Life is a tricky business, isn’t it? We’re often so busy living it that we forget to stop and check how we’re actually doing.
As a psychologist, I can tell you there are some pretty clear signs that you’re doing great in life. And no, it’s not about how much money you have or how many followers you’ve got on Instagram.
In this article, we’ll explore seven indicators that suggest you’re on the right track. If you recognize them in your own life, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re objectively doing great, my friend!
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1) You’re content with what you have
Life can often feel like a race. Everyone’s chasing after something – more money, a bigger house, a better job. And while ambition is certainly important, it can also leave you feeling perpetually unsatisfied.
But here’s the thing. If you’re able to look around and feel genuinely content with what you have, that’s a huge indicator that you’re doing great in life.
This doesn’t mean you don’t have goals or desires for more. It simply means that you’re able to appreciate your current circumstances and find joy in them.
This level of contentment is a sign of emotional maturity and personal fulfillment.
So next time you catch yourself feeling happy with your lot in life, take it as a sign – you’re objectively doing great!
2) You’re able to bounce back from setbacks
Life is full of ups and downs, isn’t it? We all face challenges and setbacks. It’s just part of the journey. But it’s how we respond to these setbacks that truly matters.
For example, I remember a time when I was passed over for a promotion at work. It was a position I had worked hard for and truly believed I deserved. The disappointment was crushing.
But instead of letting it keep me down, I took it as an opportunity to reassess my goals and strengths. I used it as fuel to work even harder and improve in areas I might have overlooked.
The next time the opportunity came up, I was ready and nabbed that promotion.
The ability to bounce back from setbacks is a sign of resilience, a trait that’s crucial for success and wellbeing in life. If you can take life’s punches and keep going, you’re doing better than you might think!
3) You nurture your relationships
Let’s talk about relationships for a moment. Not just romantic ones, but friendships, family ties, even connections with colleagues or neighbors.
Relationships play a key role in our lives. They provide support, bring joy, and help us feel connected. In fact, research has shown that people with strong social relationships are happier, healthier and live longer.
If you find yourself investing time and energy in nurturing your relationships, it’s a clear sign you’re doing well in life.
It shows you understand the importance of connection and are able to maintain healthy bonds with others. This is a fundamental aspect of human wellbeing.
4) You’re not afraid to ask for help
There’s a common misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It’s not. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Asking for help when you need it shows that you understand your own limitations and aren’t too proud to seek assistance. It shows a level of self-awareness and humility that’s truly admirable.
Fact is, we all need a helping hand sometimes, whether it’s in our personal life or at work.
If you’re comfortable reaching out to others when you’re in need, take it as a sign that you’re doing great in life. It means you’re secure enough in yourself to show vulnerability and that’s a strength, not a weakness.
5) You’re comfortable with saying “no”
This one took me a while to learn, and it was a hard lesson.
Like many of us, I used to be a people-pleaser. I’d often say “yes” to things I didn’t want to do or didn’t have time for, just to avoid disappointing others.
But I’ve learned over time that it’s okay to say “no”. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s necessary.
Saying “no” means you respect your own time and energy. It shows you know your worth and aren’t willing to overextend yourself just to keep others happy.
If you’re comfortable with saying “no” when you need to, that’s great! You’re putting yourself first — and that’s crucial for maintaining your mental health and wellbeing.
6) You take care of your physical health
We can’t talk about wellbeing without talking about physical health.
So take a look at your habits. Are you eating a balanced diet? Getting regular exercise? Ensuring you get enough sleep?
If the answer is yes, then you’re doing quite well. It shows you understand the importance of taking care of your body and are willing to make the necessary efforts to do so.
Remember, your body is the vehicle that carries you through life. If you’re taking good care of it, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, healthier journey.
7) You practice self-compassion
Above all else, practicing self-compassion is a key sign that you’re doing great in life. This means treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you’d extend to a loved one in distress.
It’s easy to be hard on ourselves, to fall into patterns of self-criticism and negative self-talk, isn’t it? We’re often our own worst critics.
But learning to give yourself a little grace—to accept that you’re human, too—can be transformative.
When you practice self-compassion, you start to feel a shift. You’re more resilient, more forgiving of your own mistakes, and better equipped to face challenges without feeling defeated.
It’s a small habit, but it makes a huge difference in how you experience life and tackle what comes your way.
Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective
As we navigate through life, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, constantly striving for more and feeling like we’re falling short.
But as a psychologist, I can tell you that success isn’t always about achieving big feats or gaining material wealth.
It’s often found in the little things – in our ability to bounce back from setbacks, in the strength of our relationships, in our self-compassion.
Society would have you believe that life is a race. But it isn’t. It’s not about who has more or who does more. It’s about finding contentment in what we have, nurturing our relationships, and being kind to ourselves.
If you recognize these signs in your life, take a moment to appreciate just how well you’re doing. And even if you don’t see all of them yet, don’t be disheartened. Life is a journey, and every step you take towards these signs is a step towards a fulfilling life.
So keep going, my friend. You’re doing great!
