Crafting a life of success isn’t always accompanied by confetti and clear-cut milestones. Sometimes, you’re doing better than you think, even if you’re not seeing obvious results yet.
In my experience, the path often feels winding or uncertain, and we don’t realize we’re making progress until we look back and see how far we’ve come.
But there are subtle indicators—clues that show you’re building a solid foundation for success, despite any lingering self-doubt.
Let’s dive into seven of these non-obvious signs.
1. You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable
I know this might sound paradoxical, but feeling uncertain or even a bit uneasy can be a positive sign.
When you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, you’re usually learning new skills or taking on fresh challenges. That nagging feeling of “Should I really be doing this?” is often the best indicator that you’re pushing your boundaries.
From what I’ve observed, people who learn to embrace discomfort tend to grow faster. They aren’t afraid to make mistakes because they see mistakes as natural steps in the learning process.
This lines up with what Cal Newport wrote: “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” When you push yourself into uncharted territory, you quickly realize what truly matters to you, and you stop stressing over trivialities.
So if you’ve been feeling more nerves than usual, or if you’re consistently doing things you’ve never done before, that’s a good thing.
It means you’re actively expanding your skill set, your mindset, and your resilience, all of which are sure indicators you’re on the right track—even if it feels scary in the moment.
2. You’re listening to critical feedback (instead of ignoring it)
When I worked in digital marketing, one of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with client feedback.
Early on, I took every critique personally, as if it were a direct assault on my abilities. Over time, though, I realized that real progress happened when I looked beyond the sting of criticism and saw the lessons buried within it.
A sign you’re on the path to success is that you don’t instantly shut down or argue when you hear tough feedback.
Instead, you pause, reflect, and ask questions like, “How can I use this?” or “Is there truth in what they’re saying?” This attitude shows you’re far more invested in growth than in ego protection.
So the next time someone offers you constructive criticism, take it as a sign you’re mature enough to handle reality checks—an undeniable indicator of future success.
3. You’re drawn to new questions more than easy answers
Ever notice how some people want instant solutions for everything?
They watch a quick tutorial online, do the bare minimum, and then wonder why they’re stuck. Meanwhile, others keep asking “why,” “how,” and “what if” even after finding a workable solution.
If you’re the type of person who values exploring different angles and digging deeper, you’re laying a strong foundation for success.
Curiosity is the gateway to innovation—it keeps you adaptable and resourceful. This trait is crucial because success in a rapidly changing world demands adaptability, not just memorizing the “right” answers.
Here at DM News, we’ve covered the importance of curiosity in a previous post (I’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating): staying curious means you can pivot when circumstances change, and you don’t cling to outdated methods.
So if your mind is brimming with “What’s next?” questions, that’s a telling sign you’re onto something bigger.
4. You celebrate small wins but still want more
I remember the first time I landed a modest freelance writing gig.
It paid pennies compared to what I’d make later, but I felt this surge of excitement because it was proof that someone valued my work.
Rather than dismissing it as “too small,” I allowed myself a moment to be proud—then set out to land bigger projects.
That blend of satisfaction and ambition is a powerful force. If you find yourself acknowledging small milestones—like improving your daily routine, hitting a mini fitness goal, or saving a bit more money this month—yet remain motivated to tackle the next target, you’re definitely on a growth trajectory.
Experts like Greg McKeown emphasize the value of clarity and simplicity when building on small successes. McKeown famously said, “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”
Setting mini-goals and celebrating their completion keeps your priorities in sharp focus. The fact that you can appreciate what you’ve accomplished—and still crave further progress—speaks volumes about your staying power.
5. You’re surrounded by the right people (even if it’s a small circle)
Not everyone has a massive network of cheerleaders, mentors, or role models. But even having a few people who understand your vision, respect your drive, and encourage you can be a game-changer.
It’s not always obvious, but when your immediate circle is composed of people who genuinely support your growth and hold you accountable, you’ll notice subtle shifts in your mindset.
You might take more calculated risks, share more openly about your goals, or even seek deeper insights from those around you.
The presence of just one or two quality relationships in your life can boost your morale and propel you forward. As Gary Vaynerchuk once said, “Skills are cheap. Passion is priceless.”
Surrounding yourself with people who nurture your passion—rather than dismiss it—means you’re steering your life in a direction where success is far more likely to bloom.
6. You feel the urge to pivot (and you do)
Being on the right track doesn’t always mean you’re laser-focused on one narrow goal.
In fact, it could mean you’re noticing that something about your current approach feels off, so you adapt your strategy accordingly.
When you start feeling the itch to pivot—whether it’s changing a business plan, shifting a personal habit, or rethinking your career path—and you actually follow through, that’s a major sign of growth.
Pivoting doesn’t mean you’re flailing around; it indicates that you’re paying attention to real-world feedback and adjusting to improve your outcomes.
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs and innovators pivot multiple times before they land on the right formula.
If you can sense when you need to change direction, and you act on that feeling instead of ignoring it, you’re being proactive—and that is a hallmark of people who end up succeeding in big ways.
At DM News, we believe this mindset is essential for ongoing improvement. After all, if what you’re doing isn’t delivering results or fulfilling you, why stick with it?
Embracing the pivot is a sign that you’re confident enough to keep recalibrating until you find what truly works.
7. You’re staying true to your core values
Finally, one subtle indicator you’re on the right track is that you haven’t sacrificed what matters most to you.
Maybe you’ve passed on certain opportunities because they didn’t align with your ethics. Or you’ve stood up for your principles when it would’ve been easier to remain silent.
I recall a moment in my marketing days when a lucrative opportunity arose to promote a product I didn’t believe in.
I turned it down because it clashed with my personal ethos. Sure, I lost a nice paycheck, but it felt right—and ironically, that decision attracted new clients who valued authenticity.
Standing firm on your values shows you have a vision for what success truly means, beyond mere financial gain. You recognize that achieving your goals shouldn’t come at the cost of your integrity.
It’s non-obvious because it might look like a missed chance, but in the long run, it shows you’re playing the kind of long game that leads to lasting achievement.
Putting it all together
Sometimes, success doesn’t announce itself with flashing lights and immediate rewards.
It shows up as a series of subtle shifts: learning to handle criticism, staying curious, celebrating small wins, sticking to your core values—these quiet signs are often the real markers that you’re on track.
If you recognize yourself in any of the points above, rest assured you’re making headway, even if it feels like you’re just inching along.
Progress isn’t always loud or obvious. Often, it’s found in the way you grow from feedback, pivot when needed, expand your comfort zone, and remain true to who you are.
Keep going. Success might be closer than you think. And remember, here at DM News, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.
