Feeling like success is playing hard to get? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The road to success often feels like a marathon where someone forgot to mark the mileposts. But here’s the thing: success leaves clues, and some of them show up way before the confetti and champagne. So, let’s get into some signs that show you’re on the fast track to success.
1. You’re as curious as they come
If your idea of a good time is learning how to pickle vegetables or code in Python, congrats! Your curiosity is a superpower. According to The Institute for Habits of Mind, successful people are eternal students, always hungry for knowledge. They don’t just ask “Why?” but “Why not?” and “How can I?” Your insatiable curiosity is laying the foundation for future innovations.
2. You’ve made peace with failure
Does failure make you want to curl up in a ball and binge-watch comfort TV? Join the club. But if after that initial sting, you find yourself dissecting what went wrong and how to do better next time, you’re playing the long game. Successful people don’t just bounce back from failure, they bounce forward.
3. You’ve got grit, kid
When the going gets tough, do you get going or get gone? If you’re the type to stick with problems longer than a toddler with a lollipop, you’ve got grit. This perseverance in the face of challenges is a key predictor of success. It’s not about never wanting to quit, it’s about not quitting even when you really, really want to.
4. You’re not stuck in your comfort zone
Does the idea of trying something new give you butterflies? Good. Chase that feeling. If you regularly push yourself out of your comfort zone, whether it’s public speaking, learning a new skill, or trying exotic foods, you’re flexing your growth muscles. Successful people aren’t necessarily fearless, they just don’t let fear call the shots.
5. You’re not too attached to the plan
Having big dreams is great, but if you’re flexible about how to achieve them, that’s even better. Successful people know what they want, but they’re adaptable to the journey. You can pivot fast when your original plan hits a snag, and you’re developing the kind of agility that’ll serve you well in any field.
6. Got problems? You solve them
When faced with a challenge, is your first instinct to find a solution rather than find someone to blame? Ding ding ding! We have a winner. Successful people are natural problem solvers. They see obstacles as puzzles to be solved, not roadblocks. If you get a little thrill from finding creative solutions, you’re honing a skill that’s huge.
7. You’re a fiend for feedback
If constructive criticism feels less like a personal attack and more like a map for life, you’re on the right track. Successful people don’t just accept feedback, they actively seek it out. They know that other perspectives can shine a light on their blind spots. So if you find yourself asking “How can I do better?” more often than “Why are they picking on me?”, you’re cultivating a growth mindset that’ll breed success.
8. “No” is a highly-used word in your vocabulary
Contrary to popular belief, successful people aren’t yes-men or yes-women. They know that saying no to the wrong things leaves room to say yes to the right ones. If you’re getting comfortable with turning down opportunities that don’t align with your goals, even if they sound impressive, you’re on the right path. It’s quality over quantity, always.
9. You know how precious your time is
Successful people understand that time is the one resource you can’t get back. If you’re always looking for ways to be more efficient, if you value your time and others’, you’re building a habit that’s crucial for success. It’s not about being busy all the time, it’s about making your time really count.
10. You’re making connections left and right
If your idea of networking isn’t just collecting business cards but building genuine relationships, you’re ahead of the game. Successful people know that who you know can be just as important as what you know. If you’re the one friends call when they need to brainstorm or want to celebrate, you’re building a network that’ll catapult you to success.
11. You’re allergic to the status quo
“That’s how it’s always been done” is your least favorite phrase. According to Inc.com, successful people are constantly looking for ways to improve things, even when they’re not broken. If you find yourself reimagining processes, questioning assumptions, and thinking “What if?”, you’ve got the innovative spirit that drives progress.
12. You value experiences over things
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things, if you prioritize experiences and personal growth over material possessions, you’re thinking like a successful person. They know that experiences shape you, teach you, and connect you with others in ways that stuff never can. So if your bucket list is more about doing than having, you’re investing in the kind of personal development that leads to success.
13. You’re the responsible one
Do people tend to entrust you with important tasks or decisions? That’s a great sign. Successful people don’t shy away from responsibility; they embrace it. If you’re the go-to person in your circle, you’re already showing leadership qualities that’ll serve you well.
14. You’ve got a squad that pushes you
Look at the people you spend the most time with. Are they supportive yet challenging? Do they inspire you to be better? Successful people curate their inner circle carefully. They surround themselves with people who elevate them, not drain them. If your friends are a mix of cheerleaders and coaches, pushing you to be your best self, you’re creating an environment ripe for success.
15. You believe in yourself (even when it’s hard)
Last but definitely not least, you’ve got faith in yourself and your abilities. This doesn’t mean you think you’re perfect or that success is guaranteed. It means that deep down, even on your worst days, you believe you’ve got what it takes to achieve your dreams. Successful people often face doubt and setbacks, but their core belief in themselves keeps them going.
