Success is a relative term and we often undervalue our achievements. We compare ourselves to others and feel we fall short. But, according to psychology, there are certain accomplishments that truly indicate success.
In this piece, I’m going to share with you 10 accomplishments that, if you’ve managed them in your life, mean you’re more successful than you might think.
Let’s get started.
1) Embracing failure
Here’s a hard truth: nobody likes to fail. It’s uncomfortable and can often feel like a setback.
But here’s the thing about failure – it’s also an incredibly powerful tool for growth.
Psychologists tell us that those who aren’t afraid to fail, and who instead see failure as an opportunity to learn and improve, are often more successful in the long run.
They’re the ones who take risks, push boundaries, and aren’t deterred by the prospect of not succeeding the first time around.
2) Finding balance
In a world where work-life balance often feels like a myth, managing to find that sweet equilibrium is a significant achievement.
I remember a time when I was working long hours, barely taking a break. I felt exhausted, burnt out, and disconnected from the things I loved outside of work.
Then, I made a conscious decision to prioritize balance in my life. I started setting boundaries at work, scheduling quality time with my loved ones, and making time for hobbies that recharged me.
The change was tremendous – not just in my personal life, but also in my professional performance. I felt more fulfilled, productive, and happier overall.
If you’ve managed to find this balance in your life, trust me when I say it’s a mark of true success.
3) Cultivating resilience
Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. The journey can sometimes seem overwhelming.
Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is a key indicator of success. It’s not about avoiding hardship, but rather about how you respond to it.
Resilience can be learned and developed by anyone? It’s not an inherent trait, but a skill that can be honed over time.
If you’ve faced adversity and emerged stronger and wiser, you’re demonstrating a level of success that goes beyond surface achievements. You’re embodying the very essence of resilience.
4) Practicing gratitude
Gratitude may seem like a fairly simple concept, but it holds an immense power in shaping our perspective towards life.
Psychological studies have found that people who regularly practice gratitude by acknowledging the good in their lives, are more likely to experience positive emotions such as happiness, satisfaction and even physical health.
If you’ve made gratitude a part of your life, if you take time to appreciate the small victories and the big blessings alike, then you’ve achieved a sense of contentment that many strive for. This is a surefire sign of success, according to psychology.
5) Setting and achieving personal goals
Have you ever set a personal goal and reached it? If your answer is yes, then that’s a testament to your success.
Whether it’s running a marathon, learning a new language, or even mastering the art of baking a perfect sourdough bread, setting personal goals and achieving them requires discipline, perseverance, and determination.
These are qualities often associated with successful individuals. So, whether your goals are big or small, the mere fact that you’ve set them and worked to achieve them is a clear indication of your success.
6) Making a positive impact
One of the greatest measures of success, according to psychology, is the positive impact you’ve made on the lives of others.
Have you ever helped a friend in need, volunteered your time for a cause you care about, or simply offered a kind word to a stranger? These acts of kindness, no matter how small they may seem, have the power to change lives.
The joy and fulfillment that comes from making a positive difference is a profound indicator of success. It means you’ve touched another person’s life and in doing so, you’ve achieved something truly meaningful.
7) Learning to love yourself
For a long time, I struggled with self-love. I was my own harshest critic, always focusing on what I perceived as my flaws and mistakes.
Then, I realized the importance of self-love in leading a fulfilling life. I started to appreciate myself, my strengths, and even my weaknesses. It wasn’t an overnight change, but a gradual process of accepting and loving myself for who I am.
This journey towards self-love is a significant achievement that often goes unnoticed. If you’ve begun to love yourself, flaws and all, then you’ve reached a level of success that many people spend their entire lives striving for.
8) Embracing solitude
In a world that often equates being alone with being lonely, learning to appreciate and enjoy your own company can seem somewhat unconventional.
Yet, finding comfort in solitude can be a powerful accomplishment. It allows you to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.
Psychologists have found solace in solitude can foster creativity, improve mental health, and even enhance relationships with others.
9) Maintaining meaningful relationships
In a fast-paced world, maintaining meaningful relationships can be quite a challenge. Juggling various commitments and responsibilities often leaves little time for nurturing personal connections.
But, if you’ve managed to cultivate and maintain deep, meaningful relationships with family, friends, or even colleagues, you’ve accomplished something truly commendable.
These relationships enrich our lives, offering support, love, and companionship. They contribute to our overall happiness and sense of belonging – key aspects of a successful life according to psychology.
10) Living authentically
The most valuable accomplishment in life, according to psychology, is living authentically.
This means being true to your values, pursuing your passions, and not conforming to societal pressures or expectations. It’s about embracing who you are, and living a life that reflects that.
Authenticity leads to a sense of fulfillment and contentment that is deeply tied to personal success. If you’re living life on your own terms, congruent with your true self, then you’ve achieved the ultimate measure of success.
Final thoughts: Success is personal
As we navigate through life, it’s easy to get caught up in societal definitions of success. They often revolve around material wealth, job titles, and social status.
But psychology offers a different perspective. It suggests that success is deeply personal and reflects more on our character, values, and experiences than external achievements.
The accomplishments we’ve explored – from embracing failure, to finding balance, practicing gratitude, making a positive impact, and living authentically – these are markers of true success according to psychology.
Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
So if you’ve been stepping forward into growth by accomplishing these things in your life, then you’re more successful than you might think.
Remember, success isn’t a destination but a journey. And by the looks of it, you’re on an incredible path.
