ego that he tries to protect by rejecting any form of criticism and seeing it as a threat.

In reality, successful individuals understand the value of constructive criticism. They embrace it as an opportunity for self-improvement and personal growth.

If you notice a man who reacts harshly to even the slightest criticism, he might be compensating for his shortcomings. Remember, it’s not about belittling his reaction but understanding that his behavior might stem from insecurities and a lack of genuine success.

5) He belittles others’ achievements

We all come across people who seem to downplay or dismiss others’ accomplishments. They might make snide remarks, laugh it off, or even try to one-up the achievement with their own stories.

This behavior is often a sign of a man compensating for a lack of success in his life. By belittling others, he tries to make himself feel superior and successful.

True success, however, is about celebrating not just your own achievements, but also those of others. Successful people understand that others’ accomplishments don’t diminish their own. Instead, they find inspiration and motivation in them.

So, if you encounter a man who consistently downplays others’ achievements, he might be masking his own shortcomings. Remember, real success lies in the ability to appreciate and celebrate the success of others as well as your own.

6) He’s never satisfied

Contentment is a key ingredient to genuine success. But for some men, no achievement, no matter how great, seems to be enough.

They’re always striving for more, never taking the time to appreciate and enjoy their present accomplishments. They’re in a constant race, competing against an invisible opponent.

This constant chase can sometimes be a sign of a man compensating for a lack of success. It’s as if they’re trying to fill a void within themselves that they believe can only be filled by achieving more and more.

However, what they often fail to realize is that true success comes from inner peace and satisfaction. It’s about being proud of your journey, your growth, and your achievements – no matter how big or small.

So if you see a man who seems perpetually dissatisfied with his accomplishments, he might be compensating for a lack of genuine success in his life. Remember, success isn’t merely about achieving more; it’s about finding contentment in what you have while striving for growth.

7) He avoids taking risks

Taking risks can be scary. I’ve been there, standing on the edge of a decision that could either lead to great success or a crushing failure. It’s easier to stay in the comfort zone, stick to what’s familiar and safe.

But here’s the thing: success often requires stepping out of that comfort zone and taking calculated risks.

Men who are compensating for a lack of success may often stick to the safe path. They avoid taking risks out of fear of failure or rejection, maintaining a facade of control and stability.

However, truly successful people understand that it’s through risks and failures that we learn, grow, and ultimately succeed.

So if you notice a man who consistently avoids taking risks, he may be overcompensating for his lack of success. Remember, real success often lies on the other side of fear and risk-taking.

8) He’s always comparing himself to others

It’s human nature to compare ourselves with others. We all do it from time to time. However, when this behavior becomes a constant part of a man’s life, it could be a sign that he’s compensating for a lack of success.

These men might frequently reference others’ accomplishments, always trying to measure up their own success against others. They might feel threatened by others’ achievements and end up feeling insecure about their own.

Truly successful people, on the other hand, understand that everyone’s journey is different. They focus on their own progress and goals instead of constantly comparing themselves with others.

So if you come across a man who is always comparing himself to others, he might be compensating for his lack of success. Remember, true success is about personal growth and achievement, not how we stack up against others.

9) He craves validation

The need for validation is a natural human trait. We all like to be appreciated and recognized for our efforts. But when this need becomes excessive, it can be a sign that a man is compensating for a lack of success.

These men might constantly seek approval and recognition from others. They crave validation to the point where their self-worth is entirely tied to what others think of them.

The most successful people, however, find validation from within. They are secure in their accomplishments and don’t need constant external validation to feel successful.

If you encounter a man who excessively seeks validation, he might be compensating for his lack of success in life. Remember, true success comes from within and doesn’t require constant approval from others.

Final thoughts: The complexity of success

Understanding human behavior, especially when it comes to success, is a complex and nuanced endeavour.

One crucial aspect to remember is that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s subjective, varying from person to person. What may seem like success to one individual might not hold the same value to another.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This quote holds significant truth when we talk about success. Comparing our journey with others can often lead us down a path of discontentment and dissatisfaction.

These behaviors we’ve discussed, while indicative of compensatory tactics, aren’t a definitive judgement of a person’s character or their level of success. They’re merely signs that someone might be struggling with their perception of success.

As we navigate our own journeys, it’s essential to focus on our growth, achievements, and personal satisfaction. Success is about being at peace with ourselves, celebrating our accomplishments, and striving for growth without constantly comparing ourselves to others.

In the end, genuine success comes from within and is guided by our values, aspirations, and contentment.

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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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