Success is a tricky concept. We often measure it by the things we can showcase – big houses, fancy cars, impressive job titles. But what if I told you that success isn’t just about the materialistic achievements?

You see, real success lies in accomplishing things that bring true satisfaction and happiness. And often, these accomplishments are so personal and subtle that we don’t even realize their worth.

The truth is, you might be more successful than you think if you’ve accomplished certain things in life. I’m going to share nine of these accomplishments with you.

Let’s redefine success together, shall we?

Get ready to pat yourself on the back because you might just discover you’re more successful than you give yourself credit for.

1) You’ve found your true passion

Finding your passion isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s not something that’s served on a silver platter; rather, it’s a journey of self-exploration and discovery.

Yet, when you do find it, everything changes. You no longer work just to pay the bills – you work because you love what you do. It fuels your ambition and gives a sense of purpose to your life.

If you’ve found something that you’re passionate about and are lucky enough to make it a significant part of your life, then you’re already more successful than you think.

Success isn’t just about earning a big paycheck. It’s about finding fulfillment in what you do. And nothing is more fulfilling than doing what you love.

If you’re one of those people who wake up excited to start their day because of their work, give yourself a pat on the back – you’re doing great!

2) You’ve learned to live in the moment

This one hits close to home for me. You see, I used to be the kind of person who was constantly worrying about the future. I would fret about things I had no control over and it took a toll on my mental health.

But then, a few years ago, I stumbled upon a book on mindfulness. It taught me the importance of living in the present and appreciating the beauty of now. It wasn’t easy, but I decided to give it a try.

Fast forward to today, and I can tell you that learning to live in the moment has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life. It has allowed me to enjoy my experiences without unnecessary stress and anxiety about what’s next.

Being present doesn’t mean you don’t plan for the future, but it does mean you don’t let the future steal your present. It’s about finding balance.

If you’ve learned to live in the moment and appreciate the ‘now’, then trust me, you’re more successful than you think. In a world full of distractions and worries, being present is truly an accomplishment.

3) You’ve maintained healthy relationships

Relationships are a fundamental aspect of our lives, and having healthy ones is a clear sign of success. It’s not about having countless friends or being the life of the party. It’s about the quality of the connections you’ve formed.

Genuine connections provide emotional support, increase our sense of belonging, and contribute to our overall well-being.

If you’ve nurtured and maintained meaningful relationships in your life – be it with family, friends, or a significant other – then you’re definitely successful.

It’s a testament to your emotional intelligence and capacity for empathy, both of which are key indicators of a well-rounded and successful individual.

4) You’ve learned to appreciate the small things

It’s easy to get caught up in the big, life-changing moments and disregard the small, everyday things that bring joy. But if you’ve learned to appreciate these little things, you’re on the path to true success.

Finding joy in a good book, a warm cup of coffee, or a beautiful sunset is a sign that you understand the value of the present moment. It shows that you don’t just live for the grandiose, but find happiness in simplicity.

This is a significant accomplishment because it means you’ve developed an attitude of gratitude. And we all know gratitude is important in being truly happy.

If you’re someone who savors and appreciates the small things in life, you’re definitely more successful than you think!

5) You’ve faced your fears

Fear can be a limiting factor in many people’s lives. It can prevent us from taking risks, pursuing our passions, and reaching our full potential. But if you’ve faced your fears and come out stronger, you’re more successful than you think.

Overcoming fear is not about being fearless; it’s about acknowledging your fear and moving forward despite it. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself.

If you’ve tackled a fear – be it public speaking, heights, or even the fear of failure – then give yourself some credit. You’ve demonstrated courage and resilience, two qualities that are fundamental to success.

Every fear overcome is a step closer to personal growth and achievement. So kudos to you for facing your fears head-on!

6) You’ve helped others without expecting anything in return

There’s an incomparable satisfaction that comes from helping others. It’s a testament to the kindness and empathy within you. If you’ve made a positive impact on someone else’s life without expecting anything in return, you’re more successful than you think.

Helping others can take many forms. It could be a major act, like starting a charity or mentoring someone to achieve their goals. Or it could be as simple as lending an ear to a friend in need or volunteering your time for a cause that matters to you.

This selfless act shows that you value the well-being of others and are willing to make sacrifices to bring about positive change. This compassion and generosity of spirit is a true mark of success.

If you’ve ever put others before yourself and made their lives better in any way, know that you’ve achieved something truly special.

You’ve touched lives, and that’s a success that outshines any material accomplishment.

7) You’ve learned to forgive and let go

There was a time in my life when I held onto grudges, letting past wrongs fester and consume my thoughts. It was a heavy burden to carry. It wasn’t until I learned the power of forgiveness that I truly felt free.

Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened. It means making a conscious decision to release the feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.

If you’ve mastered the art of forgiveness, that’s a significant accomplishment.

Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you in the end, while forgiving sets you free.

It allows you to focus on the present and the future without being held back by the past.

8) You’ve learned to say ‘no’

In a world that often demands us to do more, be more, and give more, learning to say ‘no’ is a powerful skill. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your own needs.

If you’ve learned to say ‘no’ when needed, that’s a significant accomplishment. It shows that you value your time, your health, and your well-being. And it signals a level of self-respect that’s crucial for success.

In fact, many successful people have mastered the art of saying ‘no’. They understand that by doing so, they can focus on what truly matters and allocate their resources effectively.

If you’ve learned to stand your ground and say ‘no’ when necessary, give yourself a round of applause.

You’re demonstrating self-care and respect for your own needs – signs of true success.

9) You’re comfortable with who you are

In a world that often pressures us to conform to societal norms and expectations, being comfortable in your own skin is a remarkable achievement. It means that you’ve accepted yourself – your strengths, your flaws, your quirks – and are living authentically.

This acceptance shows a level of self-love and confidence that is fundamental to success. It means you’re not striving to be someone else, but are content with who you are.

Remember, the most important person you should strive to impress is yourself.

And if you’ve accomplished this level of self-acceptance and comfort with who you are, then trust me, you’re more successful than you think.

Final thoughts: Success is subjective

When it comes to gauging success, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. What might seem insignificant to one person could be a monumental accomplishment for another.

Our society often equates success with financial wealth or professional achievements. But as we’ve explored here, true success encompasses so much more. It’s about personal growth, emotional intelligence, resilience, and the impact we make on others’ lives.

Albert Einstein once said, “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” These words resonate now more than ever. If you’ve accomplished these 9 things in your life, you’ve added value not just to your own life but potentially to the lives of others as well.

So, as you reflect on your own journey, remember that success is subjective. It’s not about ticking off a checklist or comparing yourself to others. It’s about acknowledging your personal accomplishments and finding contentment in your own progress.

So take a moment to celebrate these accomplishments. You’re more successful than you think.