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I’ve come to realize that many of my readers are similar to me.

We strive to improve our life and ourselves. We tend to be work-a-holics. We don’t like to “relax” because something can always be done. We get upset with our lack of success or results. Nothing ever feels like enough. And so on.

A personality like this is both a blessing and a curse.

A blessing because (personally) I love the way I am. I love how hard working and naturally driven I am. I take pride in my work and all that I do.

A curse because I often feel overwhelmed by the thought that I’m not doing enough, I’m not where I should be, I should be better, etc.

A few weeks ago I was sitting with my boyfriend and randomly started crying. I proceeded to tell him that I just felt really sad and unaccomplished…like I should be doing more and having more success.

He basically ended up telling me I’m literally doing everything right. That I just need to keep going and be patient.

I often have to reflect on my life and remind myself that I’m doing a lot better than I think, and I wanted to remind you that as well.

Here are a few signs that you’re doing better than you think:

1. You’re able to pay your bills and necessities

In my February Debt update, I shared something I had come to realize after watching Casey Neistat’s video, “Being RICH vs Being POOR – a video essay.”

I do not have a money problem.

To be honest my debt is always in the back of my mind. I hate it. I have to make many of my life decisions because of my debt.

However, I don’t worry about where my next meal is coming from. I can pay my rent. I have clothes. I have health insurance. I can go out to eat or go shopping if I wanted to.

Yes, I have a lot of debt, but I know it’s only temporary! I am actively working on getting rid of it.

Chances are you’re probably pretty good financially too.

2. You have goals you are working toward

I know goals can be a controversial subject, but I do believe they are important to have and work toward.

If you have a goal in mind, that means you’re working on something bigger and better than what you already have. I’m not saying you should be unhappy with your present situation, but improving yourself is the best thing you can do!

So whatever goal you have (to lose x pounds, to get out of debt, to eat healthier, etc.) means that you are not settling. You are striving for progress and change.

3. You’ve survived hardship

What is the hardest thing you have ever gone through?

Well guess what? You made it through that!

Sure, you may still be effected by it physically or emotionally, but you survived that shit.

When I think back to the most difficult thing I went through, I remember I felt like I couldn’t go on. I felt I would never be OK.

But look at me now! I am better than ever. I’ve learned my lesson and brought myself out of those dark clouds.

4. You have the power to make your own decisions

I know many of you feel pressured or stuck in a situation because of someone else, but that’s simply not the case.

The bulk of my readers live in developed countries with human rights in place.

So, maybe your parents pressure you to go to school or stay in a job. Maybe society is telling you that you must be a certain way.

But this is YOUR life and you should be the only one controlling it.

If you want to quit your job…you can!

If you want to travel the world…you can!

If you want to dye your hair purple…you can!

5. You’ve accomplished some great things in life

How often do you remind yourself all the great things you’ve accomplished in life?

I have my Master’s degree. I have a good job from that degree. I have been consistent with my blog and YouTube and it finally started paying off. I’ve squatted 205 pounds. I’m credit card debt free. I’ve developed several positive habits. I moved out on my own. I can do 8 pull ups in a row.

Big or small you’ve accomplished many things. ALWAYS be proud of those things and don’t forget them. All that you have done and been through has made you who you are today.

6. You are a different (better) person than you were a year ago

Over the past year you’ve probably experienced quite a few things, read some self-development books, paid off some debt, faced fears, etc.

The way you react to situations has improved. Your thoughts have improved. The actions you take are more meaningful.

This means you are becoming more self-aware.

7. You have/do things in life that you enjoy

I’m a sucker for the “little joys of life.”

I love sipping on a good cup of coffee while I read. I enjoy lifting weights to new music. I love watching YouTube videos cuddled up with my boyfriend. I find happiness in cooking a meal and devouring it.

This reminds me of the quote, “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”

I can genuinely say that every day I do SOMETHING that brings me joy.

Of course a 10 day beach vacation would be amazing or $500K in my bank account would be life changing, but those small things in life have become my favorite things to experience.

See! You’re probably doing better than you think.

And if you’re still not convinced then I think you’re being a bit too hard on yourself.

Keep working to better yourself, but don’t forget to be proud of who you are and how far you’ve already come.