If you recognize these 9 subtle signs, you’re destined for incredible things in life

Everyone has the potential for greatness. Yet, how do we recognize it in ourselves?

The path to achieving extraordinary things in life is rarely signposted with flashing neon lights. Instead, it’s often marked by subtle signs, whispers from within that suggest we are on the right track.

Recognizing these signs requires a certain level of self-awareness and the courage to trust in our own potential. It’s about understanding that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth, and that true success aligns with our deepest values.

Today, we’ll uncover some of these subtle signs that you’re destined for incredible things in life. After reading this article, hopefully you’ll find a deeper sense of peace that you’re on the right path – and perhaps a few tips for how to adjust your direction. 

1) Embracing challenges

In life, we often come across obstacles that seem insurmountable. These challenges can be daunting, causing many to retreat and seek refuge in comfort. But this is not the case for those destined for incredible things.

Those who are poised for greatness do not shy away from challenges. In fact, they embrace them. They see every problem as an opportunity to tap into their creativity and find innovative solutions. This mentality is not about pretending that difficulties don’t exist; it’s about choosing a proactive approach over the passive acceptance of circumstances.

Consider this: when faced with a challenge, do you immediately look for an escape route, or do you roll up your sleeves and dive in, ready to learn and adapt? If it’s the latter, you have one of the subtle signs of a person destined for greatness.

2) A commitment to conscious consumerism

Not everyone thinks twice about where they spend their money. But for those destined for great things, every financial decision is a deliberate one. They understand that their money is more than just a tool for personal gain. It’s a means of voting for the kind of world they wish to live in.

This might mean supporting businesses that align with their values, investing in initiatives that promote social good, or making sustainable choices. In other words, they’re not just consumers – they’re conscious consumers.

This commitment to conscious consumerism stems from a deep understanding of their impact on the world. They know that every dollar spent is an endorsement of a company’s practices and principles. And they choose to use this power to create positive change.

3) A deep sense of self-awareness

Self-awareness is a powerful tool. It’s a process of understanding oneself – your desires, beliefs, motivations, and values. It’s about confronting your fears, challenging limiting beliefs, and fostering self-compassion.

For those destined for greatness, they often exhibit a profound sense of self-awareness. They’re not afraid of introspection and are willing to delve deep into their psyche to understand their true selves better. They recognize that this inner work is essential for personal growth and creating the life they desire.

Anyone who has at least tried to put in the work this knows that this journey of self-awareness isn’t always easy. It requires courage to confront our deepest fears and vulnerabilities. But the rewards – a life lived in alignment with our authentic selves – are truly worth it.

If you’re interested in cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness, my video on embracing imposter syndrome might be useful. In it, I discuss how feeling like an ‘imposter’ can drive a more profound exploration of personal and professional capabilities, ultimately leading to authentic growth and empowerment.

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And if you’d like to join over 20,000 people exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Here, I share my insights and experiences on a range of topics designed to help you live your most authentic life.

4) Not always being a “good person”

It might seem strange, but those destined for incredible things in life aren’t always perceived as ‘good’ people. Not in the traditional sense, at least.

Why? Because they understand that being a “good person” often means conforming to societal expectations and norms which may not align with their true selves or values. The pressure to constantly appear “good” can lead to internal criticism, judgment of others, and can make us easily manipulated.

Instead, they focus on authenticity. They’re not afraid to express their opinions, even if they’re unpopular. They stand up for what they believe in, even if it causes discomfort. They strive for personal growth and understanding rather than seeking external validation or approval.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they’re unkind or disrespectful. Quite the contrary, they embrace empathy and respect for all individuals. But they don’t sacrifice their integrity to appease others or fit into a prescribed mold of goodness.

5) Rejecting rigid dominance hierarchies

In a world often obsessed with power and status, those destined for greatness dance to a different tune. They reject the notion of rigid dominance hierarchies that place some people above others based on power, status, or wealth.

Instead, they believe in the fundamental dignity and worth of every individual. They strive to cultivate relationships based on mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation. They understand that every person has something unique to offer, and that true strength lies not in dominance, but in collaboration and unity.

Is this approach challenging to maintain? Of course. We live in a world that often rewards the loudest voices and the biggest egos, which usually do not follow this path. But it’s precisely certain people’s commitment to fairness and equality, even though it’s off the beaten path, that sets them apart.

If you find yourself pushing against the tide of societal norms, choosing empathy over ego, cooperation over competition, know that you have an incredible life ahead of you. As I discuss in my video on the illusion of happiness, true contentment comes from within, by embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself.

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6) Embracing singleness as a phase of growth

It may seem like everyone around us expects us to follow the same path – go to school, find a special person, and settle down with them. It’s like being happy is synonymous with being in a relationship. But as most of us have experienced, that’s not always the case. And those destined for greatness understand the importance of embracing singleness as a meaningful phase of growth and self-discovery.

They don’t rush into relationships out of fear of loneliness or societal pressure. Instead, they choose to cherish this time to delve deeper into their passions, cultivate self-awareness, and commit to personal growth.

This perspective doesn’t diminish the value of romantic relationships. Rather, it acknowledges the importance of building a strong relationship with oneself first. These individuals understand their own worth and don’t look for someone else to complete them.

Then when they finally do enter into a relationship, they do it with full consciousness and commitment, being able to bring their best self to the table – making the relationship one of the most incredible ones there could be.

7) Viewing creativity as a universal human capacity

Creativity is often seen as a special skill, something reserved for artists, musicians, or writers. But those destined for greatness see it differently. They view creativity as the essence of our humanity, an inherent capacity within all of us.

They understand that every decision we make, every challenge we face, is an opportunity to tap into our creative potential and find innovative solutions. They don’t limit creativity to artistic pursuits but recognize it as a vital element in all aspects of life – from problem-solving and decision-making to personal growth and self-expression.

Open your mind up to this, and you’ll recognize creativity in everything you do – from planning your next weekend getaway to finding ways to get your boss to understand your point of view. And adopt this kind of thinking, and you’ll see opportunities for incredible things in even the most mundane moments of life. 

8) Trusting in the transformative power of personal growth

Personal growth isn’t always easy. It requires confronting our fears, challenging our limiting beliefs, and cultivating self-compassion. Yet, those destined for greatness understand the transformative power of this process.

They are not afraid of doing the inner work necessary for personal growth. They realize that this journey is crucial to creating the lives they desire and making a positive impact in the world.

Since you’re reading this article, that shows you’re already dedicated to personal growth and willing to do the inner work necessary for transformation. Take this as a beautiful sign – and don’t let anyone take this powerful attitude away from you. 

9) Valuing supportive communities and authentic relationships

You may have noticed that our society is becoming increasingly more individualistic every year – but those destined for greatness never lose touch with the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships. They know that it’s through our connections with others that we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.

They value the give-and-take of genuine relationships, understanding that none of us can thrive alone. They invest time and energy into building strong, meaningful connections based on mutual respect and shared values.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? That shows your potential for incredible things. I dive into this a little deeper in my video about overcoming loneliness, which is something I struggled with greatly myself. As you’ll see from my experience, building connections isn’t reserved to networking or accumulating contacts; it’s about fostering meaningful relationships based on shared experiences and mutual growth.

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Final thoughts: The journey towards greatness

Recognizing these subtle signs in your life isn’t about predicting an infallible future. It’s an invitation to introspection, an opportunity to align with your deepest values and desires, and a pathway towards living a life of authenticity and purpose.

Remember that each of us has the potential for greatness within us. It’s not about external achievements or societal accolades but about our internal journey of growth, self-awareness, and alignment with our values.

So these signs are not a definitive forecast but gentle nudges, guiding you towards the path of your true potential. They are reminders to embrace obstacles as opportunities, to cultivate conscious financial decisions, to reject rigid dominance hierarchies, and to value supportive communities and authentic relationships.

As we navigate this journey, remember that recognizing these subtle signs is just the beginning. The real work lies in harnessing these insights into tangible actions and personal growth.

Are you ready to embark on this journey? If you need guidance or inspiration along the way, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where you’ll find many more helpful videos like the ones I’ve shared above. There, I share my deepest insights, experiences, and reflections designed to help you live your most authentic life.

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Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. As the co-founder of Ideapod, The Vessel, and a director at Brown Brothers Media, Justin has spearheaded platforms that significantly contribute to personal and collective growth. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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