Success is a tricky concept to pin down since it varies from person to person. What one individual might view as a triumph, another might see as an everyday occurrence.

However, there are some universal achievements that indicate you’re doing better than you might think. These are the milestones not always tied to wealth or fame, but rather personal growth and contentment.

In this article, we’re going to explore those nine accomplishments that truly signify success. 

Let’s get started. 

1) You’ve mastered self-love

Learning to love and appreciate yourself is one of the most significant achievements you can make in life. It’s not about being narcissistic or self-obsessed; it’s about recognizing your worth and treating yourself with the same kindness and respect you’d extend to others.

This doesn’t mean that you view yourself as perfect, but rather that you have a healthy self-esteem and are comfortable being who you are, flaws and all.

It means you’ve stopped comparing your life to others and instead started appreciating your own journey. You’ve realized that everyone moves at their own pace and you’ve stopped rushing, instead, taking the time to enjoy your own path.

Mastering self-love often leads to increased happiness, better mental health, and a more fulfilling life.

2) You’ve overcome a major challenge

Life is full of ups and downs. The real test of success, however, isn’t how many times you fall, but how many times you pick yourself up and keep going.

I remember a time in my life when I was faced with what seemed like an insurmountable challenge. I was laid off from a job I loved and relied on. It felt like my world had come crashing down.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I took it as an opportunity to reevaluate my career goals and explore new avenues. It was tough, no doubt about it. There were days filled with doubt and fear, but I kept pushing forward.

Today, I look back on that period not with regret, but with gratitude. It forced me to grow in ways I never imagined and opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Overcoming that major challenge was a turning point in my life, a clear marker of success.

3) You have meaningful relationships

The relationships we cultivate in life often serve as a reflection of our personal growth and success. Having people around you who love, support and understand you is invaluable.

And it’s not about the quantity, but the quality of these connections. One genuine friendship can be far more enriching than a dozen superficial acquaintances.

According to a study conducted by Harvard University, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, strong relationships are a key factor in long-term happiness and health. The study found that those with strong social connections were not only happier, but also healthier and lived longer compared to those with less social interaction.

So if you’ve built and maintained meaningful relationships in your life, that’s a clear sign of success. It shows that you’ve mastered the art of empathy, compassion, and genuine connection – all hallmarks of a successful individual.

4) You’re financially independent

Financial independence doesn’t necessarily mean being rich or having a high-paying job. It means having enough savings or income to cover your living expenses without depending on others.

It’s about having the freedom to make choices in your life without being overly stressed about money. This could be as simple as being able to treat yourself to a nice meal without worrying about how it might affect your budget.

Achieving financial independence requires discipline, planning, and sometimes, making tough decisions. It’s a journey that involves setting financial goals, living within your means, and learning to manage your money wisely.

If you’ve reached a point where you’re financially independent, that’s a major accomplishment. It means you’ve taken responsibility for your financial future and are making thoughtful decisions to secure it. That’s a clear sign of success.

5) You’re continually learning and growing

One of the greatest markers of personal success is a commitment to lifelong learning. Whether it’s reading books, taking up new hobbies, or pursuing further education or training, the desire to continually learn and grow reflects an open and curious mind.

Remember, growth isn’t always about big leaps. Sometimes, it’s about small, consistent steps forward. It could be learning a new word each day, trying a new recipe every week, or setting aside time each month to learn a new skill.

Being open to learning not only enriches your life but also keeps your mind sharp and engaged. It encourages adaptability, a crucial trait in our rapidly-evolving world.

If you’re someone who’s continually seeking to learn and grow, consider yourself successful. You’re not just existing; you’re thriving.

6) You’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life

Success isn’t just about personal achievements. It’s also about the difference we make in other people’s lives.

You might not think you’ve done anything extraordinary, but sometimes, it’s the small acts of kindness that leave the biggest impact. A heartfelt compliment, a listening ear, a helping hand during tough times – these gestures can mean the world to someone.

I recall a time when a simple note of appreciation I sent to a friend helped them through a particularly tough day. To me, it was just a small act of kindness, but for them, it made all the difference.

To have touched someone’s life in a positive way is truly one of the greatest successes one can achieve. It’s a testament to your capacity for empathy and compassion. If you’ve done this, be proud – you’re definitely more successful than you think.

7) You’ve learned to let go of what doesn’t serve you

In life, we often hold onto things, people and situations that no longer serve our growth or happiness. Learning to let go of these things is a significant indicator of personal success.

There was a period in my life where I was holding onto a relationship that was causing me more distress than happiness. It was a tough decision, but I realized that for my own well-being, I needed to let it go.

Making that choice was difficult and painful, but it opened up space for better things to come into my life. It taught me the importance of prioritizing my own happiness and well-being.

Letting go requires courage, strength, and a deep understanding of your worth. If you’ve managed to do this, consider it a major achievement. It’s a sign that you’re choosing yourself and your happiness, which is a true mark of success.

8) You’re content with what you have

In a world that constantly pushes us to want more, being content with what you have is a true sign of success. This doesn’t mean settling for less or not striving for growth. Instead, it’s about appreciating what you have now while also working towards your future goals.

Contentment is about finding happiness in the present moment and not attaching it to some future achievement or possession. It’s about realizing that while there’s always room for improvement, what you have right now is enough.

Gratitude plays a key role in contentment. Being grateful for the things we often take for granted – a roof over our heads, food on our table, the love of our family and friends – can significantly improve our sense of well-being and satisfaction.

If you’ve reached a point where you’re truly content with what you have, that’s a big deal. It shows that you appreciate the journey and not just the destination, which is a true mark of success.

9) You’re living a life true to yourself

The ultimate sign of success is living a life that’s true to who you are. It’s about following your own path, even when it goes against what others expect of you.

This means being honest with yourself about your wants and needs and taking steps towards fulfilling them. It’s about embracing your authenticity and not being afraid to show the world who you truly are.

If you’re living a life that aligns with your values, passions, and dreams, then you’ve achieved the greatest success of all. It means you’ve had the courage to honor your truth and live it fully. This is the essence of real success – living a life that feels genuinely yours.