Do you ever find yourself wondering whether you’re truly making progress in life?
I’ve been there.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to step back and see how far you’ve actually come. We often focus so much on where we want to go that we overlook the small yet significant shifts happening right in front of us.
Progress isn’t always about those big, obvious moments; sometimes, it’s the subtle signs that tell you you’re finally starting to get ahead.
Today, we’ll break down seven key signs that show you’re getting ahead in life.
Ready to see how far you’ve come?
Let’s dive in.
1) You’ve started valuing your time
One of the first signs you’re finally starting to get ahead in life is when you start valuing your time.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but it’s how you use those hours that truly matters. When you start prioritizing your time, focusing on tasks that bring joy or add value to your life, it’s a clear indication you’re moving forward.
Maybe you’ve stopped wasting time on meaningless activities or people who drain you emotionally. Perhaps you’ve started investing time in personal growth and healthy relationships.
This shift in mindset is a significant step towards achieving success and happiness in life.
2) You’re no longer worried about what others think
“How great a rest from labour he gains who does not look to what his neighbour says or does or thinks but only what himself is doing”
I remember a time when I used to constantly worry about what people thought of me. I would second-guess my decisions and doubt my capabilities based on someone else’s perception.
But over time, I realized that this was holding me back.
I began to focus on my personal growth, my happiness, and my path. The day I decided to stop worrying about other people’s opinions and start believing in myself was the day I truly started getting ahead in life.
3) You’re developing a growth mindset
This concept, coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, refers to the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and a love of learning.
Contrary to a fixed mindset, which involves believing that our capabilities are static and unchangeable, a growth mindset opens up possibilities for continuous learning and improvement. It’s about understanding that failure is not a permanent condition but a stepping stone to success.
For example, instead of thinking “I’m terrible at this,” you start thinking “What can I learn from this?” This shift in perspective can be transformative, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Dweck explains it perfectly, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”
4) You’re embracing your authentic self
This is a big one. It means letting go of the need to please others and being comfortable with who you truly are.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the idea of self-acceptance and authenticity. I talk about how we can often get caught up in societal expectations, losing touch with our true selves.
But for now, just know that when you start to embrace your strengths, accept your weaknesses, and express your thoughts and feelings sincerely, you’re on the path to genuine progress. This authenticity not only improves your relationship with yourself but also with others around you.
5) You’re comfortable with discomfort
This may sound counter-intuitive, but another sign that you’re getting ahead in life is when you become comfortable with discomfort.
In our path toward growth and success, it’s inevitable to face challenges, setbacks, and situations that push us out of our comfort zone. These moments can be difficult and uncomfortable, but they’re also the ones that stretch us and help us grow.
When you start to see these uncomfortable situations not as hindrances, but as opportunities for learning and personal development, you’re definitely moving forward in life.
As renowned psychiatrist and author M. Scott Peck noted, “It is through the pain of confronting and resolving problems that we learn.”
6) You’re embracing failure as part of the journey
Have you ever been afraid to try something new because you might fail?
It’s a common fear, and one that many people struggle with. However, one of the clearest signs that you’re getting ahead in life is when you start to see failure not as a roadblock but as a stepping stone.
As Einstein once said, “Failure is success in progress.” This quote perfectly captures the essence of growth. Each setback, mistake, or missed opportunity is not the end—it’s a valuable part of the journey that shapes your path forward.
When you learn to embrace failure as a necessary part of learning, it no longer holds the power to stop you in your tracks.
Instead of seeing failure as a reflection of your abilities, you start to see it as feedback—a chance to improve, adjust your course, and keep moving forward. This mindset shift makes all the difference, turning what once felt like defeat into a key ingredient for success.
7) You’re investing in your self-care
The final sign that you’re getting ahead in life is when you start investing in your self-care.
This isn’t about simply indulging in luxurious spa treatments or expensive vacations, but about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Perhaps you’ve started making time for regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, or mindfulness practices. Maybe you’re setting boundaries to protect your energy and emotional health or seeking professional help when needed.
When we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and to contribute positively to the world around us.
The journey of growth
The journey of personal growth and success is a deeply individual one, filled with unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It’s not always a straight path, and it doesn’t always look like what we imagined.
But these signs, these milestones, are there to remind us that we are indeed moving forward, that we are making progress. They serve as a testament to our resilience, our courage, and our commitment to becoming the best version of ourselves.
So as you journey forth in life, remember to celebrate these signs of progress. Embrace the challenges, the discomforts, the failures – for they are not setbacks, but stepping stones to your success.
