8 signs you’re a more successful person than you give yourself credit for

Success is a curious thing. We often associate it with flashy cars, towering buildings, or a stuffed bank account. 

But what if success isn’t just about material wealth or grand accolades? What if, instead, success lives in the quieter moments of our lives? in  the personal triumphs that often go unnoticed or undervalued? 

Maybe you’ve been overlooking the signs that you’re actually doing better than you think. Or you’ve been comparing yourself to others and thinking how far you have yet to go.

In this article, I’ll talk about eight signs you’re a more successful person than you give credit for. Hopefully, they’ll make you sit up and realize you’re already winning at life! 

1) You’ve overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable

Remember that time when you thought something was entirely out of your reach?

It might have been passing a tough exam, surviving a rough patch in a relationship, or even just getting through a difficult week at work. 

Fast forward to today, and look at you now…you made it through!

That alone should give you a fresh perspective. It’s easy to overlook the mountains we’ve climbed, focusing only on the ones that lie ahead. 

But those moments when you felt down and out, but pushed through anyway? That’s success – they’re a testament to your strength and perseverance!

So when you’re feeling burdened with a ton of self-doubt, look back at those hurdles you’ve overcome. They’re concrete evidence that you’re more capable and successful than you often give yourself credit for.

What’s more, they’re proof that you have a growth mindset…

2) You continually learn and grow

Any successful person will tell you that a growth mindset is crucial to living meaningful lives.

You see, success isn’t always about reaching a final destination. It’s not a matter of being solely focused on getting from Point A to Point B. 

It’s about the journey itself and the continual pursuit of becoming a better version of ourselves.

If you’re someone who embraces learning and personal growth, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re embodying one of the true signs of a successful person, even if you don’t always feel like one.

3) You make a positive impact on others

Though the world might have you thinking otherwise, success isn’t just about personal achievements or material wealth. 

Personally, I think a greater measure of success is how much light you give out in the world. 

I love these words from poet Amanda Gorman: 

“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.”

I think it perfectly encapsulates the difference we can make in the world and the sense of purpose we can have, no matter how “small” we think we are. 

Maybe you’re not a world-famous philanthropist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a significant difference in people’s lives.

So, think about the small, everyday gestures that create ripples of positivity:

• Listening to a friend in need
• Helping a colleague at work
• Volunteering in your community
• Teaching and inspiring others

On the surface, those acts don’t really have that “wow” factor we associate with success, do they? 

But you know what? I think they make a huge impact – they make life immensely fulfilling and meaningful.  And that’s always a sign of success for me!

4) You have a sense of purpose

Speaking about impact brings me to my next point, which is that you have a sense of purpose. 

Sure, you might not be as wealthy as you’d like to be, but if you have a purpose – that means you’ve connected with something larger than yourself. 

Something that gives meaning to your everyday life. 

Maybe you’ve found your purpose in nurturing your family, contributing to your community, creating art, or even in your career. It’s different for everyone, and that’s what makes it so personal and powerful.

Here’s why a sense of purpose is a clear sign of success:

• You live and work according to your core values.
• Your purpose leads you to contribute positively to the world.
• Your purpose brings a deep sense of satisfaction that no external achievement can match. 

If you’ve found that driving force that makes you jump out of bed in the morning, eager to face the day, then you’re experiencing success in one of its most profound and meaningful forms.

5) You choose the people around you 

…And they are good people. 

There was a time in my life when I realized I was surrounded by negativity. The friends I had were more interested in complaining and criticizing than uplifting and supporting. 

The turning point came when I made the conscious decision to seek out and nurture relationships with positive, inspiring individuals.

See, the company we keep plays an integral role in our success. 

Choosing to surround ourselves with good-hearted, supportive people isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about creating an environment that inspires and motivates us to be our best selves. 

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of surrounding yourself with good people is the reflection they provide of your own inner goodness. Their kindness, integrity, and genuine friendship mirror the values and qualities you hold dear.

Choosing to invest in relationships with good people is not just a personal preference; it’s a sign of success in understanding what truly matters in life. 

If you look around and see that you’ve created a circle filled with love, respect, and authentic connection, then take a moment to recognize this incredible achievement.

6) You make choices that are good for you

Aside from picking the right kind of people to surround yourself with, you also strive to make choices that are good for you. 

Not what society says. Not what your emotions urge you to do. 

I’m talking about being self-aware enough to cut through all that noise and listen to your inner voice. Because as I mentioned earlier, a successful life is one where your path aligns with your true passions and values. 

When you can do that, you’re honoring yourself and recognizing what you need to thrive, whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal well-being.

These choices may not always be easy. They might involve walking away from something familiar or taking a risk on something new. 

And it’s not just about the heavy stuff or the one-time, life-altering decisions you make. It’s also about the little everyday choices like: 

• Choosing healthy meals and making time to exercise
• Saying “no” when you need to
• Investing time in your hobbies
• Building strong personal relationships

These might seem small, but every time you make a choice that’s genuinely good for you, give yourself credit. You’re consciously shaping your life in a way that honors the unique and successful person you are. 

7) You have enough money to have the freedom to make positive choices

I know I’ve said that success isn’t solely about material wealth. But I think it would be unrealistic to say we’re successful when we live a hand-to-mouth existence. 

Unfortunately, many people live that way – paycheck to paycheck. And it really gets in the way of making positive choices like the ones I mentioned above. 

For example, they might need to make do with eating processed foods because they are cheaper than fresh, nutritious foods. 

They might have to forego medical care because of limited financial resources. 

I could go on and on with more examples, but you get the idea. 

So, if you’re making enough money to enjoy the freedom of doing what you WANT to do, as opposed to what you HAVE to do…you’re more successful than you give yourself credit for. 

8) You have a strong moral compass

Finally, I want to talk about the heart of true success – a spirit of integrity. 

Integrity and morals are often overlooked in a world where success is frequently measured in material terms. 

Yet, these principles are the bedrock of a life well-lived. They are often the defining characteristics of those who achieve lasting and meaningful success.

Integrity is about being true to yourself, standing up for what’s right, and being honest in all your dealings. 

It’s about the choices you make when no one’s watching. 

And you know what? It truly is priceless. 

As billionaire and philanthropist Henry Kravis once said, “If you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. You can’t buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral and ethical person, you really have nothing.”

Final thoughts

So, do you see these signs in your life? If you do, then congratulations! You’ve built a life not just of achievements, but of meaning, value, and true fulfillment. 

If you ask me, that’s something to be truly proud of!