Success isn’t always measured by the achievements you’ve already made. According to psychology, there are indicators which can predict future success, regardless of where you’re at right now.
You might be thinking, “I haven’t achieved much yet, can I really be successful?” The answer is a resounding yes.
In this article, we’ll delve into seven signs that point towards future success, even if you’re just starting out or feel like you’re lagging behind. You may be surprised at just how well you’re doing already.
Let’s get started.
1) Embracing failure
Success isn’t always about winning. Sometimes, it’s about how you handle losing.
Psychology suggests that one of the biggest indicators of future success is your ability to embrace failure. This might sound counterintuitive, but stick with me here.
Think about it. Failure is a part of life. Everyone stumbles, everyone falls. But not everyone gets back up.
When you experience setbacks or disappointments, you have two choices. You can let them define you and hold you back, or you can learn from them and use them as stepping stones towards your goals.
People who are destined for success understand that failure isn’t the end of the world, but a valuable lesson to be learned. It’s an opportunity for growth and improvement.
2) A growth mindset
Let me share a personal story. Back in college, I used to believe that intelligence was fixed. You’re either born smart, or you’re not. No room for change.
One day, a psychology professor introduced me to Dr. Carol Dweck’s concept of “growth mindset”. According to Dweck, intelligence isn’t static. It’s something that can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. That idea completely changed my perspective.
I started pushing my boundaries, embracing challenges, and persisting in the face of setbacks. Instead of avoiding criticism, I learned from it. And the results? They were transformative.
This transformation in my thinking is a clear example of having a growth mindset – one of the key signs you’re going to be successful in life.
If you believe you can grow and improve through hard work and persistence, then you’re already ahead of the game. You’re not limited by your current abilities or knowledge. Instead, you’re always open to learning more and getting better.
A growth mindset can turn “I can’t do this” into “I can’t do this…yet”. And that little word “yet” makes a world of difference. It’s a sign that you’re on your way to achieving great things, even if you haven’t quite gotten there yet.
3) Persistence in the face of adversity
Thomas Edison famously made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
This anecdote perfectly illustrates the power of persistence. Success rarely comes in the form of a straight line from point A to point B. More often than not, it’s a winding road filled with obstacles and setbacks.
But those who are destined for success don’t let these challenges deter them. They understand that adversity is a part of the journey, not a roadblock to their destination.
They persist. They keep going, despite the odds. Each setback is viewed as just another step on the path to success.
4) Proactive, not reactive
There’s a common trait among successful people – they are proactive individuals. They don’t wait for things to happen; they make things happen.
Being proactive means taking control of your life, setting your own goals, and working towards them instead of just reacting to what life throws at you.
It’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles and taking initiative to seize those opportunities.
If you’re someone who takes charge and actively works towards your goals, regardless of the challenges or hurdles in your way, then that’s a clear sign of future success.
Being proactive puts you in the driver’s seat of your life. It allows you to shape your own destiny rather than being shaped by circumstances. And that, according to psychology, is a key factor in achieving success.
5) You’re not afraid to ask for help
I remember a time when I was working on a project that was way over my head. I was struggling, losing sleep, and my stress levels were through the roof. I felt like I was drowning and had no idea how to keep afloat.
Then one day, I swallowed my pride and asked a colleague for help. That single act made all the difference. Not only did I manage to complete the project successfully, but I also learned so much more than I would have on my own.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson – asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.
Successful people understand that they don’t have all the answers. They’re not afraid to admit when they’re in over their heads and need assistance. They know that seeking help when necessary doesn’t mean they’re incompetent; it means they’re wise enough to realize when they can’t do it alone.
6) You have clear goals
Having clear, defined goals is like having a roadmap for your life. It gives you direction and purpose, and it provides a way to measure your progress.
Successful people have a clear idea of what they want to achieve. They set realistic yet challenging goals for themselves, and they commit to reaching these goals.
But having a goal isn’t enough. You also need to have a plan for how to achieve that goal. This involves breaking down your ultimate goal into smaller, more manageable steps, and taking action to achieve each step.
It’s like climbing a mountain. You don’t just jump to the top, you climb it one step at a time. And with each step, you’re one step closer to the peak.
7) You believe in yourself
At the end of the day, the most crucial predictor of success isn’t your intelligence, your connections, or even your skills. It’s your belief in yourself.
Self-belief is the foundation of all success. It’s the driving force that propels you forward, even in the face of adversity. It’s what allows you to take risks, to step outside of your comfort zone, and to persevere when things get tough.
If you believe in yourself, you can overcome almost any obstacle. You can learn new skills, build new relationships, and achieve new heights.
The power of self-belief
When it comes to achieving success, psychology points to one factor as the most significant – belief in oneself.
It was the celebrated American industrialist, Henry Ford, who said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” These words resonate strongly with what psychologists have come to understand about the power of self-belief in predicting success.
This isn’t just a motivational quote; it’s grounded in psychological research. Studies have shown that individuals with high self-efficacy – those who believe in their abilities to meet challenges and achieve goals – are more likely to be successful.
So, as you navigate your journey towards success, remember this: your belief in yourself is your most potent tool. It’s not about where you are now; it’s about where you believe you can be. And with unwavering self-belief, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.