Sometimes, it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. We get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to take a step back and appreciate just how far we’ve come.

But guess what? You’ve got a lot going for you – even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

How do I know? There are certain signs of progress and success that are easy to overlook. Yet when you pause and notice them, you’ll realise just how well you’re doing.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 7 signs that prove you’re thriving in life, even when it doesn’t seem that way. These are cues that show you’re moving forward, growing stronger, and becoming wiser.

And remember, every step, no matter how small, is a step closer to your goals. So let’s dive in.

1) You’re constantly learning

Life is a never-ending journey of learning, and if you’re constantly seeking out new knowledge and skills, that’s a great sign.

Remember when you struggled to understand how to use that new software at work? Or when you spent hours mastering a recipe that initially seemed too complicated? Each of these moments, as small as they may seem, are indications of growth.

In today’s fast-paced world, learning is essential. It keeps us adaptable and relevant. It helps us understand the world around us better and opens up new opportunities.

If you find yourself regularly reading, attending webinars, trying out new things, or simply asking questions to understand more – congratulations! You’re doing better than you think.

Learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge or skills, it’s about striving to become a better version of yourself. And that’s definitely something worth celebrating.

2) You’re overcoming challenges

We all face obstacles in life. It’s how we respond to these challenges that defines us.

Take me, for instance. When I first started writing professionally, it was a struggle. I couldn’t seem to find the right words, my drafts were littered with red marks from my editor, and I often questioned if I was cut out for this line of work.

But I didn’t throw in the towel. Instead, I used these setbacks as fuel to push myself harder. I sought feedback, honed my skills, and slowly but surely, things began to improve.

Now when I look back at those early days, I realize how much I’ve grown. The challenges didn’t break me; they made me stronger and more resilient.

So, if you find yourself grappling with obstacles and yet persisting – that’s a sign you have a lot going for you. It shows you’re not afraid to step out of your comfort zone and that you’re willing to work hard to achieve your goals.

And that’s a big deal, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

3) You’re comfortable with change

Change is the only constant in life. And interestingly, it’s often through change that we experience the most growth.

In a study by the University of London, it was found that individuals who are more adaptable to change tend to have better well-being and job satisfaction.

If you’re someone who embraces change rather than resists it, you’re setting yourself up for success. Being comfortable with change means you don’t let unfamiliar circumstances throw you off balance. Instead, you use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Embracing change also shows that you have a positive mindset and are open to new experiences and opportunities. These are qualities that can make your journey through life richer and more fulfilling.

So if you’re someone who can roll with the punches and adapt to new situations, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing better than you think!

4) You appreciate the small things

In our hustle to achieve big dreams, we often overlook the small joys of life. However, if you’re someone who takes time to appreciate these little moments, you’ve got a lot going for you.

You might find joy in a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, a walk in the park, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend. These moments might seem trivial, but they add richness to our lives.

Appreciating the small things shows that you understand that happiness isn’t just about achieving big milestones. It’s about finding contentment in everyday moments.

And if you find yourself relishing these tiny moments of joy, you’re doing great. Remember, life isn’t just about the destination, it’s about enjoying the journey too.

5) You’ve learned to say ‘no’

This one was a game-changer for me. For the longest time, I found it difficult to say ‘no’. I’d agree to things I didn’t really want to do, and it left me feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated.

But over time, I realized that saying ‘yes’ to everything wasn’t doing me any favors. I was spreading myself too thin and compromising my own needs and well-being.

Learning to say ‘no’ was a turning point. It gave me control over my time and energy. It allowed me to prioritize what truly mattered to me, rather than trying to please everyone else.

If you’ve mastered the art of saying ‘no’ when necessary, you’re doing better than you think. It’s a sign that you value yourself, your time, and your mental health. And trust me, that’s a big win.

6) You can handle criticism

Feedback, even when it’s negative, is a crucial part of growth. If you’re someone who can take criticism constructively, you’re on the right track.

Handling criticism well means you’re open to self-improvement. It shows that you’re willing to learn from your mistakes and use them as stepping stones towards success.

Remember, nobody is perfect. We all falter at times. But being able to accept criticism and learn from it is a sign of maturity and resilience.

Learning to view criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack, that’s a huge achievement. You’re definitely doing better than you think!

7) You’re kind to yourself

At the end of the day, the most important relationship you have is with yourself. If you’re someone who treats yourself with kindness and compassion, you’ve got the most important thing going for you.

Being kind to yourself means acknowledging your achievements, however small they may be, and not beating yourself up over mistakes. It means taking care of your physical and mental health and setting boundaries that protect your well-being.

Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first. It’s okay to take time out for self-care. It’s okay to celebrate your wins, no matter how small.

So if you’re treating yourself with kindness and respect, you’re on the right path. Keep going, and remember, you’re doing better than you think!

Final thoughts: The journey matters

The voyage through life is not always easy. There are high points and low, successes and failures, moments of joy and times of struggle.

An often overlooked fact is that it’s not the destination, but the journey that truly matters. It’s the little victories, the personal growth, the lessons learned, and the challenges overcome that shape us into who we are.

As author C.S. Lewis once said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

So if you’re noticing these seven signs in your life, take a moment to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come. You’re doing better than you think, and every step you take is bringing you closer to your goals.

Be kind to yourself during this journey, to celebrate your victories – no matter how small, and most importantly to enjoy every moment of this incredible journey called life.