It’s far too easy to feel like you need to be reinventing the wheel or curing cancer to truly be ‘doing enough’ in life, but that’s simply not the case.
I know I’ve spent plenty of nights lying awake and wondering if I was wasting my life or contributing enough to the world, and it’s crazy-making. If you’ve struggled with this yourself, you know exactly what I mean. However, here’s how you know that you’re doing alright, regardless of how inadequate your brain (or social media!) tricks you into feeling.
1. You’re still showing up, even when it’s tough.
Life’s not always a walk in the park, is it? But if you’re still dragging yourself out of bed, facing the day, and tackling your responsibilities — even when you’d rather hide under the duvet — that’s a big win. Maybe you’re dealing with a rough patch at work, a personal crisis, or just a general sense of blah. The fact that you’re not throwing in the towel speaks volumes about your resilience and commitment. Remember, sometimes just showing up is half the battle.
2. You’re learning from your mistakes, not just beating yourself up.
We all mess up sometimes — it’s part of being human. But if you’re able to look at your slip-ups as learning opportunities rather than reasons for self-flagellation, you’re on the right track. Are you reflecting on what went wrong and how you can do better next time? Are you able to forgive yourself and move forward? That’s growth, mate, and it’s a clear sign you’re doing your best to improve and evolve.
3. You’re setting boundaries and sticking to them.
Learning to say “no” is a superpower, and if you’re flexing that muscle, give yourself a pat on the back. Maybe you’re turning down extra work when you’re already swamped, or you’re not letting people guilt you into commitments you can’t handle. Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries isn’t easy, especially if you’re a people-pleaser by nature. But it’s crucial for your wellbeing and a sign that you’re prioritising what’s truly important.
4. You’re taking care of your basic needs.
In the rush to achieve and succeed, it’s easy to forget the basics. But if you’re managing to feed yourself (and we’re not just talking about crisps for dinner), get some sleep, and maintain a basic level of hygiene and health, you’re doing alright. These might seem like small things, but they’re the foundation of everything else. In times of stress or overwhelm, keeping up with these basics is a real achievement.
5. You’re asking for help when you need it.
Contrary to popular belief, superheroes don’t actually do everything alone. If you’re reaching out for support when you’re struggling, whether it’s to friends, family, or professionals, that’s a sign of strength, not weakness. Recognising when you need a hand and being brave enough to ask for it shows self-awareness and humility. It’s also a crucial skill for managing life’s challenges effectively.
6. You’re celebrating small victories.
Life isn’t just about the big, Instagram-worthy moments. If you’re able to recognise and appreciate the small wins — finishing a tough work project, finally tackling that pile of laundry, or simply getting through a difficult day — you’re on the right track. These little victories add up, and acknowledging them can help keep you motivated and positive. It’s a sign that you’re not taking your efforts for granted, no matter how small they might seem.
7. You’re adapting to changes, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Change is inevitable, but it’s not always easy. If you’re facing life’s curveballs and finding ways to adapt, even if it’s not graceful or perfect, you’re doing great. Maybe you’ve had to switch careers, move to a new city, or adjust to a major life change. The fact that you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and try to make things work shows resilience and a commitment to growth.
8. You’re staying true to your values.
In a world that often seems to reward cutting corners and compromising principles, sticking to your values is no small feat. If you’re making decisions based on what you believe is right, even when it’s not the easiest or most popular choice, that’s something to be proud of. This might mean speaking up against injustice, choosing ethical options even when they’re more expensive, or simply being kind in a situation where it would be easier not to be. Staying true to yourself in a world that often pressures you to conform is a significant achievement.
9. You’re working on personal growth.
If you’re making efforts to improve yourself, whether it’s reading self-help books, attending therapy sessions, or simply reflecting on your behaviour and trying to do better, you’re definitely doing your best. Personal growth isn’t always visible from the outside, but it’s incredibly valuable. It shows that you’re not content with staying stagnant and that you’re willing to face your flaws and work on them. This kind of internal work is often the most challenging but also the most rewarding.
10. You’re maintaining relationships.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to let relationships slide. If you’re making an effort to stay connected with friends and family, even if it’s just a quick text or a short call, you’re doing well. Nurturing relationships takes time and energy, both of which can be in short supply when life gets hectic. The fact that you’re prioritising these connections shows that you understand their importance and are willing to invest in them.
11. You’re allowing yourself to rest.
In a culture that often glorifies hustle and non-stop productivity, allowing yourself to rest is a radical act. If you’re giving yourself permission to take breaks, have lazy days, or simply do nothing without feeling guilty, that’s a sign of self-awareness and self-care. Recognising that rest is necessary for long-term productivity and wellbeing, rather than a sign of laziness, shows maturity and wisdom.
12. You’re facing your fears.
Source: Unsplash Life can be scary sometimes, and it’s easy to want to avoid anything that makes us uncomfortable. If you’re confronting your fears, whether they’re big or small, you’re showing incredible courage. This could be anything from speaking up in a meeting if you’re shy, to pursuing a dream you’ve always been afraid to chase. Facing fears doesn’t mean you’re not scared anymore; it means you’re doing it anyway, and that’s real bravery.
13. You’re being kind to yourself.
Source: Unsplash Self-compassion is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for wellbeing. If you’re treating yourself with kindness, especially when things go wrong, you’re doing something really important. This might mean forgiving yourself for mistakes, speaking to yourself in a supportive way, or simply acknowledging that you’re doing your best. Being your own cheerleader instead of your harshest critic is a valuable skill that many people struggle with.
14. You’re staying curious and open-minded.
Source: Unsplash If you’re maintaining a sense of curiosity about the world and staying open to new ideas, you’re definitely on the right track. This could manifest as trying new hobbies, reading about different perspectives, or being willing to change your mind when presented with new information. Staying curious and open-minded helps you continue growing and learning throughout life, which is a key component of personal development.
15. You’re contributing positively to your community.
Making a positive impact doesn’t always mean grand gestures or huge donations. If you’re finding ways to contribute to your community, no matter how small, you’re doing something valuable. This could be as simple as being a good neighbour, volunteering occasionally, or making ethical consumer choices. Recognising that you’re part of a larger community and taking steps to contribute positively shows a level of awareness and responsibility that’s commendable.
