If you’ve ever found yourself questioning what “true success” looks like by the time you’re 50, you’re not alone.
Society tends to impose so many benchmarks on us that it’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the mark if you haven’t achieved every single one of them. But here’s a gentle reminder: success is not a one-size-fits-all.
In my eyes—and based on what I’ve observed personally and professionally—there are a few fundamental areas that, if you’ve nailed them (or are well on your way) by your fifth decade, you’re genuinely ahead of the curve.
In fact, if you have the following six accomplishments under your belt, you’re in a better position than 94% of the population.
Of course, you don’t have to wait until your 50th birthday to appreciate these milestones; the point is that these six areas tend to stand the test of time. And if you haven’t ticked them all off yet, don’t worry—it’s never too late to work toward them.
Let’s dive into each one.
1. A fulfilling career that aligns with your values
Have you ever woken up on a Monday genuinely excited for the day? If you have, you know the magic of doing work that resonates with your deepest values.
Now, I’m not saying your career should be a non-stop carnival ride of fun. But if you’ve managed to carve out a professional path that doesn’t leave you feeling drained or disillusioned, you’re onto something special.
This could mean anything from running your own small business to mentoring new hires in your department to volunteering for causes you care about on the side.
When your work (paid or unpaid) is in sync with the core of who you are, it cultivates a sense of purpose. That sense of purpose, in turn, fuels resilience when the going gets tough.
Sheryl Sandberg once said, “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.”
While her words are often quoted in the context of fast-rising tech companies, I think they’re also a powerful reminder of how vital it is to seize opportunities that align with where we want to go.
If by 50 you’ve found—or created—a role that fires you up most days, you’re doing better than you might think.
2. Strong and supportive relationships
Whether you’re an introvert who prefers one-on-one chats or an extrovert with a wide circle of friends, the fact remains: life is richer when shared with people who genuinely care about you.
I’m talking about the relationships that leave you feeling energized and supported, rather than drained or demoralized.
Research from Harvard has long suggested that the quality of our relationships is one of the most significant predictors of happiness and even physical health.
When you stop and think about it, doesn’t that make sense? Genuine connections act like a cushion against the stressors life throws at us.
As you might have read in my previous post on building resilience (if you’ve been following along here on DM News), nurturing strong bonds is like having an emotional first-aid kit.
By 50, if you have at least a few people you can call at 2 a.m. without hesitation, you are already ahead of many who still struggle with superficial or strained connections. Cherish those people—they’re worth more than any accolade or paycheck.
3. Financial security (not necessarily wealth)
I often get asked whether “financial success” is a crucial marker by 50.
The short answer is: it depends on how you define it. In my book, financial security doesn’t mean owning an extravagant house in London (though I wouldn’t turn it down!), or having millions in the bank.
It’s about having enough stability that you can handle life’s curveballs—unexpected medical bills, a sudden job loss, or even the freedom to take a short break if you need it.
A sense of financial security looks different for everyone. Maybe it’s having a modest emergency fund, minimal debt, and a plan for your future.
Perhaps it’s having enough saved to explore new opportunities or to help out a family member without throwing yourself into chaos.
If by 50 you have a well-thought-out financial plan—and you’re able to sleep at night without stressing about next month’s bills—you’re definitely ahead of the game.
From my personal perspective, as a single mom, I’ve learned that financial preparedness is a form of self-care. It grants you peace of mind and the capacity to say “yes” to experiences that enrich your life, rather than always feeling stuck.
It also allows you to model healthy financial habits for your children, if you have them.
4. A solid sense of self-worth and confidence
“Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your handbrake on,” wrote Maxwell Maltz, the author of the classic book Psycho-Cybernetics.
While that’s not one of the quotes I lean on every day, I find it rings true—lack of confidence can sabotage both our personal and professional progress.
If, by 50, you’ve reached a point where you truly accept yourself (flaws and all), you’re doing better than a large chunk of the population who still wrestle daily with self-doubt.
Self-worth isn’t something that magically appears one day; it’s usually the result of consistent self-reflection, learning from missteps, and having the courage to act on what feels right to you.
I’m not talking about being impervious to criticism or never having an insecure thought again.
But if you can walk into a room and feel comfortable in your own skin—recognizing that your opinions matter, that your voice is valid, and that you’re allowed to take up space—that’s a level of personal growth that many folks never fully attain.
And yes, there will always be moments when your confidence wavers—like when you decide to try something completely new or if you make a public misstep.
The key is bouncing back. If you can pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move forward, that’s the hallmark of a deeply rooted sense of self.
5. The ability to adapt and keep learning
John C. Maxwell famously said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” One of the most empowering things you can achieve by 50 is the recognition that learning never stops—and being open to it is your secret weapon.
Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, mastering an online course, or discovering mindfulness practices, a growth mindset ensures you remain curious and engaged with life.
For me, it was transitioning from a career in digital communications to becoming a full-time writer. Initially, I worried I was “too late” to pivot, especially since I had my son to think about and responsibilities as a single mom.
But the sense of renewed passion I got from diving into writing—and the emotional resilience I built along the way—proved to me that it’s never too late to learn something new.
If you’re someone who invests in personal development—be it through reading, attending workshops, or simply challenging yourself to do tasks outside your comfort zone—you’re demonstrating adaptability.
That’s a skill that puts you miles ahead, not just in your career but in all aspects of life. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to roll with the punches is pure gold.
6. A commitment to giving back or contributing
Last but definitely not least, a sense of contribution can redefine what “success” means to you.
When we think about life at 50, it’s easy to focus on personal achievements—house, career status, family life. But there’s something profoundly fulfilling about shifting some of your energy outward.
That might look like volunteering at a local charity, mentoring someone in your field, supporting a cause that’s meaningful to you, or simply making a difference in your community.
Dale Carnegie once wrote, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
The spirit behind his words can apply to the broader idea of giving back. Generosity of time, energy, or resources not only helps others—it enriches your own sense of purpose and connectivity.
If by 50, you’ve found a way to be part of something bigger than yourself, you’re definitely surpassing the average measure of success.
Many folks live a life that’s purely self-focused, missing out on the depth and joy that come from making a positive impact. Trust me, once you experience how good it feels to contribute, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Wrapping up
By the time we hit that half-century mark, we’ve learned (often through trial and error) that the checkboxes society hands us at 20 or 30 don’t necessarily define a happy or meaningful life.
Achieving a fulfilling career, maintaining strong relationships, securing financial stability, building healthy self-esteem, staying open to growth, and giving back—these are the real game-changers.
I know it’s easy to read lists like this and immediately start comparing your own life to these benchmarks. If you’ve checked off all six, take a moment to celebrate just how far you’ve come.
And if you haven’t, remember that it’s never too late to pivot, learn, and grow. Each day is an opportunity to make small yet impactful changes that bring these ambitions within reach.
Here at DM News, we believe that self-improvement doesn’t come with an expiration date. Whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, setting your sights on these six areas can help you lead a more authentic, fulfilled life.
And trust me when I say this: you don’t have to chase society’s version of perfect to make your 50s (and beyond) some of the best years of your life.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that the journey to fulfillment is less about what we achieve and more about how we evolve.
So, if you’re holding even some of these six accomplishments in your back pocket, take heart—you’re doing better than 94% of the population, and you’re well on your way to a life that feels truly meaningful.
Keep going, keep growing, and remember that your best chapters might still be ahead.
