Ethan Sterling
Ever heard the saying, “Money doesn’t buy happiness”?
Well, there’s a lot of truth in those words.
You see, success isn’t just about the numbers in your bank account. It’s about so much more than that. It’s about the positive impact you have on others, your ability to overcome adversity, or even how often you smile.
So if you’re not on the Forbes list but still wondering, “Am I successful?” – you just might be.
Let’s dig deeper into this.
I’ll share with you 7 signs that show you’re genuinely successful, even if your wallet isn’t bursting at the seams.
Success is much broader and more nuanced than most people think it is.
So let’s redefine it together, shall we?
1) You’re content with what you have
Sure, a fancy car or a luxury apartment might be nice to have. But do they truly define success?
Not necessarily.
Genuine success often stems from contentment. It’s about appreciating what you have instead of constantly craving more. It’s about finding joy in the simple things and being grateful for them.
So if you’re someone who can look around and feel satisfied with your life, congratulations! You’re showing one of the strongest signs of true success, and wealth has nothing to do with it.
2) You’re constantly learning and growing
You know, I’ve always been a big believer in lifelong learning.
Just a few years back, I came across an online course on digital marketing. Now, I didn’t need it for my job, nor was it related to my field of study. But it piqued my interest. I dove in and ended up loving it!
This experience taught me something valuable – you don’t have to be in a classroom to learn. The world is full of opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills.
And here’s the thing.
Being open to learning and personal growth is a surefire sign of success. Why? Because it shows that you’re not just interested in monetary gains. Instead, you’re committed to bettering yourself, expanding your horizons, and becoming the best version of yourself.
So if you’re like me, enthusiastically soaking up knowledge from every possible source, pat yourself on the back. You’re doing something right!
3) Failure doesn’t scare you
Let’s get real for a moment.
I’ve failed. More times than I can count, in fact. And you know what? It hurt. There were times when I wanted to give up, to throw in the towel, to admit defeat.
But here I am, still standing and still striving.
Because that’s what success truly means. It’s not about never failing; it’s about not letting failure stop you. It’s about using those stumbles and falls as stepping stones towards your dreams.
Embracing failure might not make you rich in the traditional sense. But it does make you rich in resilience, courage, and sheer determination – qualities that are worth far more than any amount of money.
4) You’re making a positive impact
Ever done something small and seemingly insignificant, only to realize later that it made a big difference in someone’s life?
I remember once, I simply mowed my elderly neighbor’s lawn. It was a small act of kindness that I didn’t think much of at the time. But to her, it meant the world.
That’s the thing about making a positive impact. It doesn’t have to be grand or earth-shattering. Sometimes, it’s the little things that count the most.
Striving to make the world a better place in your own way?
No matter how small or big, then you’re successful. Because true success isn’t just about personal gain; it’s about lifting others up and making a difference.
5) You maintain a healthy work-life balance
Did you know in Japan, there’s a term called “Karoshi”? It literally means “death by overwork”. Quite a grim concept, isn’t it?
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget about our well-being. But let me tell you something – working yourself to the bone isn’t a sign of success; it’s a path to burnout.
True success involves balancing different aspects of your life effectively. It means making time for relaxation and recreation, alongside work. It’s about cultivating relationships, pursuing hobbies, and taking care of your health.
The best part of balancing work and personal life?
You didn’t have to sacrifice your health or happiness to get there.
6) You practice empathy and understanding
I’ll be honest with you – I’ve had moments where I’ve misunderstood others. Moments where I judged too quickly, and it resulted in hurt feelings.
But over time, I’ve learned that everyone is fighting their own battles. Battles that we may not understand or even be aware of.
And that’s where empathy comes in.
It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand their perspective. It’s about offering kindness, even when it’s hard.
So if you’re someone who practices empathy, who tries to understand rather than judge, congratulations! You’re exhibiting one of the most profound signs of success.
Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about what we achieve for ourselves. It’s also about how we treat others along the way.
7) You’re true to yourself
In a world that’s constantly telling us who to be, what to do, and how to act, staying true to yourself can be a real challenge.
But here’s the thing.
No amount of money, power, or fame can replace the feeling of being authentically you.
Because success isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about being unapologetically you and living a life that feels true to who you are.
Wrapping it up
So there you have it. 7 signs that you’re genuinely successful, even if your bank account isn’t overflowing.
Maybe you’ve recognized these traits in yourself, or perhaps you’ve found areas you’d like to work on.
It’s about being authentically you, about balancing work and play, about picking yourself up after a fall. It’s about making a positive impact, even in small ways, and treating others with empathy and understanding.
Take a moment to reflect on these signs. Are they present in your life? If so, celebrate them! If not, don’t worry. Each day offers us a fresh chance to grow and become more successful in our own unique ways.
Success isn’t measured by the size of your wallet but by the richness of your life’s experiences and the positive influence you have on others.
You are more successful than you think.
