Ethan Sterling
Life — it’s a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Sometimes, even when things are going well, it just doesn’t feel like it.
Understanding where you stand in your life and whether you’re in a good place or not can be tricky.
However, there are some specific signs that suggest you’re doing better than you think.
Trust me, I’ve been there, struggling to see the positives amidst the chaos of life.
That’s why I want to share with you 9 signs that you’re in a good place in life, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
We will explore these indicators together in this article, helping you realize that perhaps, things aren’t as bad as they seem.
1) You’re not afraid of change
Life is unpredictable, and change is the only constant.
Sounds cliché, but it’s true.
Those who are in a good place in their life understand this fundamental truth. They don’t fear change; instead, they embrace it.
You see, change is growth. It’s evolution. It’s the universe’s way of pushing us forward, making us adapt and evolve.
If you find yourself welcoming change, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary, that’s a clear sign you’re in a better place than you realize.
Life isn’t about stability or comfort zones. It’s about growth, learning, and evolution.
And if you’re not just surviving change but thriving in it, you’re definitely doing something right.
So take a moment to appreciate your adaptability and resilience. They’re clear signs you’re in a good place in life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
2) You understand the concept of delayed gratification
Delayed gratification — ever heard of it?
It’s a psychological concept that revolves around the ability to resist the temptation of an immediate reward in favor of a later, often greater, benefit.
In other words, it’s about having the patience and self-control to hold off on immediate satisfaction for a future gain.
This might mean saving money now for a dream vacation later, or skipping that extra slice of cake to maintain your health.
And here’s the kicker:
If you’re practicing delayed gratification, it’s a pretty good indication that you’re in a solid place in life.
Why?
Because it means you’re not just living for the moment, but planning and preparing for the future. You’re making conscious decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
So if you find yourself opting for long-term benefits over instant pleasures, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing better than you think!
3) You can enjoy the present
While delayed gratification is important, it’s equally crucial to find joy in the present moment.
Sounds contradicting? Let me explain.
Being in a good place in life isn’t just about planning for the future; it’s also about cherishing the now.
This means being able to sit back and enjoy a sunset, to appreciate a good book, or to savor a meal without worrying about what’s next.
It’s about being present, being mindful, and appreciating what you have in front of you.
If you’re able to balance the act of preparing for your future (remember delayed gratification?) while still finding happiness in your current circumstances, then you’re doing well.
4) You’re less bothered by other people’s opinions
Have you ever noticed that as you get older, you care less about what people think of you?
This isn’t a sign of apathy or arrogance. Rather, it’s a sign of self-assurance and maturity.
As we grow older and wiser, we realize that we can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. We learn to value our own opinion above others. We start to trust our judgment and decisions.
If you’ve reached a point in your life where the opinions of others don’t sway your self-image or decisions, then you’re likely in a good place.
This is because valuing your own opinion over others’ shows a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
So go ahead, keep marching to the beat of your own drum. It’s a clear sign that you’re in a good place in life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
5) You’ve experienced pain and learned from it
Life is a mix of highs and lows, joy and sorrow, triumphs and trials.
Experiencing pain, be it emotional or physical, is inevitable. But it’s how we respond to this pain that truly defines us.
If you’ve been through tough times and come out stronger, here’s what it says about you:
- You’re resilient.
- You’re adaptable.
- You’ve learned valuable lessons.
- You’re not afraid of challenges.
Experiencing pain and learning from it is not a sign of weakness but strength. It means you’ve faced adversity, learned from it, and grown.
6) You have a sense of purpose
We all want to feel like we’re here for a reason, right?
Having a sense of purpose in life is incredibly grounding. It gives us direction, motivation, and a reason to get up in the morning.
For me, writing is my purpose. It’s what I love doing, and it’s what gives my life meaning.
Now, your purpose doesn’t have to be something grandiose or earth-shattering. It could be as simple as raising your kids to be good people, or working hard to provide for your family.
If you’ve found something that you’re passionate about, something that motivates you and gives your life direction, then let’s celebrate that.
Because finding your purpose and pursuing it is a sure sign that you’re in a good place in life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
So keep chasing your purpose. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
7) You have healthy relationships
Imagine you’re stranded on a deserted island. Who would be the first person you’d wish was there with you?
Our relationships with people – friends, family, partners – play a significant role in our lives. They shape us, support us, and enrich our experiences.
A key sign that you’re in a good place in life is the quality of your relationships.
Are they supportive and enriching? Do they make you feel loved, appreciated, and understood?
If so, it’s a good indication that you’re in a better place than you think.
After all, healthy relationships are foundational to our well-being and happiness. So take a moment to reflect:
Who are the people in your life that you cherish? What do these relationships say about where you are in life?
Your answers might just show you that you’re in a good place in life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
8) You know when to ask for help
Asking for help — it’s something many of us struggle with.
I remember a time in my life when I was juggling too many things at once – work, family, personal commitments. I thought I could handle it all on my own. But it was too much, and I ended up burning out.
That’s when I realized the importance of asking for help.
Understanding that we can’t do everything alone and reaching out for support when needed is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a sign of strength and maturity.
Knowing when to ask for help shows that you understand your limitations and aren’t afraid to seek assistance.
So if you’ve learned to reach out and ask for help when you need it, take comfort in the fact that you’re in a good place.
It suggests you’re self-aware, humble, and practical – all signs of being in a good place in life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
9) You’re kind to yourself
Here we are, at the final sign. And it’s perhaps the most important one.
Being kind to yourself.
We often extend kindness to others, but how often do we show the same compassion to ourselves?
Being able to forgive yourself for past mistakes, treating yourself with respect, and celebrating your accomplishments — these are all signs of self-kindness.
And if you’re practicing self-kindness, then you’re definitely in a good place.
Why?
Because it means you understand your worth. You treat yourself with the respect and kindness that you deserve. That is everything — it’s foundational to making decisions that are right for you.
So if you’re gentle with yourself, celebrating your wins, and forgiving your losses, you’re doing great.
Final thoughts
So has this list convinced you that you’re actually doing well? Sometimes, we just need a little perspective to see all the things we’re doing right in life.
And if you don’t think you’re quite there yet, that’s okay. At least now you know which areas to improve on so you can reach a place of peace and contentment.
Remember, it’s not about ticking off every single point on this list. It’s about recognizing that even if things aren’t perfect, you’re still doing okay.
