James Carter
Life can be confusing, right? One moment, you’re on top of the world—confident in your direction. The next, you’re second-guessing every decision, wondering if you’re completely off track.
But here’s the thing: sometimes, being on the right path doesn’t feel all that comfortable. Growth can be messy, uncertain, and downright scary.
That’s why I like to ask myself a few questions when I’m unsure of where I’m headed. Over time, I’ve found that if I can honestly say “yes” to these five questions (even if my progress feels slow or uncertain), I’m probably moving in the right direction.
Maybe you’ll find these questions helpful, too.
Let’s dive in.
1. Do you feel aligned with your core values?
I’ll start with a personal anecdote: Not so long ago, I was stuck in a job that paid well but left me feeling uneasy every morning.
I couldn’t quite put my finger on it at first. On paper, everything seemed perfect—but deep down, I felt like I was betraying something important. Eventually, I realized that the role was completely misaligned with my values around creativity, freedom, and authenticity.
That was a wake-up call.
Feeling aligned with your core values is more than just liking your job or enjoying your hobbies. It’s about knowing what truly matters to you—things like honesty, growth, compassion, or community—and living in a way that honors those priorities. If your daily life reflects these fundamental beliefs, you’ll naturally feel a sense of integrity and purpose, even when you’re wrestling with challenges.
So, if you can answer “yes” to the question of whether your life choices match your core values—congrats. You’re probably further along than you think.
2. Are you consistently learning and growing?
Stagnation often disguises itself as comfort—but deep down, most of us crave growth.
Learning doesn’t always have to mean enrolling in a course or mastering a new skill (though those are great!). Sometimes, it’s as simple as gaining insight from a difficult experience, becoming more self-aware, or opening your mind to a new perspective.
Consistent learning keeps us engaged with life. It gives us momentum, helping us adapt, evolve, and stay curious in the face of uncertainty. When you’re growing—even just a little—you’re honoring your potential and building resilience along the way.
Also, as Dr. Tracy Brower, a Ph.D. sociologist, has pointed out: “Learning is a sure path to happiness.” We’re wired to stretch ourselves—and when we do, it’s not just our minds that benefit, but our overall well-being, too.
So ask yourself: are you being stretched? Are you learning something—about the world, about yourself, about others? I
3. Do you have people who genuinely support you?
No matter how independent or driven we are, we’re not meant to do life alone. One of the most powerful indicators of a meaningful, fulfilling life is the quality of our relationships—not the quantity, but the depth.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, found a clear conclusion after tracking participants for over 80 years: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.” More than career success, wealth, or fame, it’s the presence of supportive, loving connections that most strongly predicts long-term well-being.
Supportive relationships don’t just cheer us on during the highs—they ground us during the lows. These are the people who see us clearly, remind us of our worth when we forget, and walk beside us even when the path is hard to navigate.
4. Are you finding moments of joy or meaning in what you do?
I’m a big advocate of mindfulness, Eastern philosophy, and the general notion of appreciating the present moment. But let’s be honest: there are days when the alarm goes off, the to-do list is a mile long, and the idea of “joy” seems downright laughable.
Still, if you’re on the right path, you’ll notice at least small sparks of meaning in your daily life—moments that remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing.
This might be as simple as feeling a sense of accomplishment after finishing a challenging task, enjoying a good cup of tea while watching the sunrise, or taking pride in helping someone out.
As the Dalai Lama famously said, “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” If you find yourself actively creating these small pockets of joy—rather than passively waiting for them to appear—you’re already living with intention.
5. Do you bounce back after setbacks?
Last but definitely not least: resilience.
We all face failures, heartbreaks, and disappointments. The key isn’t avoiding these curveballs—it’s in how we react. Do you pick yourself up, dust off your knees, and try again? Or do you give up at the first sign of trouble?
If some setbacks crush your spirit, that’s normal—it happens to all of us sometimes. But if you can eventually recover and try again, that’s a strong sign you’re more capable than you realize.
Resilience doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine. It means allowing yourself to feel the weight of life’s challenges without letting them define you. It’s the quiet decision to keep going, to grow through the discomfort, and to believe that your story isn’t over just because you hit a rough chapter.
Each time you bounce back, you’re building inner strength. You’re becoming someone who can weather storms, adapt, and emerge wiser. If you’re still standing—maybe a little bruised, maybe a little shaken—but still willing to move forward, then yes, you are absolutely on the right path.
Final words
Progress doesn’t always look like a straight line or a perfect Instagram highlight reel. Sometimes, it’s more of a scribble, filled with mistakes and self-doubt.
But if there’s alignment, growth, community, meaning, and resilience in the mix, you’re well on your way.
So, keep going. Keep checking in with yourself, listening to your intuition, and investing in your own growth. All that’s left is to keep moving forward, one step—and one “yes”—at a time.
