I remember a time in my early 20s when I believed “doing well in life” meant ticking off all the traditional boxes—landing a prestigious job, getting engaged by a certain age, and making sure my social media feed looked picture-perfect.
But as the years have passed, I’ve realized that measuring our progress with rigid, one-size-fits-all standards often leads to more stress than satisfaction.
Sometimes the real signs of success aren’t headline-worthy moments but the small, subtle shifts in our day-to-day existence.
They’re the quiet triumphs that let us know we’ve come a long way, even if we’re not where we thought we’d be yet.
So, if you’ve been feeling uncertain about how far you’ve come, here are nine small signs that might suggest you’re actually doing better in life than you give yourself credit for.
And maybe—even better than 95% of people out there.
1. You handle disappointments with more grace
One of the first signs I noticed in myself was how I reacted to things not going my way.
In the past, if I received a job rejection or had an argument with a close friend, I’d spiral into self-criticism.
I’d waste hours or even days replaying the scenario, wondering if I was destined for perpetual failure.
Then, at some point, I caught myself coping in a calmer, more constructive way.
If you can bounce back from a setback without sinking into an emotional crisis, that’s a definite win.
Perhaps you schedule some quiet time to reflect or write in your journal. Maybe you talk openly with a friend or simply allow yourself a moment to be upset, then let it go.
These are small, everyday acts of emotional resilience that can make a huge difference in your well-being.
If you notice that you’re quicker to find your balance after life throws you a curveball, you might already be leaps ahead of where you used to be—and quite possibly ahead of those who are still stuck dwelling on the negative.
2. You’re more comfortable being yourself in social situations
I used to feel awkward whenever I walked into a social gathering without a close friend by my side.
My mind would conjure all sorts of insecurities, from whether I was dressed correctly to if I sounded interesting enough.
Over the years, though, I’ve learned that the best impression I can make is to be my genuine self.
If you’ve reached a point where you’re comfortable showing up as you are—without putting on a façade—give yourself a pat on the back.
Confidence doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room.
It’s often about knowing who you are and not apologizing for it.
Pay attention to subtle indicators: Do you feel less pressured to say “yes” to every invitation?
Are you speaking more freely about your interests, even if others find them quirky?
If so, you’re taking strides that many people never even attempt, boosting your authenticity and overall sense of ease.
3. You notice and challenge your limiting beliefs
For a long time, my head was filled with doubtful thoughts like, “I’m not smart enough to launch my own site,” or “I’m not experienced enough to give anyone advice.”
It wasn’t until I started actively questioning those beliefs that I realized how much they held me back.
When we challenge our fears and self-criticisms, we open the door to growth.
Maybe you’ve begun to notice that little voice telling you you’ll fail, but instead of blindly accepting it, you now pause and ask: “Is that really true?”
This shift—however small it may seem—is a monumental step on the path to self-improvement.
I remember stumbling upon Rudá Iandê’s Free Your Mind masterclass when I was at a particularly low point.
I’d been running in circles with the same old doubts: Do I have what it takes to succeed as a writer and mentor?
Through Rudá’s insights, I realized that many of my so-called limitations were self-imposed.
The masterclass guided me to identify which beliefs were outdated and gave me the courage to move forward despite my uncertainties.
I’m not going to detail the exercises, but the experience reminded me of how much we can change our lives simply by examining what we believe about ourselves.
If you’re already starting to spot your own limiting beliefs, I encourage you to keep going.
You’re practicing a level of self-awareness that puts you way ahead of many people who remain trapped by their internal narratives.
4. You no longer feel the need to prove yourself all the time
I vividly recall a period when everything I did felt like a performance for someone else’s approval.
I’d choose outfits I assumed would impress, post only the most flattering photos, and agree to plans I didn’t enjoy—just so I could fit in.
Over time, I got tired of the constant act.
I began to see that living for others’ validation was draining me, and it wasn’t making me any happier in the long run.
These days, I’m more selective about how I spend my energy.
If you’re in a place where you can genuinely say, “I’m doing this because I want to, not because I have something to prove,” you’re further along than you might think.
Remember, internal motivation is a powerful force.
It’s also a sure sign that you’re centered in your own sense of worth rather than scrambling for external praise.
5. You manage your finances thoughtfully—no matter your income
It’s easy to assume “doing better in life” correlates with how much money you make.
But I’ve noticed it’s often more about how you handle the resources you do have.
If you’re earning enough to cover your basic needs but still making a point to save a little or invest in your future goals, that’s a sign of responsible adulting that many people never master.
You might not have a mansion or a sports car, but you have an intentional approach to money that sets you up for long-term stability.
I once facilitated workshops on financial wellness in my community days, and I saw firsthand how having any form of budget plan or emergency fund can significantly lower stress levels.
So even if your income is modest, the fact that you’re making wise choices—paying off debts, setting aside a rainy-day fund, or cutting back on unnecessary spending—shows you’re on a healthy trajectory.
6. Your relationships feel more balanced
I used to pour my energy into one-sided friendships or relationships, always making the plans or checking in first.
At some point, I realized it left me feeling drained and unappreciated, as if I were the only one investing in the connection.
A big milestone in emotional maturity is stepping back and recognizing the difference between healthy reciprocity and relationships that leave you depleted.
When you find yourself surrounded by people who also reach out, provide emotional support, and value your company, that’s a major win.
Feeling supported and seen is a huge indicator of genuine success in life—more than any job title or social media follower count.
After all, relationships have a massive impact on our mental well-being.
So if you’ve built or are in the process of building a community where the love and respect flow both ways, you’re thriving in an area many people overlook.
7. You can sit with your emotions instead of avoiding them
Let’s face it: we live in a world full of distractions.
Whenever something bothers us, it’s tempting to numb out with Netflix, social media, or a glass of wine.
I’m not saying these are always bad.
But there’s an undeniable difference between occasional unwinding and consistently running away from how we feel.
If you’ve grown comfortable acknowledging sadness, loneliness, or frustration without needing a quick fix, it’s a clear sign of emotional maturity.
I realized I was making progress when I started allowing myself five minutes a day just to breathe and check in.
Sometimes I’d cry or write a quick note in my journal.
Other times I’d find myself in a surprisingly calm headspace.
This ability to face your emotions head-on suggests you’re developing resilience.
You recognize that these feelings won’t crush you, and you’re willing to listen to what they have to teach.
That kind of self-awareness might sound small, but it’s actually colossal in terms of personal growth.
8. You take responsibility for your life choices
We’ve all had moments where we blamed our parents, our boss, or the universe for our struggles.
While external factors do play a role, there’s a powerful shift that happens when you go from seeing yourself as a victim to recognizing you have agency.
This doesn’t mean you have absolute control over everything, but you do have control over how you respond and the actions you take.
If you’ve started owning your decisions—both the good and the questionable ones—you’re operating from a place of empowerment.
I still recall one pivotal day when I admitted to myself that I’d been passive in a situation that made me unhappy.
I decided to have that tough conversation I’d been avoiding for weeks.
Even though I was nervous, I felt an immediate sense of relief.
Choosing to be accountable is a huge sign that you’re stepping up to shape your life, rather than letting life just happen to you.
This mindset alone can set you apart from those who remain stuck, waiting for someone else to fix their circumstances.
9. You can find contentment in simple moments
When I was a kid, my parents and I would take walks around the edge of Dublin, sometimes stopping to admire a quiet field or a small stream.
I never understood why they paused to enjoy such “ordinary” sights.
Now I see the magic in everyday moments—like a cup of tea in the morning sunshine or a heartfelt chat with a good friend.
If you find yourself appreciating a calm afternoon, a relaxing workout, or a new recipe you tried for dinner, you’ve likely tapped into a powerful form of happiness that doesn’t rely on grand achievements.
Many people spend their lives chasing the next milestone—never pausing to relish the journey itself.
So if you can slow down, be present, and find genuine satisfaction in the here and now, you’re already doing better than you realize.
Conclusion
When I look back on my own journey, these subtle shifts—like learning to handle disappointments gracefully, challenging my limiting beliefs, and simply finding joy in a cup of tea—stand out as signs of real, meaningful progress.
They might not get the loud applause or the flashy spotlight, but they’re transformative in ways that truly count.
Here at DM News, we believe progress is often an inside job.
The beauty is, these signs don’t require a life overhaul or a mountain of cash.
They usually stem from small, mindful choices each day.
If any of these points resonate with you, take heart in knowing you’re already moving toward a more resilient, confident, and content version of yourself.
That might just put you miles ahead of most people still stuck in the endless pursuit of external validation.
Keep going. Keep noticing those little victories.
And always remember: the path you’re on is your own, and that itself is something worth celebrating.
