Success is a tricky thing to measure.
Often, we tie it to the tangible – money in the bank, the car in our driveway or the title on our business card. But, is that really all there is to it?
I believe success is about more than just material wealth. It’s about hitting certain milestones in life that truly make us feel accomplished.
These markers of success are often overlooked, yet they’re integral to our sense of fulfillment. So, let’s dive into those unnoticed milestones that may just prove you’re more successful than you think.
1) You’ve learned to be self-sufficient
Learning to stand on your own two feet is a huge milestone in life.
It’s not just about paying your own bills or doing your own laundry. It’s about having the skills and mindset to navigate life’s ups and downs independently.
Being self-sufficient means you can take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and financially. You don’t need to rely on others to meet your needs or make your decisions.
You might not think of it as a significant achievement, especially when you’re bogged down with everyday tasks. But the ability to be self-reliant is a clear indication of success.
So, if you’ve reached a point where you can truly say you’re self-sufficient, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing better than you think.
2) You’ve overcome a major obstacle
Overcoming obstacles is another unavoidable part of life. And believe me, I’ve had my fair share.
A few years ago, I lost my job unexpectedly. It was a tough time, filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. I had bills to pay and it seemed like every door was closing on me.
But rather than let it defeat me, I took it as an opportunity to reassess my career path and find something that truly suited me. It was a tough journey, but I eventually found a career that not only pays the bills but also brings me joy.
Overcoming that obstacle gave me strength and resilience I never knew I had. It was a significant milestone in my life.
If you’ve faced and overcome a major setback in your life, consider it a measure of your success. It’s proof of your resilience, adaptability, and determination to keep moving forward despite the challenges.
3) You’ve built strong relationships
Building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships is no easy task. It requires time, effort, and a whole lot of patience.
Scientists have found that one of the most significant factors contributing to our happiness is our relationships with others. This isn’t limited to romantic relationships, but includes friendships, family ties, and even professional connections.
The ability to foster these relationships implies emotional intelligence and a high degree of empathy—qualities that are widely recognized as indicators of success.
Research consistently shows that our happiness is deeply rooted in the quality of our relationships. This goes beyond romance; it includes friendships, family bonds, and even connections with colleagues. These relationships form the foundation of a fulfilling and resilient life.
Cultivating meaningful relationships also reflects emotional intelligence and empathy—traits that are not only vital for personal growth but are also hallmarks of true success.
If you’ve built a circle of strong, supportive connections, don’t take that for granted — it’s actually quite a remarkable and meaningful accomplishment!
4) You’re comfortable with who you are
In a world that’s constantly trying to change us, being comfortable with who you are is quite an achievement. After all, many people go through life never fully embracing their authentic selves, let alone celebrating them.
Being at ease with yourself means you’ve learned to accept your strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about self-awareness and self-compassion. This level of confidence allows you to navigate life with a sense of clarity and purpose, unshaken by the opinions or expectations of others.
When you’re comfortable in your own skin, you radiate a quiet confidence that can’t be faked. It’s a success that comes from within, and it’s one of the most liberating milestones you can achieve.
5) You’ve learned to forgive and move on
Forgiveness isn’t always easy. I remember a time in my life when someone I trusted deeply betrayed me. It hurt, and for a while, I held onto that pain and resentment.
But eventually, I realized that holding onto anger was only hurting me. It was like carrying around a heavy backpack everywhere I went. The day I decided to forgive was the day I dropped that weight.
Learning to forgive doesn’t mean you have to forget what happened or even reconcile with the person who hurt you. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment and making peace with the past.
If you’ve managed to do this, it shows a level of emotional maturity and inner strength that is truly commendable. It’s definitely a sign of success in personal growth.
As author and spiritual leader Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire.”
6) You’ve accomplished a long-term goal
Setting a goal is easy, but seeing it through to the end can be quite a challenge.
Whether it’s earning a degree, buying a house, starting a business, or running a marathon, accomplishing a long-term goal takes dedication, perseverance, and hard work.
Achieving such a goal doesn’t just give you something to show for your efforts. It also boosts your self-confidence and reinforces your belief in your abilities.
So if you’ve set your sights on a big goal and achieved it, that’s a clear sign of success. It shows you have the tenacity and determination to make your dreams a reality.
7) You’re content with what you have
In a world fueled by consumerism and the constant pressure to want more, being content with what you have is a rare and deeply valuable milestone.
It’s a mindset that allows you to step off the hamster wheel of endless comparison and truly savor the life you’ve built.
Contentment doesn’t mean you’ve stopped dreaming or striving for growth. Instead, it’s about finding gratitude and joy in the present moment, while recognizing that happiness isn’t tied to acquiring more.
This balance between ambition and appreciation is what leads to lasting inner peace.
When you’re content with what you have, you unlock the freedom to live fully, unburdened by the endless pursuit of “more.” It’s this quiet sense of fulfillment that forms the foundation of a truly successful life.
Final thoughts
Success isn’t always about flashy achievements or ticking off society’s checklist. It’s about the personal milestones that shape your life and bring you fulfillment. If you’ve hit these seven milestones, you’re already ahead in ways that truly matter.
So, instead of comparing yourself to others or chasing arbitrary goals, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Celebrate those milestones, because they’re the foundation of a life well-lived.
After all, true success isn’t about how the world sees you; it’s about the quiet victories that bring you joy, purpose, and a sense of wholeness.
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