25 signs you’re actually a more successful person than you realize

Sometimes in life, we become so focused on what we haven’t achieved that we lose sight of what we have.

It’s easy to forget about the positive qualities we have developed over time and instead focus on everything we haven’t become.

But it’s time to take pride in who you are and what you’ve achieved in life.

While success is different for everyone, there are a few traits we can all agree on that show you’re more successful than you think.

While you might not be a CEO of a major company or a famous musician, if you take a closer look at your life, you might realize you actually are a more successful person than you think.

If you’re constantly battling your way through challenging times, you’ll probably never have the time to appreciate your own success and accomplishments.

So let’s make now that time.

Here are some signs that you’re more successful than you realize.

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1. You’re honest

Honesty is a rare trait these days. People are always trying to be something they’re not.

But a successful person knows who they are and what they’re not. They speak their truth and not what they think other people want to hear.

This also means that successful people are consistent in their behavior. Everybody likes them for the person they are. Because they stay who they are.

So if you’re not contrived, and you genuinely express what you’re really thinking and feeling, you’re probably a successful person that other people listen to for advice.

2. You don’t seek praise to boost your self-worth

You don’t need someone to tell you who you are and what you’re good at.

You already accept yourself for all that you’ve become and what people say about you really doesn’t matter.

It takes courage to accept yourself fully.

As psychologist Carl Jung said, “the most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely”, but if you’re able to accept your bad points as well as your good points, it means that what people say about you doesn’t affect you.

If you’re comfortable with yourself and you don’ rely on others to tell you how to feel, then you’re a more successful individual than you might even know.

3. You don’t gossip or cause drama

Gossiping doesn’t feel like time well spent for a successful person.

There’s not much point to it, and most of the time, all you’re really doing is talking bad about someone else who can’t defend themselves.

A successful person realizes that another person’s private life is none of their business.

And when you engage in gossip, all it serves to do is make yourself more judgemental and toxic.

A successful person prefers to be compassionate rather than judgemental.

So if you’re able to avoid engaging in gossip and drama, then you’re likely a more successful individual than you might know.

You’re probably also someone that other people enjoy being around because you’re not negatively judging them all the time.

4. You don’t try to be like everyone else

Trying to fit in and be like everyone else is a recipe for living an inauthentic life.

One important trait of any successful person is the ability to be authentic to themselves.

If that means being different from everyone, then so be it.

A successful person would rather stay true to themselves and express themselves for who they are than stick to a pre-written script that sounds the same as everyone else.

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5. You are polite and respectful

Being polite and respectful is a hallmark of a truly successful person.

If you treat people the way you want to be treated, then you’re showing respect to others and you’re a better person than most.

A successful doesn’t put others down to make themselves better.

They know everybody is going through challenges in life, so they keep the peace and respect the individuality of each and every person.

6. You have a plan and system

Success is built on a plan and a system.

You know where you eventually want to go, but you’ve also worked out what you need to do every day to get there.

They understand nothing good can be achieved in a day. It takes time to achieve your big goals, and that involves achieving little goals every single day.

For example, perhaps you made a goal of reading more books in a year.

And even though it didn’t seem big at the time, you got there by just reading 10 pages a day, which is 3655 pages in a year, or 12 books a year.

Someone that can organize a simple plan like that, stick to it, and then achieve it is a much more successful person than they realize.

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7. You keep moving forward

Life is about growth, and while progress can sometimes be slow, you’re always on a mission to move the needle forward.

You might not know what exactly you are doing to move the needle forward, but you’re always aiming to grow and improve. This is success in itself.

8. You are kind to everyone

Kindness is a wonderful way to let another struggling soul know that there is still love in this world.

Successful people can see past other people’s flaws and focus on the positive traits of anyone.

So if you’re a kind person, then you’re probably more successful than you think you are.

A successful person is also a good listener, not listening to respond and inject themselves into the conversation but listening for the sake of listening.

9. You have a support system of friends or family

A strong support system allows you to take risks, make decisions and grow into who you are.

Your loved ones are there to support you and they will be the ones that will be there for you when no one else is.

Having close loved ones helps you become a better person because they keep you grounded and in perspective.

So if you have a close support network then you’re much more successful than you realize.

10. You want to help others

You understand that you’re not the center of the universe. Your success in this world goes beyond your own successes and achievements. It’s also about how you treat others.

If you are able to help others live a better life and act as a pillar of strength for the close ones around you, then you’re more successful than you’re letting on.

11. You are driven

If you have an engine and willingness to persist through hard times and give it your all, then you should be proud of yourself and your courage.

If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, battle through tough times and try your best, then you’re definitely more successful than you think.

12. You take action even when you’re fearful

Fear is a powerful feeling that can stop people from taking action.

It takes real courage to act in the face of fear.

Any truly successful person has had to face challenges in their journey. It’s inevitable, but they stick at it because they know that is the only way forward.

So if you take action even when you’re fearful and going through hard times, then you should be proud of yourself and you’re surely more successful than you think you are.

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13. People can trust you

No virtue is more universally accepted as a test of good character than trustworthiness.

This is why a genuinely good person who is successful is extremely trustworthy.

You can always rely on these people to have a word as strong as stone.

So if you refuse to let others down, and you live up to your word, then you’re most likely a good person that treats others with respect.

14. You have fought back

Everyone fails, but the difference between successful people is that they can push on despite their failures.

Being able to fail and then keep going is a sign of an iron-willed individual with a nous to succeed in life.

So if you’ve kept persisting even after failing countless times, then you’re probably a more successful person than you realize.

15. You’re disciplined

According to Jim Rohn: “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Some people are motivated by a specific goal, but if they have no discipline they likely won’t get there.

So if you’re able to stick to your goals even when you’re not feeling motivated enough, then you’re definitely more successful than you realize.

16. You can say no

Learning to say no helps us maintain some level of control over our own lives.

Some people say yes to anything that it’s asked of them and they end up overstretching themselves and becoming a doormat.

A successful person understands that it’s important to have your own standards to hold yourself to.

And if they’re going to say “yes” to something then you better believe that they can actually complete the task.

So if your word is strong as stone because you’re able to say no, then you’re probably more successful than you realize.

17. You don’t blame others

Being a victim and blaming others gets you nowhere in life.

Being able to accept that you are responsible for everything in your life and that nobody is to blame but yourself makes you a strong individual.

It takes courage to be able to look in the mirror and accept your faults and mistakes, but if you can accept these truths, then there will be no stopping your success.

18. You’re not living paycheque to paycheque

Living paycheque to paycheque means that you are reliant on your next paycheque to keep living.

If you’re able to go about your days without worrying whether you will have enough money for the rest of the month, then you are undoubtedly a success.

You might not own a Ferrari, but if you aren’t living paycheque to paycheque then you’re a success.

19. You’re loved

Why is being loved by others important? Because it gives you a sense of worth and connection.

It’s important to have goals and dreams, but if you’re not loved by others then chances are you’ll never be fulfilled.

So if you have a close-knit group around that love each other, then be thankful. You’re luckier than you realize.

20. You’ve got integrity and morals

Integrity is one of the most character-defining traits there is. It defines who you are and what you stand for, and whether you’re tough enough to stick the course even when times get tough.

It gives you a compass to help you go down the right path, which will allow you to live a more meaningful life.

So if you live a life of integrity, then you’re better than most and more successful than you realize.

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21. You’re generous

The more generous you are the happier and more successful you’ll be in your life.

Many people try to accumulate all they can because they feel more secure with a greater amount of money and possessions.

But if you’re able to help others live a better life and you don’t solely focus on your own material benefit, then you’re probably more successful than you realize.

22. You have a positive mindset and attitude

A positive mindset and an attitude will give you energy and drive that will help you achieve success in life.

Positivity helps you overcome many of life’s obstacles that you wouldn’t be able to if you would be a negative person.

It also brings positivity into other people’s lives, which is incredibly important when we’re faced with the problems we currently have in the world.

So if you’re able to have a positive attitude in the face of all the negativity in the world, then you’re probably helping other people and you’re more successful than you realize.

23. You’re able to give genuine compliments

When you’re able to compliment others in a meaningful way, you forget about yourself and your own ego and you make others feel better.

This is important because you’re able to be a source of positivity for others and give them the strength to keep going.

If you’re able to lift someone up with a simple compliment, then you’re definitely more successful than you realize.

24. You’re genuine

Everybody loves being around a genuine person.

There are no lies or dishonesty. What you see is what you get.

A successful person doesn’t try to be someone they’re not to impress others.

If you can say that you don’t try to be someone you’re not and you accept yourself for all that you are, then you’re probably doing better than you think.

25. You’re wise

Being wise doesn’t mean being intelligent. Wisdom is about using the information you’ve learned through experience to make a good life for yourself and for the people around you.

A successful person is learning from their environment and passing that knowledge on to help those around them.

If you can say you’re open-minded when it comes to learning and you’re not stubborn about turning away new perspectives, then you’re probably doing better than you think you are.

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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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