Success isn’t just about money or status, it’s about mastering key life skills that can greatly enhance the quality of your life.

You might not realise it, but if you’ve got these seven skills under your belt, you’re more successful than you might think.

In this article, I’m going to share with you these essential life skills. The ones that really matter. The ones that, once mastered, can make you feel like you’ve truly succeeded in life.

So let’s dive in and discover if you’re more successful than you think!

1) Emotional intelligence

The first thing that successful people have in spades is emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is a term coined by psychologists John Mayer and Peter Salovey in the ’90s. It’s the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

This skill is crucial not just in personal relationships but also in professional settings. People with high EQ are better at navigating social complexities, leading teams and dealing with conflict.

Think of it this way. It’s like having an internal GPS for your emotions. You’re aware of how you’re feeling, why you’re feeling it, and how it can affect those around you.

If you’re able to understand and control your emotions (and understand those of others), then you’re already one step ahead in the success game.

And remember, emotional intelligence can be developed over time – so even if you feel like you’re lacking in this area, there’s always room for growth.

2) Adaptability

The second life skill that’s a marker of success is adaptability.

This is something I have personally experienced time and again. Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, to roll with the punches, to change your plans when things don’t go as expected – these are all signs of a successful person.

I remember when I was just starting out in my career, fresh out of college with a well-laid plan for my future. But life had different plans and threw a curveball my way, forcing me to change jobs and move cities.

It was tough at first. But I quickly realized that this change was not a setback but an opportunity for growth. I adapted, learned new skills, met new people, and found success in unexpected places.

If you can embrace change and thrive in uncertainty, you’re more successful than you think. It’s not the strongest or the most intelligent who survive, but the ones most responsive to change – that’s something Charles Darwin said, and it rings true today more than ever.

3) Financial literacy

Financial literacy is a key life skill that’s often overlooked, but it’s integral to personal success.

It’s about understanding and managing your finances effectively – knowing how to budget, save, invest, and plan for the future. It’s also about understanding the basics of credit, loans, taxes, and insurance.

In a survey conducted by the National Financial Educators Council, it was found that lack of financial knowledge cost Americans an average of $1,634 in 2020. That’s not small change!

Mastering this skill doesn’t mean you have to become a Wall Street whiz overnight. But understanding the fundamentals can help you make sound financial decisions and build wealth over time.

If you’re savvy with your money, it’s a clear sign that you’re more successful than you might give yourself credit for.

4) Time management

Another life skill that’s a real indicator of success is time management.

Time is one of our most precious resources. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how we use those hours can greatly differ. Having the ability to manage your time wisely helps increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life.

Successful people know how to prioritize tasks, set goals, delegate responsibilities, and avoid procrastination. They understand that time wasted can never be regained.

If you’ve mastered the art of time management, you’re already ahead of the curve. It’s not about being busy all the time, but rather making the most out of the time you have available.

So if you find yourself ticking off tasks efficiently and still finding time for self-care and relaxation, you’re doing better than you think!

5) Self-care

Self-care is a life skill that’s sometimes misunderstood. Some see it as indulgence or laziness, but it’s actually a crucial part of maintaining mental and physical health.

I once went through a phase where I was all work and no play. Long hours, skipped meals, little to no exercise – the whole shebang. I thought I was doing great because I was productive and achieving my work goals. But then, my health took a hit. It was a wake-up call.

I learned that taking care of your body and mind isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. This includes eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking time out to relax and do things you enjoy.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’ve mastered the art of self-care and understand its importance, you’re definitely more successful than you think.

6) Resilience

Resilience is a life skill that truly sets successful people apart.

It’s about being able to bounce back from setbacks, to pick yourself up after a fall, and to keep going in the face of adversity. Life is full of challenges and failures, but it’s how we respond to those failures that truly defines us.

Resilient people see failures as temporary setbacks, not permanent roadblocks. They view them as opportunities for growth and learning rather than reasons to give up.

If you’ve been through hard times and come out the other side stronger and wiser, that’s a clear sign of success. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.

7) Empathy

Empathy is perhaps the most vital life skill of all.

It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

In a world that can often seem divided and contentious, empathy is more important than ever. It helps build connections, foster understanding, and promote peace.

If you have the ability to empathize with others, to truly understand their feelings and experiences, you possess a skill that’s more valuable than you might realize. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and success in life.