When someone flashes a designer label or flaunts their promotion, it’s easy to assume they’re successful.

If they’re constantly clamoring for attention on social media, you might think they’re chasing their dreams.

But let’s be real for a minute.

The pursuit of genuine success isn’t always about the glitz and glamour. It’s often more nuanced and less conspicuous.

It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race, mistaking status for real achievement.

Some folks are better at spotting this than others. They usually notice these 8 tell-tale signs.

Buckle up, because it’s going to be a fascinating ride through human nature and ambition.

1) Obsession with appearances

Let’s face it, we all like to look good.

But if someone’s more focused on the brand of their suit than the quality of their work, it might be a red flag.

If they’re spending more energy maintaining an image of success rather than working towards actual success, they’re probably chasing status.

It’s not just about physical appearance, though.

This obsession can manifest in many ways – from relentlessly curating a perfect social media feed to constantly name-dropping high-profile contacts.

For these individuals, perception is everything.

They want to appear successful, even if it means neglecting the hard work and dedication that genuine success requires.

They’re not striving for personal growth or achievement – they’re chasing after the illusion of success, the shiny mirage that looks good from afar but has no real substance up close.

Sound familiar? You might be dealing with a status chaser.

2) Validation dependency

Here’s a story for you.

A few years back, a friend of mine launched his own start-up.

He was always talking about the big-name investors he was pitching to, the exclusive parties he attended, and the influential people he was rubbing shoulders with.

But behind the scenes, things were different.

I noticed how his mood would swing drastically based on the likes and comments he’d get on his social media posts.

He seemed more concerned about how many followers he had rather than the actual progress of his business.

He craved validation, constantly seeking approval from others to feel successful.

This is a classic sign of someone chasing status.

Genuine success lies in personal satisfaction and accomplishment, not in public applause or recognition.

If your sense of self-worth is tied up in how others perceive you, you might be running after status rather than real success.

3) Excessive competition

Humans are naturally competitive.

But when someone’s competitiveness goes beyond a healthy level, it might indicate they’re chasing status.

Those chasing status often view success as a zero-sum game – they believe that in order for them to win, someone else has to lose.

They’re constantly comparing themselves to others and striving to be better, richer, more influential.

Most successful people tend to focus on their own growth and improvement, rather than getting caught up in comparisons.

They understand that success isn’t a finite resource – someone else’s win doesn’t equate to their loss.

If you find someone who can’t celebrate others’ achievements without feeling threatened or diminished, they’re likely more interested in status than genuine success.

4) Fear of failure

Failure is a tough pill to swallow, no doubt about it. But it’s also an integral part of the journey towards genuine success.

People who chase status, however, often have an intense fear of failure.

They see it as a dent in their image rather than a stepping stone towards growth.

They’re so afraid of public embarrassment or criticism that they avoid taking risks or stepping outside their comfort zone.

Their fear holds them back from pursuing opportunities that could lead to substantial growth and real accomplishment.

On the flip side, those who seek genuine success understand that failure is not the end of the world.

They see it as a learning opportunity, a chance to improve and come back stronger.

If you notice someone shying away from challenges or potential failures, they might be more focused on maintaining their status than achieving real success.

5) Lack of fulfillment

I’ve crossed paths with many people throughout my career, and one thing I’ve noticed is that those who chase status often lack a sense of fulfillment.

They may have all the trappings of success – a high-paying job, a fancy car, a lavish lifestyle – but deep down, they’re not happy.

They’re perpetually unsatisfied, always craving more.

I remember a time when I was caught up in this cycle myself.

I was chasing promotions, accolades, recognition – all the things I thought represented success. But despite my achievements, I felt empty inside.

It wasn’t until I started focusing on personal growth and meaningful work that I began to feel truly content.

Genuine success, I realized, is about finding joy and satisfaction in what you do, not just accumulating wealth or status.

If you see someone who’s always striving for more but never seems content, they might be chasing status rather than genuine success.

6) Overemphasis on the end goal

It’s common to think that having a clear, ambitious goal is a sign of someone striving for success. But it’s not always the case.

Sometimes, an overemphasis on the end goal can indicate a pursuit of status rather than genuine success.

These individuals are so fixated on the destination that they overlook the journey.

They’re willing to cut corners, step on others, and even compromise their values to reach their objective quickly.

Contrary to this, those seeking genuine success understand that the process is as important as the outcome.

They know that real growth happens during the journey, not at the destination.

They value integrity and hard work, and they’re not afraid to take the long route if it means doing things right.

If someone seems more interested in the finish line than the race itself, they might be more into status than real success.

7) Inauthenticity

Authenticity is a cornerstone of genuine success.

Those who are truly successful are comfortable in their own skin and aren’t afraid to show their true selves to the world.

Contrarily, people chasing status often put up a facade.

They present a carefully crafted image to the world, one that aligns with their idea of what a successful person should look like.

They may adopt certain behaviors, attitudes, or even change their appearance to fit into a particular mold.

They’re more concerned about conforming to societal norms and expectations than being true to themselves.

If you encounter someone who seems more like a character playing a role than a real person, chances are they’re chasing status, not genuine success.

8) Neglecting personal relationships

People who chase status often put their ambitions ahead of their personal relationships.

They’re so consumed with their pursuit of recognition and success that they neglect the people who matter most.

While it’s important to be ambitious and goal-oriented, genuine success also involves maintaining healthy relationships and investing in the people around you.

Your loved ones are an integral part of your life’s journey, and neglecting them in the pursuit of status can lead to a hollow victory.

If someone consistently prioritizes their ambitions over their relationships, it’s a clear sign they’re chasing status, not genuine success.

Final thoughts

As we wrap up, I’d like you to ponder on a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Chasing status might give you temporary satisfaction, but genuine success lies in being true to yourself.

It’s about personal growth, meaningful relationships, and finding fulfillment in your work.

It’s about standing tall through failures and cherishing the journey as much as the destination.

It’s about not obsessing over how others perceive you, but focusing on how you perceive yourself.

Status is fleeting, but genuine success leaves an everlasting impact.

The next time you meet someone who seems successful, look a little deeper.

Are they chasing status or are they pursuing genuine success?

It’s not just about reaching the top, it’s also about who you become along the way.