Life isn’t always a clear path, and sometimes it can be tough to gauge exactly how well we’re doing. Are we winning? Are we losing? How do we even define “winning” in life?
Hi there, I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, and I’ve spent a lot of time pondering these questions.
What if I told you that psychology has some answers for us? Indeed, there are certain signs that can hint at whether we’re on the right track.
In the following article, I’ll share with you 10 of these signs that suggest you’re winning at life. Believe me, some of them might surprise you!
Let’s get started.
1) You live in the present
Do you find yourself constantly living in the past or worrying about the future? Or do you find yourself rooted in the present, savoring each moment as it comes?
According to psychology, those who live in the present are more likely to be winning at life.
This concept is closely related to mindfulness, a practice I’ve spent years studying and advocating for. Mindfulness encourages us to be present, to focus on our current actions and experiences, rather than getting lost in regrets of the past or anxieties about the future.
Living in the present not only reduces stress but also allows us to appreciate life more fully. It helps us make better decisions because we’re paying attention to what’s happening right now rather than being distracted by other thoughts.
If you find yourself fully engaged in the present moment, savoring your morning coffee, enjoying a good book, or simply appreciating a beautiful sunset, then give yourself a pat on the back. You’re winning at life.
It’s not about racing to the finish line but appreciating the journey along the way. And that starts with living in the here and now.
2) You’re content with what you have
Contentment is a tricky concept. We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more to be happy – more money, a bigger house, a fancier car. But is that actually true?
Psychology says otherwise. Those who feel satisfied with what they have, rather than constantly chasing more, tend to be happier and more successful in life.
This aligns perfectly with my practice and understanding of Buddhism and mindfulness. Being content doesn’t mean settling for less, but rather appreciating what you already have and recognizing its value.
As the renowned mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn says, “Happiness is a way of being that gives you the resources to deal with the ups and downs of life.”
When you find yourself longing for something more, try to take a step back and appreciate what you already have. You might realize that you’re already winning at life in ways you hadn’t recognized before.
3) You’re on a path of self-improvement
Being content with what you have doesn’t mean you stop growing or improving. In fact, one of the surefire signs that you’re winning at life is that you’re committed to self-improvement.
You see, winners never stop learning. They know they can always improve, always grow, and always become better versions of themselves.
This ethos is something I’ve always believed in and it’s a key theme throughout my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. In the book, I delve into the Buddhist philosophy of constant growth and self-improvement, but without letting ego get in the way.
This isn’t just about reading more books or taking more courses. It’s about striving to be a better person every day, in our actions, our words, and our thoughts.
If you’re on a journey of self-improvement, be proud. You’re definitely winning at life. And if you need a little guidance along the way, I’d love to help through my book. After all, we’re all in this together!
4) You maintain healthy relationships
The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our life and wellbeing. Healthy relationships, whether they’re with friends, family, or romantic partners, are a clear sign that you’re winning at life.
Psychology tells us that social connections are key to our happiness and mental health. But it’s not just about the quantity of relationships, it’s about the quality.
As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
So take a moment to reflect on your relationships. Are they based on mutual respect, understanding, and love? Do you make an effort to make others feel valued?
It’s not always easy, but maintaining healthy relationships is one of the most rewarding things we can do. So if your relationships are strong and fulfilling, give yourself some credit – you’re certainly winning at life.
5) You understand your core values
Knowing who you are and what you stand for is a powerful indicator that you’re winning at life. Understanding your core values means you’ve taken the time to reflect on what truly matters to you, and you’ve made a commitment to align your actions accordingly.
I’ve often found in my own journey that understanding my values has guided me through difficult decisions and kept me focused on what truly matters. It’s like having an inner compass that helps you navigate the ups and downs of life.
One way to better understand your own values is through exercises designed to help you reflect and identify them. My colleague, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown, has created a fantastic Defining Your Values Exercise that I highly recommend.
This exercise can help you clarify what’s most important to you, which in turn can guide your decision-making and help create a life that aligns with who you truly are.
If you’ve taken the time to understand your core values, congratulations. This self-awareness is a clear sign that you’re winning at life.
6) You’re resilient
Life is full of ups and downs, but it’s how we respond to these challenges that truly defines us.
If you’re able to bounce back from adversity, to learn from your mistakes and move forward stronger than before, then you’re definitely winning at life. This ability is what psychologists refer to as resilience.
Resilience doesn’t mean you never feel the pain or sadness. It means you’re able to manage these feelings and recover from them.
One practical way of building resilience is to cultivate a positive outlook. Even in the face of adversity, try to find something positive or a lesson learned. This shift in mindset can make a world of difference.
It’s not about never falling, it’s about always getting back up. If you’re resilient, you’re absolutely winning at life.
7) You practice gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool. It shifts our focus from what’s missing in our lives to the abundance that’s already present.
In my personal journey with mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve found that practicing gratitude has been a game changer. It brings me back to the present moment, reminding me of the many blessings in my life, big and small.
Psychology backs this up. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.
Practicing gratitude can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It could be a loved one, a beautiful sunset, or simply the fact that you’re alive and breathing.
If you’re someone who consciously practices gratitude, then rest assured – you’re absolutely winning at life.
8) You can adapt to change
Change is the only constant in life. How we adapt to these changes says a lot about how well we’re doing in life.
Those who are adaptable, who can roll with the punches and adjust to new circumstances, are the ones truly winning at life. They understand that change is inevitable and they’re prepared to evolve with it.
In the words of Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.”
Being adaptable doesn’t mean you won’t feel discomfort when faced with change. It simply means you’re able to navigate through this discomfort and emerge stronger on the other side.
If you’re adaptable, if you’re able to take life’s changes in stride, then give yourself a pat on the back. You’re definitely winning at life.
9) You’re okay with not being perfect
In a world that often pressures us to be perfect, being okay with imperfections can be quite counterintuitive. However, it’s a clear sign that you’re winning at life.
Psychology tells us that striving for perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. On the other hand, accepting our flaws and mistakes can lead to growth and self-improvement.
In my own life, I’ve learned that it’s not about being perfect, but about being authentic. It’s about embracing our unique selves, quirks and all.
As the saying goes, “perfect is the enemy of good.”
10) You take care of your health
Health is wealth, as the saying goes. If you’re someone who takes care of your physical health, then you’re definitely winning at life.
Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, ensuring you have enough rest – these might seem like simple things, but they make a huge difference to our overall wellbeing.
Remember, our mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. So don’t hesitate to take time for self-care activities that help you relax and recharge.
Taking care of your health is not just about living longer, it’s about living better. So if you’re making conscious efforts to stay healthy, then congratulations. You’re absolutely winning at life.
Conclusion
Life is a journey, not a destination. It’s about growing, learning, and becoming the best version of ourselves. If you resonate with these 10 signs, then rest assured – you’re winning at life.
Remember, every day is a new opportunity to grow and improve. So even if you don’t see all these signs in your life right now, don’t be disheartened.
Start by understanding your core values. Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise can be a great starting point. Once you know what truly matters to you, it becomes easier to align your actions and make decisions that bring you closer to your version of success.
Keep going, keep growing, and keep winning at life!
