There’s a huge gap between how we perceive our accomplishments and how accomplished we really are.

Many times, we find ourselves trapped in the cycle of constant comparison, undermining our own achievements because they aren’t as grand as someone else’s. Or so we think.

Let me tell you something, my friends. Life isn’t about grand gestures or monumental triumphs. It’s about the little things, the experiences that shape us, teach us, and bring us closer to who we truly are.

As someone who has spent years studying mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned that accomplishment is a deeply personal and subjective concept.

And I’m here to tell you today that if you’ve experienced these 8 things in life, you’re a lot more accomplished than you think. It’s time to give yourself some credit.

1) You’ve experienced failure

Believe it or not, experiencing failure is a significant sign of accomplishment.

I know, it sounds counterintuitive, right? But hear me out.

In Buddhism, we learn that life is full of ups and downs, victories, and failures. Each of these experiences holds its own unique lesson, pushing us to grow and evolve.

When you’ve experienced failure, it means you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone. You’ve taken risks and dared to challenge yourself. Though you might not have achieved the desired result, you’ve learned something invaluable.

Failure isn’t a sign of your incapacity. Instead, it’s proof that you have the courage to try, to venture into the unknown. And that, my friend, is an accomplishment itself.

2) You’ve learned to let go

Letting go is an art, a skill that takes time to master. It requires patience, understanding, and a lot of courage.

There were moments in my life where I had to let go of things that I once held dear. It was painful, yes, but it was also liberating. I learned that by letting go, I was making room for new experiences, opportunities, and growth.

In the words of American writer and teacher in meditation Jack Kornfield, “To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.”

You see, letting go is a sign of inner strength and wisdom. It shows that you understand the impermanence of life – a central theme in Buddhism – and are willing to flow with the changes rather than resist them.

If you’ve managed to let go of something or someone in your life, give yourself a pat on the back. This ability is a clear indicator of emotional maturity and personal accomplishment.

3) You’ve embraced solitude

Living in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, embracing solitude may seem like a daunting challenge. Yet, achieving this feat is undeniably remarkable.

The wisdom of Buddhism highlights the importance of solitude. It’s in moments of silence and seclusion that we authentically encounter ourselves, shielded from the distractions and pressures of the outside world.

Let’s be clear: embracing solitude doesn’t mean cutting off all social ties or retreating from human interaction. Instead, it’s about carving out precious moments to reflect, ponder, and deeply connect with our inner selves.

Here’s the reality: solitude serves as a fertile ground for unraveling the complexities of our thoughts and emotions. It’s a sanctuary where self-awareness and mindfulness flourish, allowing us to harmonize with the symphony of our innermost thoughts and desires.

4) You’ve cultivated mindfulness

Embracing mindfulness transcends mere trendy jargon; it’s a profound journey reshaping your interactions with yourself, others, and the world.

Mindfulness invites us to fully inhabit each moment, to relish its essence without judgment or distraction. It’s feeling the breeze caress your skin and genuinely absorbing conversations. It’s about observing your thoughts and emotions without being consumed by them.

Admittedly, mindfulness isn’t a walk in the park. Amidst life’s distractions, maintaining presence can be daunting. Yet, even small strides in this practice mark significant achievements.

As American author and psychotherapist Sylvia Boorstein says, “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience”. If you’ve achieved this acceptance, then my friend, you’re a lot more accomplished than you think.

5) You’ve managed to tame your ego

Taming the ego is no small feat. It’s a struggle that I, too, have personally experienced. The ego is a part of us, and it has its place. But when it starts to control our actions and decisions, it can lead to a lot of suffering.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deep into this topic, exploring ways to keep the ego in check while living a fulfilling life.

If you’ve managed to tame your ego, if you’ve learned to act out of love rather than fear or pride, then you’ve achieved something truly extraordinary.

Taming the ego is about embracing humility, about understanding that we are all interconnected and that every action has an impact. It’s about putting others before yourself not out of obligation but out of genuine compassion.

6) You’ve practiced compassion

Here’s the scoop: Compassion lies at the core of Buddhism and mindfulness. It’s the embodiment of the understanding of others’ suffering and the desire to alleviate it.

Yet, practicing compassion, especially in a world often perceived as harsh and unjust, can be demanding. It necessitates empathy, patience, and a receptive heart.

Guess what? If you’ve embraced compassion in your life, particularly amidst adversity, you’ve achieved something remarkable.

And let’s not forget that compassion isn’t solely about extending kindness to others; it’s also about treating yourself with kindness. It involves acknowledging your own struggles and offering yourself the care and understanding you deserve.

7) You’ve embraced impermanence

A fundamental teaching of Buddhism revolves around impermanence—the acknowledgment that all aspects of life are fleeting and subject to change.

This realization can be challenging, particularly concerning our attachments to people and things we cherish. However, if you’ve accepted this truth and integrated the impermanence of existence, you’ve attained profound wisdom.

Truth be told—embracing impermanence doesn’t entail detachment or indifference. Rather, it involves cherishing each moment and experience for its unique essence, understanding its transient nature.

8) You’ve found joy in the ordinary

In our relentless pursuit of success, we often fixate on the extraordinary—the grand milestones we believe will define our journey.

Yet, mindfulness imparts a profound lesson: true accomplishment often resides in embracing the ordinary.

It’s about relishing life’s simple pleasures—a soothing cup of tea, a breathtaking sunset, a heartfelt chat with a friend. While seemingly mundane, these moments are rich with potential for joy and fulfillment.

This ability to derive joy from the ordinary speaks volumes about your mindfulness journey. It underscores your depth and resilience, affirming that your accomplishments extend far beyond what meets the eye.

Beyond the spotlight: Recognizing true accomplishment

As we wrap up, let’s remember that true accomplishment transcends flashy achievements or widespread acclaim. It encompasses the journey of personal evolution, the depth of emotional resilience, and the insights gleaned from life’s twists and turns.

So, if you’ve checked off these eight milestones along your path, pause for a moment to honor your journey. You’ve navigated the terrain of personal growth, embraced the lessons of emotional maturity, and harvested the wisdom of life’s experiences.

Acknowledge your triumphs, both big and small, for they testify to your resilience and inner strength. You’ve achieved far more than you may realize, and your journey is a testament to your unwavering determination and boundless potential.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the path of personal growth and accomplishment, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

In it, I explore the profound teachings of Buddhism and provide practical strategies for living a fulfilling life while taming the ego.

Remember, every step you take on this journey is an accomplishment in its own right. Keep going, keep growing, and celebrate your progress. You’re doing better than you think.