10 signs you’re doing better at life than you think you are

For better or worse, we live in a world of comparisons. With a brief scroll through Instagram or TikTok, we’ll see countless people (both strangers and friends) living seemingly ‘perfect’ lives, often leaving us pretty feeling glum about ourselves in the process. 

Maybe we feel like we’re lacking a digit or two in our bank account or that engagement ring like everyone from high school or the business class seats to some exotic locale. But remember, being happy is all perspective!

Some of you are totally crushing it in life without even realizing how lucky you truly are. Do you sometimes feel this way? Here are 10 signs! Let’s get to it.  

1) Your relationships are rock solid

Let me be real: if your only gauge for success is material or financial achievements, then you’re doing it wrong. 

Some of the happiest people in the world don’t have much, but they do have strong relationships with family or friends or their community. The difference with them is their perspective

If you have close friends and family that love and care about you, then guess what? You’re already ahead of the curve. 

Don’t overlook these valuable relationships or take them for granted; they’ll be there through the thick and thin regardless of how much is in your bank account or whether you get that job promotion or not. 

2) You lean towards a positive mindset

I won’t beat around the bush, the way in which we think and process things is extremely important to our overall well-being. 

We’ve all gone through some pretty tough times, particularly during the pandemic, but maintaining a smile in spite of it all is a showcase of your resilience and inner strength. 

I personally know a lot of people who have been completely burned out or defeated by Covid, having had to shut down their businesses or lose their hard-earned jobs. 

I’m well aware it’s easier said than done, but having that ability to bounce back and get back on your feet is one badass sign of toughness and grit, two qualities that are pretty rare in this world. 

If you think this way, you’re indestructible. Think Steve Jobs after he was kicked out of Apple in the 80s. He didn’t wallow in self-pity for very long; he pivoted with a positive attitude… and we all know how that ended up. 

Having said, being financially stable doesn’t exactly hurt either…

3) You pay the bills on time

You don’t have to be Warren Buffet or Jay-Z, but having a degree of financial stability during these trying times already places you in a privileged class in some ways. 

Paying your rent, mortgage, and student loan on time and being able to still save a little in an economic state is volatile as today’s? Yup, you’re totally crushing it. 

Regardless of what you see on social media, the reality is many, many people are struggling to make ends meet in the highly capitalist society we inhabit. 

So if your finances are in order and you don’t constantly have to worry about your monthly payments, then that’s a tremendous weight off. Trust me when I say this: you’re doing better than most people. And yes, again, crushing it! 

And unless you have a trust fund, then you’ve probably had to work for your achievements. This brings me to my next point…

4) You don’t mind getting your hands dirty 

No, we don’t mean pursuing a career in garbage collection or being an auto-mechanic (although these aren’t bad options.) 

What I mean when I say you’re “willing to get your hands dirty” is that you know the value of working hard. And when you have a job, regardless of what it is, you’re committed to doing your best. 

It may or may not be evident now, but having this mentality is rare! In the long run, you’ll be viewed as an absolute asset in whatever career path you choose. 

I remember an HR manager telling me that when hiring, she valued attitude and work ethic even more than the list of skills on the resume. If you have the latter, I guarantee that you’re crushing (or will be very soon!), so keep it up.

Having a sense of purpose is a pillar of hard work. And now that we’re on the subject…

5) You have a sense of purpose

Some people are slaves to routine. They get up in the morning, go to work, then go back home, order takeaway, and watch a bit of TV. Then repeat the cycle for years.

It’s safe, it enables them to survive and pay the bills. But is this kind of life truly fulfilling?

You, on the other hand, have a sense of purpose and ambition in life that many of your peers lack. You might not be where you want to be at this very moment, but you’re working your way towards an end goal, slowly but surely, one day at a time. 

You may have a boring desk job, but you’re well aware that it’s just a means to an end. 

Maybe you want to open your own business or learn a skill in tech or real estate. You constantly have your long-term goals in sight. And guess what? This means you’re crushing it.

And now that we’re on the topic of learning…

6) You have the willingness to grow

Here’s the thing: a lot of people are content with the humdrum of everyday life–of living in a bubble. 

Not you, though. You’re constantly embracing new opportunities to learn and grow as a person. You’re just a naturally curious person.  

This willingness to learn and grow is a pretty uncommon quality in this world. You tend to get bored with the same experiences, the same people, etc. 

You actively seek out things that enrich you as an individual: travel, self-help classes, meeting people from different backgrounds, books, etc. 

If you’re always on the lookout for opportunities to grow and learn new things, then expect to stand out. The journey for knowledge never ends, and you abide by this philosophy… this also means you’re crushing in life.

But having said all that, try staying healthy, too… 

7) You’re in good physical (and mental) shape 

Sometimes when you’re more down or stressed than normal, someone might occasionally tell you, “Well, at least you have your health.” 

I’ve come to realize that the latter isn’t just some passing comment; that taking good care of yourself really matters in the end. 

Regardless of what the situation is in your work or personal life, as long as you are exercising regularly and eating a clean diet (the occasional cheat day is okay, though!), then you’re in a pretty good place.

Opportunities and people come and go, but all that’s irrelevant if you’re not in good health. And as we all know, being healthy physically leads to vastly improved mental health too. Being healthy should be a no-brainer.

So if you consider yourself a healthy person, then you’re crushing it in life! Or at least in a prime position to do so. 

You can get even more motivated to be healthy by surrounding yourself with the right people…

8) You have a supportive circle of friends

I’m going to be honest with you, if you’re constantly around positive people, then the sky is the limit! 

And of course, the opposite is true, too: cynical, problematic, and toxic peers will just bring you down and hinder your personal growth. 

Even if you don’t feel you’re where you want to be yet, it helps to surround yourself with people who uplift, nourish, and inspire you to maximize your potential and be a better person all around. 

They support your dreams and goals but are also constructively candid if need be.

Besides, having a solid network of motivating people will rub off on you eventually. Their habits and behaviors will organically become a part of you. 

They can help you in difficult times–whether it’s through moral support, opening doors, or possibly even financial help, if necessary. Having a supportive network puts you ahead of the game!  

9) Your attitude is gratitude 

I’ve always agreed with the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This is particularly true in today’s world, where (as we’ve established) endless comparing is so accessible and therefore so prevalent. 

People that are crushing it in life tend to have a more illuminated perspective than a lot of us. 

They may not be driving a Lamborghini or own a penthouse along Fifth Avenue, but they’re grateful for what they do have. Both big and little things.

This can be something as simple as a happy relationship, dogs to go home to, or even a roof over their heads. 

Measuring success in life isn’t shouldn’t be limited to monetary things, and your innate gratitude helps you maintain a contented and happy attitude even when things get difficult.

You spread this energy in many ways, which brings me to my next point…  

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10) You’re a force for good in the world

Let’s face it — the world is far from a perfect place. It’s no utopia. Yet you try to make it a better place in your own ways – this can mean charitable or volunteer work or just being kind and generous to others…particularly to those who need it more than the rest.  

Leave all the noise behind, if you’re improving the situation of those around you, you’re crushing it hard like a teenage girl for Harry Styles. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! 

In conclusion, I strongly suggest you minimize the doom-scrolling and start living your life the way you really desire.

Remember, what you see on social media isn’t always reality. Have goals in mind, but also be grateful for the things you do have. Cherish the people in your corner. I promise you, you’re doing just fine. And if you ticked off a few boxes on this list, then you’re positively crushing it. Keep on keeping on! 

 

Picture of Daniel Mabanta

Daniel Mabanta

Daniel Mabanta is a freelance writer and editor, entrepreneur and an avid traveler, adventurer and eater. He lives a nomadic life, constantly on the move. He is currently in Manila, Philippines and deciding where his next destination will be.

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