Living a great life doesn’t always mean ticking all the boxes society has laid out for us. In fact, sometimes it means coloring outside those lines and dancing to your own tune.
As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, I’ve learned that the signs of a truly good life aren’t always what you’d expect.
In this article, I’m going to share 10 signs that you’re living a great life, even if you don’t fit the status quo.
Your life doesn’t need to look picture-perfect to be fulfilling. So let’s delve into these unconventional markers of a well-lived life.
1) You cherish the present moment
One of the simplest yet profound signs of a great life is your ability to cherish the present moment. In our fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, it’s easy to get caught up in the race for success and lose sight of what truly matters.
But as a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, I’ve learned that true contentment doesn’t come from ticking off boxes or reaching milestones. It comes from being deeply engaged in the here and now.
If you find joy in simple, everyday moments—like savoring a cup of coffee, laughing with a friend, or observing the beauty of nature—you’re living a great life.
These moments might seem ordinary, but they are actually extraordinary. They are reminders that you’re not just going through the motions, but truly experiencing life.
Being mindful isn’t about rejecting ambition or goals. It’s about understanding that the journey is just as important as the destination.
And if you can relish every step along the way, even if it doesn’t fit into society’s ‘success’ narrative, you’re doing just fine.
2) You’re not defined by material possessions
As the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve learned that living a great life doesn’t necessarily mean having the biggest house or the flashiest car. In fact, sometimes it’s quite the opposite.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness teacher, once said, “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
If you’re able to find happiness and satisfaction without relying on material possessions, that’s a sign you’re living a great life.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying nice things. However, if your happiness hinges on what you own rather than who you are and the relationships you foster, it might be worth reassessing your priorities.
3) You live with authenticity
In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, living authentically is a true sign of a great life. It’s about being in touch with your core values, expressing them freely, and not being swayed by society’s expectations.
As someone who has spent a lot of time studying and practicing Buddhism and mindfulness, I’ve seen firsthand how liberating it can be to shed the layers of pretense and reveal our true selves.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I dive deeper into how we can cultivate authenticity and live life on our own terms.
Living authentically doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges or criticism. But it does mean that you’re living true to yourself, which is far more rewarding than fitting into a mold that doesn’t resonate with who you really are.
4) You practice gratitude regularly
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal for living a great life. It’s a simple practice, but its effects can be transformative.
The renowned mindfulness expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn, said, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough.”
If you’re someone who regularly takes time to appreciate what you have, who you are, and the world around you, you’re living a great life. This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or difficulties, but rather acknowledging the good amidst them.
A practical way to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine could be maintaining a gratitude journal. Every night before bed, jot down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be grandiose; even simple things like a good meal, a warm conversation, or a beautiful sunset can count.
This habit of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life can shift your perspective and help you realize that even if your life doesn’t match up to societal standards, it’s still pretty great.
5) You understand your core values and live by them
Knowing your core values and living by them is a key sign that you’re living a great life. Your values are the principles that guide your decisions and actions, and they shape who you are at your core.
Throughout my journey with mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve realized the importance of understanding my own values. They’ve been my compass, guiding me towards what truly matters in life.
If you’re clear about your core values and make decisions that align with them, you’re living authentically and purposefully. And that’s a surefire sign of a great life.
If you’re struggling to identify your core values, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown has an excellent exercise that can help. Her Defining Your Values Exercise is a practical tool that guides you in pinpointing what truly matters to you.
It’s not about fitting into society’s mold but about being true to yourself. When you know your values and live by them, even if they go against the grain, you’re living a life of substance and authenticity. And there’s nothing greater than that.
6) You make time for self-care
Living a great life isn’t just about achieving things or making a mark. It’s also about taking care of yourself.
If you prioritize self-care, whether it’s taking a walk, meditating, or simply reading a book, you’re living a great life. It shows that you understand the importance of maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. And it’s a practical way to ensure that you’re in the best shape to navigate life’s ups and downs.
If you have rituals that help you unwind, relax, and rejuvenate, celebrate them. They’re not frivolous; they’re vital. And they’re a sign that you understand the importance of balance in life, which is more than what many people can say.
7) You cultivate mindfulness in your daily life
Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword. It’s a way of life. And if you’re incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you’re living a great life.
Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged in whatever you’re doing, without judgment. It’s about savoring the little moments, being aware of your thoughts and feelings, and experiencing life in all its richness.
As a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, I’ve seen how this simple practice can transform lives. It’s helped me stay grounded, focused, and more in tune with myself.
8) You embrace change
Change is an inevitable part of life. And if you’re someone who embraces it rather than resists it, you’re living a great life.
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” Life is a continuous ebb and flow of experiences, circumstances, and emotions.
Embracing change means recognizing and accepting this reality. It’s about being adaptable and flexible, knowing that whatever comes your way, you have the resilience to handle it.
You’re not stuck in the past or anxious about the future, but present in the now, ready to take on whatever comes your way.
9) You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable
This might sound counterintuitive, but if you’re comfortable with being uncomfortable, that’s a sign you’re living a great life.
Growth often happens outside our comfort zone. It’s in the moments of discomfort that we learn, grow, and become better versions of ourselves.
Throughout my journey with mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned to lean into discomfort rather than avoiding it. It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding.
If you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from challenges, who embraces the unfamiliar and the uncertain, you’re living a great life. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. And you’re continually evolving into a stronger, wiser version of yourself.
10) You take time to disconnect
In our hyper-connected world, taking time to disconnect can be a real challenge. But if you’re someone who regularly unplugs from technology to connect with yourself and the world around you, you’re living a great life.
Whether it’s going for a walk without your phone, reading a book, or simply sitting in silence, these moments of disconnection are invaluable. They allow us to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with our inner selves.
If you consciously carve out periods of digital detox in your routine, celebrate that. It’s a simple yet powerful way of ensuring that you’re not just existing online, but truly living in the real world. And that’s a sign of a great life.
Conclusion
Living a great life isn’t about fitting into society’s mold or meeting external expectations. It’s about being true to yourself, embracing the present moment, and understanding your core values.
Everyone’s journey is unique. So don’t compare your path with others. Instead, focus on cultivating mindfulness, practicing gratitude, embracing change, and taking care of yourself.
If you need a little help identifying your core values to guide your journey, check out Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a practical tool that can provide some clarity.
After all, the greatest life you can live is the one that’s true to you. So keep dancing to your own tune and enjoy the beautiful journey that is your life.
