It’s easy to feel like you’re not measuring up to those around you. Everyone else seems to be cruising by, living these Instrgram-worthy lives. But not you. You’re stressed out, eating leftover pizza next to a pile of dirty dishes, wondering if you submitted that report to your boss or not.
I assure you, behind the scenes, everyone deals with the unfiltered and unglamorous aspects of life that rarely reach the spotlight.
Even though life can be messy, you are doing better than you think. Here are 19 signs to prove it.
1. Your Needs Are Being Met
Are you comfortable? Do you have a roof over your head and food in the kitchen? Do you have a regular source of income?
Everyone’s lives are different, but if your needs are met and you take proper care of yourself, you are doing well. Take a moment to appreciate it.
2. You Can Take Care of Yourself and Your Family
Sure, we eat fast food, mindlessly scroll through our phones instead of sleeping, and that gym bag hasn’t moved in weeks – but caring for yourself goes beyond healthy habits and diets. I’m not talking about bubble baths and glasses of wine, either.
I mean the practical things like access to health care and mental health services. If you can afford your prescriptions and regularly get check-ups and dental care, you are doing better than an estimated 112 million Americans who struggle to afford these things.
3. You Have Money
Money isn’t everything, but you can’t live without it. Having a steady paycheck and money in the bank means you have stability and security. Even a small savings account can make a difference when unexpected expenses or emergencies happen.
4. You Recognize Social Media Isn’t Real Life
You may think you are doing something wrong because your life does not look like what you see on social media. But you’re not!
What you see about other people’s lives, especially online, is really just the highlight reel. They also face everyday difficulties, struggles, and even moments of despair. But they hide the negatives and only show the world the positives in their lives. Pictures of your stained sweatpants and messy house just don’t get as many likes as carefully curated snapshots where everything is in order and everyone is happy.
5. You Are Making Other People Happy
Ask yourself, “Have I made anyone smile today?” or “Have I helped someone?”
Successful people always find ways to help those around them. Making someone laugh or improving their mood is a sign that you’re making the world better. You don’t have to be a saint to change reality. Just try your best, be kind, and help people.
6. You Have Real Friends
While there is nothing wrong with getting likes and followers online, think about your real friends—the ones who send you gifts or take you out to dinner for your birthday, not just DM “happy birthday” to you. Maybe you can count that number on one hand, but having even just a few people you can always turn to means something.
7. You Know How To Connect Online
Chatting online may seem insignificant, but connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and engaging in discussions shows you are open-minded, comfortable with who you are, and not afraid to share your thoughts with the world.
The Internet gives you platforms to express yourself, share thoughts, and connect with like-minded people. You can share your views and maybe even change people’s opinions.
If your online interactions lead to positive changes or constructively influence others, it shows that your ideas and perspectives hold weight.
8. You Like Yourself
You know you are on the right track if you genuinely like the person you see in the mirror. No, you don’t have to be perfect to like yourself. Your friends aren’t perfect, but you still like them, don’t you?
We all have flaws, quirks, and aspects of our lives that we should work on, but being comfortable in your own skin means you’re doing better than you think. When you like yourself, you’re not seeking validation from others because you’ve already found it within.
9. You Are Working Towards Something
I know, I know. “Following your dreams” is cliche, but it’s one of the many signs that you’re actually doing better than you think. Working towards a goal isn’t just noble; it’ shows your determination and resilience.
You are in charge of your own life, so why wouldn’t you make a plan and follow it to get the results you want? Even if your goal seems far away, you will get there if you persevere.
Having a purpose and understanding the direction you want to take in life are crucial indicators that you’re on the right path.
10. You Have Grown Since Last Year
Try looking back a year and comparing yourself then with yourself now. Surely, you have grown, even if it’s only in small ways. Baby steps are still steps!
When you become aware of your changes, for better or worse, you understand what you need to work on and where to improve. Appreciate every change because, thanks to them, you can move your life in a more positive direction.
11. You Learn From Your Mistakes
We all have made the wrong choice at some point and have suffered the consequences. While we can’t go back in time to correct our mistakes, what we learn from our mistakes is what matters.
Because, guess what? You will make mistakes in the future, too.
But making mistakes drives us to grow. If you don’t give up and stay open to new experiences, it is a sign that you are really in control of your life.
12. You Don’t Stop Learning
No matter what you are learning about—languages, astronomy, programming, or how to make balloon animals—as long as you keep researching and learning, you will continuously develop into a better version of yourself every day.
You can learn virtually anything online and explore the world, accumulating knowledge from diverse and talented people. It’s a sign that you are curious and interested in learning, and it contributes to your intellectual growth.
13. You Don’t Let Setbacks Stop You
Life doesn’t always work the way you want it to. But every rejection and setback is an opportunity, even though it may not feel like it. When one door closes, another opens—one that can lead you to a better life and help you discover more of your potential.
14. You Face Your Fears
No one wants to live in fear, but sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone. Everyone has experienced fear of new and unfamiliar things, like the first day at a new job or moving to a new city.
You can’t avoid new experiences and challenges entirely. Facing your fears is a sign that you are learning to adapt and become stronger. Plus, you are opening yourself up to so many new opportunities.
15. You Ask Questions About Life
When you question and constantly look for new ways to do things, it’s a sign that you’re objective, flexible, and innovative. This personality type makes it easy to face and handle life’s difficulties.
Asking questions is also a good indication of leadership skills. You’re not afraid to challenge others, push boundaries, or speak up when others might be too intimidated to.
16. You Are Getting Stronger
You will get hurt, but don’t see this as a negative. Wounds remind us that we are truly experiencing life and are learning how to heal to become stronger. Becoming more resilient and emotionally intelligent shows that you can hold your own and confidently face whatever comes your way.
17. You Know What You Like And Avoid What You Don’t
You’re on the right track when you know what you like and make time for it. It means you’ve ditched the things you don’t like and enjoy life more than dread it.
For example, if you sign up for a yoga class and don’t end up liking it, who cares? Try karate or cycling next instead of forcing yourself to do something you really don’t want to do.
18. You’re Not Bothered By Other People’s Opinions
People have opinions, and some of them will not align with yours. And that’s fine. The world would be a pretty dull place if we all agreed on everything all the time.
If you’re not bothered by other people’s opinions and continue to do your own thing, that proves you are confident and secure with yourself.
And if you can listen to and respect those with opposing opinions, this shows your maturity and tolerance.
19. You Don’t Follow Trends
Many people fear being left behind and feel compelled to copy others. If someone has something, they think they must have it too. But not you. You don’t easily get caught up in the crowd.
There is nothing wrong with being trendy if that’s who you truly are. But wearing designer clothes or always having the newest iPhone doesn’t make you a better person.
You Are Doing Better Than You Think
Your life, the people in it, and your experiences are uniquely yours. You can’t compare yourself to people who have lived different lives.
You have no reason to doubt yourself when you look back at your progress and appreciate how far you’ve come. I assure you, you are doing better than you think.
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Amanda Kay, the founder of My Life, I Guess, provides valuable career advice and support for anyone striving to make a living and, more importantly, make a life. Whether it's navigating job searches, learning new skills, overcoming unemployment, or dealing with debt, My Life, I Guess has been a go-to resource for career guidance and financial stability since 2013. Amanda's expertise and relatable approach have been featured in trusted publications such as MSN, Credit.com, Yahoo! Finance, the Ladders and Fairygodboss.