In life, sometimes we’re so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle, the daily grind, and the ups and downs that we forget to take a step back and really look at where we’re at.

And I get it. It’s easy to feel like you’re not making progress.

Like you’re stuck in a rut, going nowhere fast.

But hang on a second.

What if I told you that you might be doing better than you think?

That, according to psychology, there are subtle signs that indicate you’re actually moving forward, even if it doesn’t seem like it?

See, it’s not always about the big wins or the grand achievements.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.

Let’s dive in and explore these signs—these hidden indicators that you’re doing better in life than you think, even if it feels like you’re just treading water.

1) You’re starting to embrace failure

Here’s something you might not have considered: Embracing failure is a sign of growth.

When you’re able to look at failure not as a personal defeat, but as a stepping stone on the way to success, that’s when you know you’re getting somewhere.

Psychology tells us that resilient people—the ones who bounce back from adversity—are those who view failures as temporary setbacks, not as defining events.

So if you’ve started to see your mistakes and failures as learning experiences and opportunities for growth, take that as a sign that you’re moving forward in life, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

2) You’re starting to accept your flaws and mistakes 

You know, there was a time when I used to beat myself up over the smallest things.

I strived for perfection in everything I did—my work, my relationships, and my appearance. It was exhausting.

But here’s the thing: Perfection doesn’t exist. It’s an illusion. A myth.

And once I began to understand that, something shifted within me.

I started to accept my imperfections, not as flaws, but as unique parts of who I am.

This is a huge step forward. It’s a sign of self-compassion and emotional maturity.

It means you’re starting to understand that being perfect isn’t what life’s all about.

Instead, it’s accepting yourself for who you are—flaws and all— and loving yourself regardless.

3) Gratitude has become a daily habit

Not too long ago, I found myself in a bit of a rut.

Life felt like it was just passing me by, and I was struggling to find joy in the everyday.

That’s when I started practicing gratitude.

Every day, I would jot down three things I was grateful for.

It could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee or a phone call from an old friend.

At first, it felt awkward. Forced, even.

But over time, it became a habit. And not just any habit—a life-changing one.

You see, psychology tells us that gratitude has profound effects on our well-being. It boosts our mood, reduces stress, and improves our overall life satisfaction.

So, if you find yourself naturally expressing gratitude more often—for the big things and the small—trust me, you’re doing better than you think.

It’s a sign that you’re starting to appreciate the good in your life and focus less on what you lack. 

4) You’re seeking out new experiences

Did you know that our brains are wired for novelty? 

When we encounter new experiences, our brains release a rush of dopamine, the feel-good hormone.

But beyond just making us feel good, seeking out new experiences is a sign of personal growth.

It means we’re not just content to stay in our comfort zones.

We’re pushing boundaries, taking risks, and learning new things.

According to psychology, this drive for novelty and learning is a key indicator of resilience and adaptability.

It shows that we’re not just surviving; we’re thriving.

So, if you find yourself trying out new things—whether it’s a cooking class, a book club, or just a different route to work—take it as a sign that you’re doing better in life than you think.

5) You’re investing in self-care

I’ve started to notice something lately.

I’m spending more time taking care of me. I’m talking about the kind of self-care that goes beyond bubble baths and face masks.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love a good pamper session as much as the next person.

But real self-care? It’s making choices to build a life that you don’t need to regularly escape from.

It’s setting boundaries and saying no when you need to.

It’s feeding your body nutritious food and keeping it active.

It’s taking time to rest and not feeling guilty about it.

According to psychology, investing in self-care is a sign of self-respect and self-worth.

It means you understand that your needs are important, and that’s a big step forward.

6) You’re letting go of comparisons

We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media and suddenly finding ourselves in the dangerous territory of comparison.

It’s a slippery slope, one that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

But I’ve started to notice a shift.

I’m spending less time comparing my life to others and more time focusing on my own journey.

And let me tell you, it feels liberating.

Psychology tells us that comparison is the thief of joy.

It robs us of our ability to appreciate our own achievements and progress.

On the flip side, letting go of comparisons is a sign of self-confidence and contentment.

It means you’re beginning to understand that everyone’s path is unique, and there’s no one “right” way to live life.

So if you’re finding yourself less concerned about how you stack up against others, take it as a sign that you’re doing better in life than you think.

7) You’re not afraid to ask for help

There was a time when I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness.

I thought it meant I wasn’t capable or strong enough to handle things on my own.

But you know what? I was wrong.

Asking for help is not a weakness.

In fact, it’s a strength. It shows that you’re aware of your limitations and that you’re open to learning and growing.

Psychology backs this up too. It tells us that people who ask for help when they need it are more likely to achieve their goals and less likely to experience burnout.

8) You’re practicing self-compassion

Here’s something I’ve learned: being kind to yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

We can often be our own harshest critics, berating ourselves for our mistakes and perceived shortcomings.

But beating ourselves up gets us nowhere.

Instead, practicing self-compassion—treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer a friend—can make all the difference.

Self-compassion is linked to greater well-being.

It reduces anxiety and depression, and fosters resilience in the face of adversity.

So if you’re starting to offer yourself more grace, more understanding, and more kindness, then you’re doing better than you think.

You’re building a solid foundation of self-love and acceptance that will support you in all areas of your life.

And that, my friend, is the ultimate sign of progress.

The final thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, it’s clear—you’re on a journey of self-improvement and growth.

And, as these signs suggest, you’re doing better than you think.

But here’s something to remember: progress isn’t always linear.

There will be days when you feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back. And that’s okay.

What matters is that you keep moving, keep growing, and keep striving to be the best version of yourself.

Take pride in your small victories, as they are testament to your resilience and strength.

Self-awareness is the first step towards change.

So, continue to check in with yourself, listen to your feelings, and honor your own needs.

Remember, every journey begins with a single step.

And each step you take, no matter how small, is a sign of progress.

And if you ever find yourself doubting how far you’ve come, look back at these signs.

Remind yourself of your growth and your progress.

Your journey is unique, your progress is real, and your future is bright.

Keep going. You’ve got this!