Ethan Sterling
If you’ve ever wondered what makes someone truly successful, you’re not alone. It’s not always about flashy cars and high-powered jobs.
Being successful often comes down to subtle traits and behaviors that aren’t immediately obvious to the casual observer. These non-obvious signs can include being a good listener, having resilience or possessing a growth mindset.
Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s unique to each individual and can mean different things. It’s also not something that can be easily defined or measured by conventional standards.
Psychology offers some fascinating insights into what could signify success. And understanding these non-obvious signs could give you a more nuanced perspective of what success looks like.
So, let’s dive in and explore these signs, shall we? After all, success might be closer than you think!
1) They embrace failure
Success doesn’t mean never falling down. In fact, psychology suggests that one of the non-obvious signs of highly successful people is their ability to embrace failure.
Successful people often view failure not as a roadblock, but as a stepping stone towards success. They see it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a definitive end.
Think of it like this: if they attempt something and it doesn’t work out, they don’t sulk or wallow in self-pity. Instead, they analyze what went wrong, pick up the pieces, and use the experience to guide their future actions.
This trait gives them the resilience to keep going when things get tough. And this resilience – this capacity to bounce back from setbacks – is a key trait that sets them apart from others.
Success isn’t about avoiding failure. It’s about learning from it and moving forward with even more knowledge and determination than before.
2) They’re not always the busiest
We often associate success with being constantly busy, juggling a million things at once.
Highly successful people understand the value of downtime and reflection. They know that taking a break isn’t a sign of laziness or lack of ambition.
Instead, it’s a critical part of maintaining their mental health and ensuring they have the energy and focus to tackle their goals effectively.
Quiet moments allow them to recharge, think creatively, and make more thoughtful decisions. They know that quality often trumps quantity, and that working smarter – not necessarily harder – is the key to achieving their goals.
So, remember, being perpetually busy doesn’t equate to success. Sometimes, it’s the quiet ones who are making the most progress.
3) They practice gratitude
You might not expect it, but practicing gratitude can be a sign of successful individuals. It’s not just about saying “thank you” – it’s a mindset, a way of seeing the world.
Gratitude helps to shift our focus from what’s wrong in our lives to appreciating what’s right. This positive outlook contributes to improved mental health, better relationships, and increased overall satisfaction with life.
Successful people often keep a gratitude journal or make it a habit to list things they are thankful for each day. This doesn’t mean they ignore challenges or difficulties. Instead, they acknowledge their existence while choosing to focus on the good.
In essence, gratitude isn’t just about being thankful – it’s about seeing the bigger picture and appreciating the journey. And this perspective can make all the difference in achieving success.
4) They listen more than they speak
True success involves understanding others, and there’s no better way to do that than by listening.
Successful individuals often practice active listening, which means giving their full attention to the person speaking and genuinely taking in what they’re saying.
This isn’t about being silent while waiting for your turn to speak. It’s about fostering a deeper connection with others, showing respect, and making them feel valued.
By truly listening, successful people learn from others’ experiences and perspectives. They gain insights that they might not have discovered otherwise.
This makes them not only successful in their personal and professional lives but also greatly appreciated by those around them.
Engaging in real conversation isn’t about proving you’re the smartest person in the room. It’s about learning, growing, and building meaningful relationships.
5) They set personal boundaries
Setting boundaries isn’t about building walls; it’s about knowing your limits and respecting your own needs. Successful people understand this and aren’t afraid to say “no” when they need to.
Whether it’s declining an invitation to avoid overcommitting, or stepping back from a task that doesn’t align with their values, they know the importance of looking after their own well-being.
This might seem simple, but it requires self-awareness and courage. It means recognizing when something is too much, and having the confidence to prioritize your mental and physical health.
After all, success isn’t just about achieving big things – it’s also about knowing when to take a step back and take care of yourself. Because at the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
6) They seek feedback
Imagine you’re working on a project, and you’ve put your heart and soul into it. Everything seems perfect in your eyes.
But instead of just patting yourself on the back, you decide to ask others for their opinion.
You might be surprised to find that they see things differently. They might point out areas of improvement that you hadn’t considered, or suggest alternative strategies that could enhance your work even further.
This is something that successful people do regularly.
They seek feedback from others and are open to constructive criticism. They understand that they don’t have all the answers and that other perspectives can be invaluable for their growth and improvement.
They’re not afraid to ask, “How can I do better?” Because they know that the real path to success involves continuous learning and improvement.
7) They take care of their health
We’ve all been there – pushing ourselves to the limit, skipping meals, missing out on sleep, all in the name of success.
But let’s get one thing straight: neglecting your health isn’t a badge of honor or a testament to your dedication.
If you’re constantly running on empty, your performance will suffer, no matter how much you try to push through.
Successful people understand this. They recognize that their health is their wealth and that taking care of their physical well-being is a non-negotiable part of their journey towards success.
This means regular exercise, balanced meals, rest, and time away from work. It’s not always easy to maintain such discipline, especially with a busy schedule, but it’s crucial for long-term success.
Remember, no achievement is worth sacrificing your health for. Take care of yourself first; everything else will follow.
8) They define their own success
At the end of the day, the most successful people are those who define what success means to them. They don’t let society, friends, family, or anyone else dictate their definition of success.
Whether it’s achieving a certain professional milestone, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, or simply being content with what they have – they set their own standards and strive to meet them.
They recognize that success is a personal journey and that it looks different for everyone. They don’t compare their journey to others; instead, they focus on their own path and take steps towards their unique version of success.
So, remember, no matter what anyone else says, you are the architect of your own success. Define it, strive for it, and most importantly, believe in it.
Final thoughts
Success isn’t about the flashy signs that society often pushes us to believe. As we’ve explored in this article, it’s often about the subtler, non-obvious signs that truly make a difference.
This article aims to shed light on those non-obvious indicators of success, but ultimately, your journey is unique to you.
Success is an individual definition; what matters most is how you perceive and pursue it.
Time spent on personal growth, understanding, and self-care is never wasted.
Being successful means being attuned enough not to let societal expectations define your path. It’s about recognizing these non-obvious signs and incorporating them into your journey towards your own version of success.
Here’s to living a more successful, fulfilled life on your own terms!
