10 Ways You’re Absolutely Doing Better Than You Think

It’s an easy trap to fall into: seeing life through a “glass half empty” lens when you’re feeling a bit down or overwhelmed. We’re often quick to focus on what we haven’t yet achieved, the struggles we’re facing, or the gap between our current reality and our highest aspirations. In a world that constantly bombards us with images of seemingly effortless success and luxury, it’s all too simple to feel like we’re falling behind.

However, even if times feel tough or you find yourself consumed by worry about future goals, it is absolutely essential to pause and acknowledge the significant things you do have and the substantial progress you’ve already made. The journey of growth and the steps you’ve taken up until this point—no matter how small they seem—haven’t been easy. You need to take genuine pride in these seemingly tiny triumphs.

Stop minimizing your accomplishments and start giving yourself the credit you deserve. Even if you feel like something is fundamentally wrong in your life, chances are you are doing much better than you think.

1. You Paid the Bills This Month

In today’s uncertain economic climate, this single fact is a massive win that many people can’t claim. If you had the money to cover your essentials—rent, utilities, and groceries—and perhaps even had a little left over for an extra treat or two, you are doing great. Don’t sell yourself short or belittle this achievement just because you haven’t hit the millionaire status yet. Financial stability, even month-to-month, is a foundation of well-being.

2. You Have Time for Self-Care

This is not a luxury; it’s a vital necessity. And yes, self-care counts in many forms—from reading a book, to meditating, to binging your favorite Netflix show on the couch, or ordering takeout. If your life structure allows you to do things other than just work and sleep, you’re not just surviving; you’re one step ahead. Taking this time is crucial for nurturing your mental health and ensuring you have the resilience to face tomorrow. Tragically, many people worldwide are caught in a relentless cycle of working only until they collapse into sleep just to survive.

3. You’re Not Worried About Going Without a Meal

Food insecurity is a pervasive and serious global problem. If there is consistently food in your pantry or fridge, and you have the ability to feed yourself on a regular basis without a second thought, you are in a profoundly privileged position. If you’re not experiencing the primal anxiety of fretting over where your next meal will come from, you are, by definition, doing pretty well. Again, don’t sell yourself short on this basic, yet often elusive, human need.

4. You Have at Least One Truly Close Connection

We have a tendency to worry about the quantity of our friends, especially in the age of social media. However, quality always trumps quantity. If you have at least one truly close friend or family member in your support network—someone you can be vulnerable with—that is a massive source of strength. That feeling of community and genuine joy, even with a small circle, is something many people are desperately seeking. In the midst of life’s challenges, you realize who really matters, and having that core support is a significant blessing.

5. You’ve Learned from Past Mistakes

It’s often said that repeating the same action over and over while expecting a different result is the very definition of insanity. If you’ve managed to learn from your past missteps and have changed your behavior for the better over the past few years—or at the very least, are avoiding repeating the worst of your past decisions—then give yourself a hearty round of applause! The ability to turn a terrible moment into an important life lesson is a sign of true emotional and intellectual maturity.

6. You Can Afford More Than the Bare Minimum

This goes beyond paying the bills. This sign covers the small, taken-for-granted luxuries of life: a variety of clothing in your wardrobe, the simple comfort of a morning cup of coffee, or the ability to fill your gas tank without panic. These are things many people in difficult circumstances simply do not have. The ability to go beyond mere survival and afford small, life-enhancing comforts means your situation is stable and robust.

7. You’ve Made Progress of Some Kind

Whether it was finally getting a degree, completing a major life milestone, hitting a health goal, or snagging a job you’ve always wanted, consistent progress is what counts. If you’ve made improvements in any part of your life and aren’t staying stagnant, that’s a win worth celebrating. We often get caught up in comparing our lives to others’ highlight reels, but moving forward—even incrementally—is a big deal and a huge success.

8. You Trust Your Instincts and Have Awareness

Your gut instinct is a powerful, protective tool that should not be underestimated. If you ever get a clear sense of what’s not right—even if you can’t logically articulate the exact problem—that’s a huge asset. Your instincts guide you, help you make better decisions, and act as an internal alarm system. Most importantly, this sense of awareness keeps you looking out for yourself and consistently taking better care of your physical and emotional safety.

9. You Have a Roof Over Your Head and a Space of Your Own

In a time when homelessness is a severe global crisis, having a guaranteed shelter is a massive privilege. This doesn’t require owning a huge house or even living alone. Simply having a private space—a room, a dedicated desk, a corner of a shared home—where you can gather your thoughts, recharge, and have control over your immediate universe is an essential component of peace and security.

10. You’re Adaptable

Life is unpredictable, and no matter what challenges are thrown your way, the ability to adjust on the fly is one of the most important qualities you can possess. You cannot achieve long-term success without learning to be flexible, maintaining an adaptable mindset, and being willing to “go with the flow.” As long as you are actively resisting the urge to refuse change and are learning to pivot, you are demonstrating resilience and are doing better than you think.

The next time you feel that familiar pang of worry or self-doubt, remember this list. Your journey is unique, and your growth doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come, recognize the stability you’ve built, and celebrate the fundamental human needs you are meeting. You are more resilient, successful, and well-positioned than you’re currently giving yourself credit for.

Which of these signs surprised you the most about your own progress?