7 signs you’re going to be successful in life, even if you haven’t achieved much yet

Success can sometimes feel like a distant dream, especially when you haven’t hit those major milestones that everyone else seems to be celebrating.

But here’s the thing: success isn’t always about what you’ve achieved so far—it’s about the direction you’re heading.

I’ve noticed that certain signs, often overlooked, can reveal whether someone is on the path to greatness, even if they don’t have much to show for it yet.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind or that your efforts aren’t paying off, don’t worry. These seven subtle indicators might just prove that you’re destined for success, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

1) Embrace obstacles as opportunities

Life is a series of challenges. It’s not always easy, and often, the path to success is paved with obstacles and setbacks.

But the truly successful people in life are those who don’t see these as roadblocks, but as opportunities.

Success doesn’t come from avoiding difficulties, but from embracing them. It comes from viewing each obstacle as a chance to learn, grow, and evolve.

When faced with a challenge, instead of feeling overwhelmed or giving up, successful individuals tap into their creative potential to find innovative solutions.

This doesn’t mean that you should seek out problems or intentionally create difficulties for yourself. Rather, it’s about changing your perspective on the challenges you inevitably face in life.

Instead of seeing them as insurmountable hurdles, view them as stepping stones on your path to success.

Embracing this mindset is a clear sign that you’re on your way to achieving great things in life. Even if you haven’t achieved much yet, this attitude towards challenges indicates that you have the resilience and resourcefulness required for long-term success.

2) Cultivate self-awareness and personal growth

Success isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you are. And one of the key indicators of future success is a deep commitment to self-awareness and personal growth.

This commitment shows itself in a variety of ways.

It might mean:

  • Taking time each day for self-reflection
  • Seeking out feedback from others
  • Continually challenging your own beliefs and assumptions

It could manifest as a regular meditation practice, a dedication to learning new skills, or a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.

By doing the inner work to understand yourself better, you’re not only developing the resilience needed to overcome challenges, but also the capacity to tap into your unique gifts and talents.

This proactive approach to personal development is a clear sign of someone who’s on the path to success.

3) Align financial decisions with your values

Prosperity isn’t solely about accumulating wealth; it’s about aligning your financial decisions with your deepest values. It’s about using money as a tool for positive change, rather than viewing it as the ultimate measure of success.

If you’re someone who consciously makes financial choices that reflect your values and contribute to social good, you’re on the path to success.

It shows that you’re not simply chasing after wealth but are using it as a means to support what truly matters to you.

To delve deeper into this topic, I invite you to watch my video on the dark side of entrepreneurship. In this video, I talk about how society celebrates the dream of getting rich through entrepreneurship but fails to spotlight the resilience and mindset required to get there.

I share the valuable lesson that in life it’s important that we find fulfillment from the journey, even when it’s challenging, as opposed to living our life solely for the outcome.

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If you found this video helpful and want to explore more topics on living a life with more purpose and freedom, consider joining over 20,000 others in subscribing to my YouTube channel. You can do so by clicking here.

4) Reject rigid dominance hierarchies

Success in life isn’t about climbing the social or corporate ladder, outdoing others, or achieving a higher status.

Instead, it’s about recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, including yourself.

In a world that often prizes power, status, and wealth, it can be easy to fall into the trap of viewing life as a competitive race.

But true success comes not from dominating others or striving to be ‘above’ them, but from cultivating relationships based on mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation.

If you’re someone who actively rejects rigid dominance hierarchies and instead values equality and mutual respect, you’re already successful in a way that truly matters.

This demonstrates an understanding that every person has their unique strengths and contributions to offer the world.

5) Embrace personal responsibility

The path to success isn’t a straight line, and it’s not always smooth. There will be bumps, obstacles, and detours along the way.

And while it’s easy to blame external circumstances or other people for the challenges we face, true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives.

This means choosing to focus not on what is outside of our control, but on what we can control – our attitudes, actions, and responses. It’s about recognizing that we are the architects of our lives, and that every decision we make shapes our journey.

If you’re someone who consistently takes responsibility for your actions and choices, even when things don’t go as planned, you’re on the path to success. It shows that you have the resilience to bounce back from setbacks and the courage to face challenges head-on.

In my video on the imposter syndrome, I discuss the importance of embracing feeling like an imposter as a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.

This ties into taking personal responsibility by recognizing your achievements without external validation and pursuing a path of self-improvement grounded in genuine self-acceptance.

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6) Celebrate diversity and foster authentic relationships

Success isn’t a solo journey. It’s interwoven with the relationships we build, the connections we foster, and the communities we are part of. And part of this journey is celebrating the diversity of these connections.

While it may seem easier or more comfortable to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, true growth and success come from engaging with diverse perspectives.

It comes from building authentic relationships with people who challenge us, inspire us, and broaden our horizons.

It’s about recognizing that by enriching our own lives through diverse relationships, we’re also contributing to a richer, more inclusive world.

If you’re someone who actively seeks out diverse connections and values difference as much as similarity, you’re embodying a key element of success.

7) Dedicate yourself to a cause greater than yourself

The mark of true success isn’t merely personal achievement or material wealth. It’s about being committed to something greater than yourself. It’s about using your unique gifts in service of a cause that contributes to the betterment of the world.

This could take many forms.

Perhaps you’re passionate about social justice and use your skills to advocate for equality.

Maybe you’re dedicated to environmental conservation and make choices that reflect this commitment.

Or perhaps you use your financial resources to support initiatives that promote social good.

Regardless of the specific cause, your dedication to something bigger than yourself is a clear sign that you’re on the path to meaningful success. It shows that you’re not just focused on personal gain, but on creating positive change in the world.

Embracing the journey of success

With these seven signs, even if you haven’t achieved much yet, rest assured that you’re on the path to success.

Success is a journey, not a destination. So take these signs as guideposts along your journey and know that with each step you take, you’re moving closer towards living a life of true success.

Now I invite you to reflect on your journey. What steps are you taking towards living authentically? How are you aligning your actions with your values? And most importantly, how are you contributing to a more beautiful future?

To delve deeper into these topics and join a community committed to living life with more purpose and freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and join us on this transformative journey.

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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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