Success is a subjective term, with definitions varying from person to person. You might wonder if you have what it takes to achieve your dreams or feel uncertain if your current actions will lead to the success you desire.

How do you know if you are on the right path towards success or simply drifting along like most people?

Success isn’t just about money or power. It’s about fulfillment, happiness, and making a positive impact. And psychology has some interesting insights into what traits can contribute to a higher probability of success in life.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 signs that you’re on the path to success in life, according to psychology. It’s not a definite checklist, but more of a guide that might help you understand where you are and where you’re headed.

So let’s dive into these telltale signs and see how many you can tick off.

1) Grit and determination

Let’s start with something that psychologists agree is a strong predictor of success: grit.

Grit, as defined by psychologist Angela Duckworth, is the ability to stick with challenging tasks and see them through to completion. It’s about being persistent, even when things get tough.

Successful people aren’t those who never fail. They’re the ones who keep going, no matter how many times they fall. They don’t see failure as a dead-end, but as a stepping stone towards success.

If you find yourself showing resilience in the face of adversity and persisting towards your goals despite hurdles, you’ve got grit. And according to psychology, this is a strong sign that you are on the path to success. It’s not about never failing. It’s about getting back up every time you do.

2) Embracing change

Another sign that you’re on the road to success is your ability to adapt to and embrace change.

Change is inevitable. It’s something we all experience, whether we like it or not. But how we react to that change can make all the difference.

Let me give you an example from my own life. A few years ago, I faced a significant career shift. I was moving from a well-established company to a start-up with a lot of uncertainties. Many people advised me against it, citing the risks involved.

But I saw it differently. Instead of focusing on the potential pitfalls, I saw an opportunity – a chance to learn, grow and contribute in ways I couldn’t have in my previous role. So, I embraced the change and made the jump.

Today, looking back, that decision was one of the best I’ve ever made. It challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened doors to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined.

If you can view change as an opportunity rather than a threat, you’re well on your way to achieving success in life. Because success is not just about where you are now; it’s about how far you’ve come and how willing you are to go further.

3) Comfortable with discomfort

Most of us yearn for comfort, seeking out situations that make us feel secure and at ease.

You might gravitate towards the familiar and avoid stepping outside of your comfort zone, or you might be the type who consistently pushes your boundaries.

Those destined for success often have a unique relationship with discomfort. Instead of shying away from it, they lean into it, understanding that growth often requires a certain level of discomfort.

If you find yourself willingly stepping into unknown territories, seeking out new experiences despite the potential discomfort, then you’re displaying another sign of future success.

Remember, comfort zones might feel safe, but rarely is anything great achieved within their confines.

4) Optimistic outlook

One common trait among successful people is their positive outlook on life. They tend to see the glass as half full, even when faced with challenges. This optimistic mindset helps them to see opportunities where others might see obstacles.

But optimism isn’t about ignoring reality or glossing over problems. It’s about approaching difficulties with a positive and proactive attitude, believing that you have the power to overcome them.

This sort of mindset can be a powerful motivator, pushing you to strive for your goals and not letting setbacks get in your way. If you’re someone who generally has an optimistic outlook on life, this is a good sign that you’re on your way to success.

Remember, your attitude towards life can often shape your experiences. Choose positivity and let it guide you towards your goals.

5) Goal-oriented

Successful people know where they want to go and have a plan on how to get there. They set clear, achievable goals and take consistent action towards them.

Having goals gives you a sense of direction, a roadmap to your desired destination. It helps you focus your energy and resources in the right places.

Whether it’s setting up a new business, learning a new skill, or working towards a promotion, having clear goals is a strong indicator of potential success. If you’re someone who sets and works towards your goals, no matter how big or small, you’re exhibiting a sign that you have what it takes to be successful.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Keep taking consistent steps towards your goals.

6) Ability to say ‘no’

We often associate success with being a ‘yes’ person, someone who’s always ready to seize opportunities, always open to new experiences.

You might feel an urge to agree to every request or opportunity that comes your way, but do you have the courage to say no when it matters?

Surprisingly, the ability to say no is a powerful trait of successful people. It’s not about being negative or unwilling. It’s about knowing your priorities, understanding your limits and protecting your time and energy for what truly matters.

If you find yourself able to decline requests or opportunities that don’t align with your goals, then you’re exhibiting another sign of future success. Remember, saying yes to everything means saying no to something important. It’s all about balance and focus.

7) Resilience

One trait that’s often overlooked but is crucial to success is resilience. Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and we are all bound to face setbacks and failures. But it’s how we respond to these challenges that matters.

I recall a time when a project I was leading at work didn’t go as planned. The team had put in a lot of effort, but the results were far from what we had anticipated. It was a big blow.

But instead of letting it get me down, I used it as a learning opportunity. I analyzed what went wrong, gathered feedback, and made necessary changes. We used our failure as a stepping stone and came back stronger. The next project we undertook was a huge success.

Persistence in the face of adversity is a common trait among successful individuals. They don’t see failure as a dead-end, but rather as part of the process. They understand that every setback is a step closer to their goal.

If you have the grit to keep going even when things get tough and are not easily dissuaded by failure, then you’re displaying another powerful sign of future success. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but about how many times you get back up.

8) Embracing challenges

We all face challenges, yet how we react to them can speak volumes about our potential for success.

You might encounter an obstacle and feel overwhelmed by its magnitude, or you might see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Successful individuals aren’t deterred by challenges. Rather, they embrace them, seeing them as stepping stones towards their goals. They understand that struggle is a part of any journey, and without it, the destination wouldn’t hold as much value.

If you find yourself pushing through difficulties rather than avoiding them, embracing failure as a learning experience rather than fearing it, you might just be exhibiting the first sign of destined success.

9) Self-discipline

One of the key traits that set successful people apart is their self-discipline. They have the ability to control their impulses, emotions, and behaviors to achieve their long-term goals.

Self-discipline is about making choices that lead you towards your goals, and away from distractions or instant gratification. It’s about doing what needs to be done, even if you don’t feel like doing it.

Whether it’s sticking to a healthy diet, maintaining a regular exercise routine, or finishing a project before the deadline, self-discipline plays a crucial role in achieving success.

If you’ve got a strong sense of self-discipline, you’re showing one of the most significant signs of potential success. Remember, discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

10) Lifelong learning

The most successful people understand that learning doesn’t stop with formal education. They are committed to continuous learning, constantly seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Lifelong learning keeps you adaptable, innovative, and curious. It enables you to continue growing and evolving in your personal and professional life.

If you view life as an endless opportunity to learn and grow, congratulations! You’re embodying one of the most crucial traits of successful individuals. Remember, the more you learn, the more you realize how much there is to learn.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

Success, as we’ve explored, isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the journey – the persistence, the resilience, the curiosity, and the empathy.

It’s about embracing change, setting and pursuing goals, valuing solitude, exercising self-discipline, and never ceasing to learn.

Remember Albert Einstein’s words – “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” This holds profound insight into what true success entails. It’s about creating value – for yourself, for others, and for the world.

Each one of us carries the potential for success within us. It’s about recognizing these traits in ourselves and nurturing them.

As you go forward in your journey towards success, remember that it’s not just about reaching a certain point or achieving a specific goal. It’s about who you become in the process.

The signs are within you. The journey is yours to undertake.