7 signs you’re actually winning at life, even if you don’t realize it

We’ve all seen the #winning memes. 

Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have tiger blood coursing through our veins, like Charlie Sheen. But that doesn’t mean you’re not killing it. Honestly, that’s probably a bonus. 

Of course, “winning” can mean any number of things. 

And the truth is, it’s all about perspective. Not just money, looks, brains, or competitive success.

So if you’re sitting at home pondering, “Am I winning at life?” here are seven signs you actually are and don’t even realize it!

Do I have your attention? Great.

Let’s jump right in.

1) You get a kick out of life 

Call it blind optimism or a positive mindset. You’re happy and everybody knows it!

And this chipper mood keeps you going, no matter what. 

In fact, it’s proven that having a positive outlook can vastly improve your mental well-being. And the same goes for gratitude. 

At the end of the day, you feel blessed and know how to find joy in simple pleasures. 

Not only that, but you’re grateful for what you do have and you refuse to focus on the things you don’t. 

Ultimately, that’s all that matters.

2) You overcome challenge after challenge

Sure, life doesn’t always go to plan. But you understand that things aren’t always a bed of roses. 

And as Robert Burns once said, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

A lesson you’ve learned firsthand.

However, how we choose to deal with these unexpected hiccups shapes us as people. 

And that’s where your positive mindset kicks in again!

Even through adversity, you somehow come back stronger. All the while displaying a big smile on your face and a resilient attitude to match.

And that reflects a level of true emotional maturity and social intelligence only someone who’s winning at life can appreciate. 

After all, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade… then add salt and tequila to make it a party!

3) You have a healthy support system

Building and maintaining relationships is a big part of being human. 

As we get older, these connections can become extremely meaningful, especially if they’ve managed to stand the test of time.

And it can be very rewarding to have a person you trust to share both the good and the bad times together.

It could be a family member, friend, coworker, or significant other. 

Either way, if you have people who care about you, and whom you care about in return, it can signal that you have a healthy and fulfilling existence. 

But that’s not all.

Research shows that having a strong social network can benefit your self-esteem and mental well-being. 

4) You have an excellent work-life balance

To be a winner, you have to work hard, right? Well, not necessarily. 

Life is all about finding a balance between work, personal time, and leisure activities. 

Most of all, you need to find a way to avoid burnout. 

That’s why it’s important to schedule some “me time”. 

And according to this study, making time for yourself can make you more productive in the long run. After all, time is a precious commodity.

Of course, there’s no need to overcomplicate it. That wouldn’t be very relaxing now, would it?

It can be anything from a walk around the block to a trip to the gym or a holiday abroad with the family. It can even be the very act of doing nothing at all. 

Basically, there are no rules for “me time”. It’s just a way for you to gather your thoughts, recharge your batteries, and become a well-rounded person.

And to quote an old proverb, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

5) You’re ticking off your bucket list one item at a time

If you want to succeed in life, you need to set goals. 

And at this point in life, you’ve got that down to an art form. 

Not only does having something to work towards give you purpose. But there’s a massive amount of satisfaction in achieving your personal and professional dreams – both big and small. 

Perhaps you want to travel the world or land that big promotion at work. 

By writing it down and making a plan you can easily track your progress and break it down into more manageable tasks. 

As a result, you’re more likely to triumph and achieve all that you want out of life, one check mark at a time. 

6) You treat your body like a temple

Whatever your goals in life it’s important not to neglect your mental and physical health. 

And while you may not realize it, that trip to the gym did more than help you fit into that pair of jeans. 

Research shows that exercise can help reduce stress. Plus, making healthy choices overall promotes self-discipline, a winning trait that pushes you to get stuff done. 

Not to mention, your commitment to something you love is a victory in itself.

Of course, this isn’t limited to fitness. 

Eating a healthy diet has also been proven to boost your mental well-being. 

7) You love helping others

Finally, what better sign is there that you’re “winning at life”, than helping others? 

Not only is it a nice thing to do. But positively contributing to your community or supporting the people around you can provide an enormous sense of purpose and accomplishment.

And research shows that altruism can relieve stress. 

But wait! There’s more. 

According to experts, acts of kindness, support, or mentorship can improve your physical health too. For instance, lowering your blood pressure. 

Furthermore, this study found that people who volunteered were more likely to live longer than those who didn’t. 

Let me explain. 

I think that we can all agree that giving back has a positive impact on your mood. 

Well, that happy feeling has some science behind it. 

Dubbed the “helper’s high”, our brain releases “feel-good” chemicals (i.e. Dopamine, Serotonin, and Oxytocin) into our body after we complete a good deed. 

In turn, these chemicals make us feel more engaged, joyful, and at peace. All of these are hallmarks of a rich, fulfilling, and content life. 

Sounds like winning to me!