Ethan Sterling
I’ll admit, I’m guilty of getting so caught up in the daily grind that I often overlook the progress I’ve. And chances are, you are too.
We’re always quick to point out our failures, yet we struggle to acknowledge our achievements.
By doing this, we create the perception that we’re not doing well in life, when often, that’s not the case.
Thriving in life doesn’t always look like shiny cars or grand vacations. Sometimes, it’s subtle, quiet, and may not even seem like success at all.
This is why it’s so crucial to recognize the little signs that show you’re actually doing well in life, even though it may not feel like it.
To help you see the growth and progress happening beneath the surface in your life, I’m sharing eight signs that suggest you’re quietly thriving.
1) You’re comfortable with saying no
Ever notice how we often find ourselves saying yes to things we don’t really want to do?
It’s as if we are programmed to please others, even at the cost of our own peace of mind.
But here’s the thing – if you find yourself saying no more often, that’s a clear sign you’re thriving.
It means you understand your limits and values, and you’re not afraid to uphold them.
Saying no isn’t about being selfish. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being.
So if you find yourself turning down requests that don’t align with your goals or values, take a moment to appreciate this.
It’s one of those quiet signs that shows you’re truly thriving in life.
2) You’ve cut out toxic relationships
I remember a time when I surrounded myself with people who would constantly bring me down. They were energy drainers, always negative and rarely supportive.
I felt trapped, but I was scared to cut ties because I didn’t want to be alone.
But then, I realized that it’s better to be alone than in bad company.
So, I let go of these toxic relationships.
And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy.
There were tears and arguments. But eventually, there was peace.
A sense of relief washed over me and I felt lighter than ever before.
Letting go of toxic relationships is not about holding grudges, it’s about growing up.
It’s about understanding that not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever.
If you’ve done this, trust me, you’re quietly thriving in life.
It takes a lot of courage and self-love to walk away from relationships that no longer serve you positively.
3) You celebrate others’ success
In an era defined by social media highlight reels, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap.
When someone else’s success can feel like your failure, it’s a sign that your self-esteem is taking a hit.
However, if you genuinely feel happy for other people’s achievements, that’s a subtle sign of personal growth.
It shows that you understand everyone is on their own unique journey, and another person’s success doesn’t diminish your own.
Did you know the Sanskrit language has a word, “Mudita,” which means finding joy in another’s happiness?
Practicing Mudita is a mark of emotional maturity and a sign that you’re quietly thriving in life.
4) You embrace change
Change is a constant factor in life. It can be unnerving and often uncomfortable.
However, embracing change rather than resisting it is a clear sign that you’re thriving.
If you’re open to new experiences, willing to learn new things, and ready to let go of old habits and beliefs, you’re on the right track.
This adaptability shows that you’re not just surviving, but thriving in life.
Being comfortable with change means you’re in tune with the fact that life evolves and so should we.
So if you find yourself adjusting your sails to the changing winds rather than fighting against them, pat yourself on the back.
You’re doing better than you think.
5) You’re kind to yourself
In a world that constantly pushes us to be better, do more, and never settle, it’s easy to become our own harshest critics.
But here’s a little secret – thriving in life is not just about achieving more. It’s also about being kind to yourself.
If you’ve learned to treat yourself with compassion, acknowledge your efforts, and forgive your mistakes, you’re quietly thriving.
You’re understanding that it’s okay not to be perfect, it’s okay to have bad days and it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes.
Being kind to yourself is the first step towards self-love.
And self-love is the foundation of a fulfilling life.
So the next time you stumble, instead of berating yourself, pick yourself up, dust off the dirt, and move forward with kindness and grace.
That’s a true sign of personal growth.
6) You value experiences over possessions
There was a time when I thought accumulating things would make me happy.
The latest gadgets, designer clothes, luxury cars – I thought they were the key to a fulfilling life.
But as I got older, I realized that the joy these things brought was fleeting.
It was the moments of connection with loved ones, the awe-inspiring sunsets, the thrill of trying something new and out of my comfort zone – these were what truly enriched my life.
Research backs this up, as studies confirm that people attain more happiness through experiences than possessions.
So if you find yourself prioritizing experiences over material possessions, that’s a sign you’re thriving.
It shows that you understand true happiness lies not in what we have but in what we feel, who we are with, and what we can learn.
7) You have a healthy work-life balance
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of work, work, work.
But if you’ve managed to strike a balance between your professional commitments and personal life, it’s a sign that you’re thriving.
Having a healthy work-life balance means understanding that while work is important, it’s not everything.
It’s about making time for the things and people you love and ensuring you also have time for rest and rejuvenation.
A healthy work-life balance isn’t about working less; it’s about working smart.
It’s about knowing when to push hard and when to step back.
Research shows that a having a healthy work-life balance lowers stress, emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression.
So if you’ve mastered this delicate dance, give yourself a pat on the back.
You’re doing better than you think.
8) You’re content with what you have
In a world that’s always urging us to want more, being content with what you have is a significant sign of personal growth.
It’s not about settling or giving up on your dreams, but about appreciating your journey and where it’s brought you.
Contentment is an inner sense of fulfillment that isn’t swayed by external circumstances. Instead, it comes from:
- Enjoying the simple things
- Finding joy in the everyday
- Being grateful for the present
If you’ve reached a place where you can say “I have enough” and truly mean it, you’re not just surviving, but thriving in life.
This quiet sense of contentment is perhaps the strongest sign that you’re doing much better than you think.
Reflecting on your journey
Do you resonate with these signs? If so, congrats, as it’s an indication that you’re quietly thriving in life, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
If you take one thing away from this article, make it it this; Growth often happens in silence, in the moments we least expect.
So even if there is no “visible” progress in your life right now, there is a very good chance that you’re still doing better than you think.
