7 signs you will be successful in life, even if you haven’t achieved much yet (according to psychology)

Success in life isn’t always about the big wins. Sometimes, it’s the subtle signs that point to a promising future, even if you haven’t achieved much yet.

Psychology has a lot to say about what makes a person successful. It’s not just about intelligence or wealth, but also about character traits and behaviors.

I’m here to share with you seven signs that you’re on the fast track to success, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

Let’s get started. 

1) You’re not afraid of failure

Failure isn’t a word that scares you. In fact, you see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

According to psychology, this trait is often seen in people who are destined to be successful. They have what Carol Dweck, a psychology professor at Stanford University, calls a “growth mindset.”

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This view creates a love of learning and resilience, essential for great accomplishment.

People with a growth mindset aren’t discouraged by failure. Instead, they see it as a stepping stone to success. They understand that every failure is a lesson that brings them one step closer to their goals.

2) You’re always hungry for knowledge

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stayed up past midnight, absorbed in a new book or deep-diving into a fascinating topic online. It’s like a burning curiosity that just can’t be quenched.

Psychology suggests that this insatiable thirst for knowledge is another sign of future success. Lifelong learning is often a common trait among successful individuals. They’re not content to just sit back and rest on their laurels. Instead, they’re always pushing to learn more, to expand their horizons, and to better themselves.

The world is constantly changing and evolving, and successful people know they must do the same. Whether it’s learning a new skill, staying updated on industry trends, or just indulging curiosity about the world around us – a love of learning keeps us adaptable and innovative.

If you find yourself frequently falling down the rabbit hole of new information, just like I do, it’s not a bad thing. It’s a sign that you have the capacity for growth and change that could lead you to great success in your future.

3) You’re a master of delayed gratification

In the late 1960s, Stanford professor Walter Mischel conducted a series of psychological studies now known as “The Marshmallow Test.” In these experiments, a child was given a choice between one small reward provided immediately or two small rewards if they waited for a short period.

The children who were able to wait longer for the larger reward tended to have better life outcomes, as measured by SAT scores, educational attainment, body mass index, and other life measures. This ability to delay gratification has been linked to achieving success.

If you’re someone who can resist the lure of immediate satisfaction in favor of long-term gains, you’re demonstrating a key characteristic of successful individuals. Being able to set aside momentary pleasure for future benefits is a sign that you have the self-control, foresight, and persistence that are crucial for success in life.

4) You’re not afraid to step out of your comfort zone

Sticking to what you know is comfortable, but it’s not always conducive to success. Successful individuals often display a willingness to take risks and venture into the unknown.

Whether it’s starting a new job in a field you’ve never worked in, moving to a new city, or just trying a new hobby, stepping out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding. It opens up new opportunities, helps you grow as a person, and teaches you to be adaptable.

If you find yourself regularly pushing your boundaries and embracing new experiences, you’re showing a resilience and adaptability that’s crucial for success. Growth and comfort rarely go hand in hand – so don’t be afraid to shake things up once in a while.

5) You’re willing to ask for help

A few years back, I found myself in a situation that I simply couldn’t handle alone. My pride told me to tough it out, to figure it out on my own. But eventually, I realized that reaching out for help wasn’t a sign of weakness, but of strength.

Being willing to ask for help when you need it is another sign that you’re set up for success. It shows that you recognize your limitations and aren’t afraid to lean on others to overcome them.

Successful people understand that they don’t have all the answers. They’re not too proud to ask for advice, seek mentorship, or delegate tasks. They know that surrounding themselves with people who can help them grow and learn is an essential part of achieving their goals.

6) You’re solution-oriented

When faced with a problem, some people quickly become overwhelmed and focus solely on the negative aspects. But successful people tend to approach difficulties differently – they see problems as challenges to overcome, not insurmountable obstacles.

Being solution-oriented means focusing on finding answers and making progress, rather than dwelling on the issues at hand. This positive, proactive mentality is a common trait among successful individuals in all walks of life.

If you consistently find yourself seeking solutions and ways to overcome difficulties, rather than wallowing in the problem, you’re demonstrating a key attribute of success.

This positive approach to problem-solving displays resilience, creativity, and a kind of tenacity that’s crucial for achieving your goals.

7) You believe in yourself

At the end of the day, the most important sign that you will be successful is your belief in yourself. It’s your self-confidence, your faith in your abilities, and your assertion that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

Believing in yourself is what allows you to rise up from failure, continue pushing forward, and ultimately reach your goals. It’s the foundation on which all other success-building traits are built.

If you believe in yourself and your ability to succeed, then you’re already halfway there. Keep believing, keep striving, and keep working towards your dreams.

Final thoughts: It’s all in the mindset

The complexities of success are intertwined with our psychology.

One key principle is the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’, a concept coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton. It proposes that our beliefs and expectations about ourselves can shape our actions, thus directly impacting our outcomes.

In the context of success, believing in your potential, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and continuously seeking knowledge could be the catalysts that propel you towards your goals.

Whether it’s persisting through challenges, stepping out of your comfort zone, or simply believing in your capabilities, the underlying psychology may be steering your journey.

Success is not just about the destination, it’s about the journey and the person you become along the way. Each step you take, each decision you make, each belief you hold – they’re all shaping you into the successful person you’re destined to become.