What matters is the value we’ve created in our lives, the people we’ve made happy, and how much we’ve grown as people. – Daisaku Ikeda
What is ‘Success’ Anyway?!
We live in a culture that reveres sarcasm and self-deprecation where false modesty is everyone’s MO. That can make anyone feeling like they’re falling short, even if they’re relatively successful—and that’s another issue. What is ‘success’, anyway? Most of the time, success is a socially designated construct, such as achieving a certain degree. Success can be defined by society, by your loved ones, by your culture, and by you. Since you can’t please everyone, why not focus on what you consider success?
[bctt tweet=”#Success is one of the most subjective things, and we’re all constantly battling it out to claim it. Strange, considering everyone has a different definition of it.” username=”havingtime”]
Is it the same as happiness? It can be, and there’s no reason why these two can’t overlap.
Before wondering if you’re successful, start by determining what that means to you. Writing these definitions down can help. Be honest with yourself and assess if you’re actually the one making these definitions or if you’re relying on outside sources.
For some people, success might mean managing addiction and understanding that it’s a lifetime struggle, not something that can be “beaten.” For others, it might mean spending a certain amount of quality time per week with their children.
5 Powerful Signs You’re More Successful Than You Think
To help get started, here are five powerful signs that you might be succeeding even when you have doubts:
1. You’re learning from your mistakes
This is different than never making the same mistake again. You can repeatedly make the same mistake and grow or learn something different each time. Keep the definition of insanity in mind, and consider each stumble or mistake a chance to learn from it.
What went wrong and what can you do next time for a better or different outcome? Writing down strategies for “next time” can be part of journaling towards success.
2. You have people in your life who genuinely care for you
As we get older, it gets harder to meet and make quality friends. Some estimate that it takes hundreds of hours to build a real friendship with someone, which is why it can be so seemingly easy in grammar school. After all, you’re forced to spend hundreds of hours with people of the same age. That’s not the case as an adult. If you have someone in your life that cares for you, you’re already a step ahead of many others. Quality relationships are the pillar of a happy life.
3. You’ve found a healthy hobby that you love
Maybe it’s rock-climbing, screenwriting, or forest bathing. It can feel like a challenge to find a hobby that’s both healthy and enjoyable, and it takes some trial and error. If you’ve found even one hobby that falls into both categories, you’re on the fast track to success.
Hobbies can improve many facets of our health including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social.
We do more of what we love, which is why it’s so important that how we spend our time is positive.
Still searching for the right fit for you? Challenge yourself to try out various hobbies. Many classes have free trial offers, so you have nothing to lose.
[bctt tweet=”#Success seems to be connected with action. #Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they never quit.” username=”havingtime”]
4. You have a roof over your head
The phrase “first world problems” has largely lost its punch, but the significance behind it remains. In the U.S.housing prices are skyrocketing while incomes aren’t always keeping pace.
If you have a safe place to live, whether you own or rent, you’re both successful and lucky because many aren’t in such positions. Even if it can sometimes be a struggle to make that rent or mortgage check, you’re making it work.
Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but of responsibility. Seeking out a roommate or talking to a lender about your current mortgage and options for lowering payments can all help ease your worries.
5. You’ve found ways to indulge
Maybe it’s a bubble bath, a happy hour with unbelievable prices, or treating yourself to a new-to-you book each month. These little splurges don’t have to cost anything at all (like those free movies in the park many cities host). It’s taking the time to treat yourself and do something for pure joy that signifies success. Many people don’t have the time or resources to be able to indulge. Enjoy every moment.
Success is one of the most subjective things there is, and we’re all constantly battling it out to claim it. Strange, considering everyone has a different definition of it.
[bctt tweet=”Define #success to create success, starting now.” username=”havingtime”]
Many times, our definitions are based on decades-old stereotypes, like that picket fence and number of children. Don’t live by anyone else’s rules. Make your own, and you’ll probably discover you’ve found more success and happiness than you realize!
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