Life is a journey filled with milestones – some big, some small. But how do we measure our success? Is it through wealth, fame, power?
According to psychology, it’s not about these tangible achievements. Instead, it’s about reaching certain personal milestones that define a well-lived and fulfilling life.
If by 70, you’ve hit these 7 milestones, then congratulations! You’ve truly won at life.
In this article, we’ll delve into what these milestones are and how they can guide you towards a life of genuine contentment and accomplishment. So, whether you’re halfway there or just starting out, these insights could be your roadmap to living your best life.
1) Embracing self-contentment
Psychology often emphasizes the importance of self-contentment in achieving a fulfilled life. This isn’t about being complacent. It’s about reaching a point where you’re content with who you are and what you’ve accomplished.
In our youth, we strive, struggle, and strive again. We’re constantly looking to prove ourselves in various aspects of life. But as we age, it’s essential to transition from this constant striving to a state of self-contentment.
This doesn’t mean you stop setting goals or seeking new experiences. Instead, it’s about celebrating your achievements, accepting your shortcomings, and being at peace with the person you’ve become.
If by 70, you’ve embraced this sense of inner contentment, then you’ve hit one of the most significant milestones in life. According to psychology, this acceptance and contentment with oneself is one of the key indicators of a life well-lived.
2) Fostering deep relationships
Nurturing meaningful relationships is another crucial milestone that psychology points towards. It’s not about the number of friends on your social media or the contacts in your phone book. It’s about the depth and quality of the connections you’ve nurtured.
Take my own experience as an example. I’ve met countless people throughout my life, yet it’s the close-knit relationships – the ones where I can be my truest self – that have added real value to my life.
These are the relationships that have shaped me, challenged me, and supported me through thick and thin.
By 70, if you can look back and see a trail of deep, meaningful relationships, then you’ve truly made it. You’ve not only enriched your own life but also contributed positively to the lives of others.
3) Embracing failure
Have you ever failed or faced setbacks in life?
If your answer is yes, then congratulations! You’re on the right path. According to psychology, embracing failure is a significant milestone in living a fulfilling life.
Life isn’t always smooth sailing. There are storms, high tides, and sometimes, we might even capsize. But it’s how we respond to these failures that truly defines us.
I’ve had my share of failures too. There were times when I questioned my choices, doubted my capabilities and felt defeated. But with time, I’ve learned to see these failures not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones. Each failure has taught me something valuable and helped me grow.
If you’ve learned to embrace your failures and see them as opportunities for growth by 70, then you’ve achieved a milestone that many spend their entire lives chasing after.
4) Cultivating gratitude
Cultivating a sense of gratitude is another significant milestone in life. It’s about appreciating what you have, rather than constantly chasing after what you don’t.
A study by psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough found that people who regularly express gratitude experience higher levels of joy, enthusiasm, and overall happiness.
They also found that these individuals are more likely to help others, indicating a greater sense of empathy and compassion.
I’ve personally found this to be true. When I started consciously practicing gratitude, acknowledging even the smallest blessings in my life, I felt a shift. It didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, I found myself more content and appreciative of life.
So, if by 70, you’ve learned to appreciate the good in your life and express gratitude regularly, then you’ve reached a milestone that contributes significantly to overall life satisfaction.
5) Discovering your purpose
Discovering your purpose in life is no small feat. It’s a journey of self-reflection, exploration, and at times, even struggle. But once you find it, it can bring a sense of fulfillment like no other.
I remember feeling lost and confused in my early twenties, unsure of what I wanted from life.
But as I delved deeper into my interests and passions, I found my purpose in helping others express themselves through words. It’s brought a sense of clarity and direction to my life that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Famous psychologist Viktor Frankl wrote in his book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning‘, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.”
Finding your ‘why’, your purpose, is indeed a significant milestone. By 70, if you’ve discovered what truly drives you and gives your life meaning, then according to psychology, you’ve won at life.
6) Accepting imperfection
In a world constantly urging us to strive for perfection, accepting our imperfections sounds counterintuitive. But according to psychology, it’s a crucial milestone on the path to a fulfilling life.
We all have flaws and make mistakes.
The key is not to hide or deny them, but to accept and learn from them. It’s about understanding that perfection is an unattainable ideal, and the pursuit of it can often lead to stress and dissatisfaction.
And if you’ve learned to accept your imperfections and see them as part of your unique self when you’ve reached 70, then you’ve reached a milestone that brings with it a profound sense of peace and self-acceptance.
7) Practicing kindness
Last but certainly not least, is the practice of kindness. This might seem simple, but it’s a milestone that can transform your life and the lives of those around you.
As psychologist and philosopher William James once said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”
By 70, if your actions are guided by kindness and you’ve left a trail of positive impact, then you’ve truly won at life.
Final reflections
As we journey through life, these milestones serve as guideposts, helping us navigate towards a fulfilling and contented life.
They aren’t about ticking boxes or achieving societal standards of success. Instead, they’re about personal growth, self-acceptance, and meaningful connections.
Remember, life isn’t a race, and everyone’s journey is unique. So whether you’re 70 or not, take a moment to reflect on these milestones. Which ones have you hit? Which ones are still a work in progress?
No matter where you are on your journey, it’s never too late to strive for these milestones. After all, winning at life isn’t about reaching a specific destination; it’s about the journey and how we grow along the way.
