MarGib – The World Behind the Keyboard: 6 non-obvious signs that you are living a truly good life

6 non-obvious signs that you are living a truly good life – science confirms what really matters

MarGib July 25, 2026

🌐 🇵🇱 Polski · 🇬🇧 EN

Money, success, or luxury items do not guarantee happiness – we have known this for a long time. But what *really* proves that we are living a good life? Science points to six non-obvious signs that go beyond material metrics and reflect deep psychological well-being.

In 2026, as technology and the pace of life seem to be accelerating at an unprecedented rate, we increasingly ask ourselves: what does a "good life" actually mean? Is it about career, material status, or perhaps something harder to measure? Research in psychology, neuroscience, and sociology indicates that true well-being lies in the details – in the way we react to everyday life, how we build relationships, and how we perceive the meaning of our own existence.

Here are six non-obvious signs that science recognizes as indicators of authentic happiness. These are not abstract ideas, but traits confirmed by research – and more importantly, they are cultivatable.

1. You enjoy the little things – and you do it consciously

The ability to enjoy small pleasures, such as a cup of coffee, a walk, or a conversation with a loved one, is one of the strongest correlations with life satisfaction. Psychologists call this savoring – the conscious appreciation of positive experiences.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Positive Psychology in 2020 confirmed that people who practice savoring have higher levels of happiness and a lower risk of depression. Why? Because our brain has a tendency toward hedonic adaptation – it quickly gets used to pleasures and stops noticing them. Consciously focusing on positive moments activates the reward system, releasing dopamine and reinforcing a sense of fulfillment.

How can you check this for yourself? Ask yourself: when was the last time I stopped to truly appreciate something simple? If the answer is "today," that is a good sign.

Measurement tools: Savoring Beliefs Inventory

If you want to measure your capacity for savoring, you can use the questionnaire developed by Fred Bryant in 2003. The scale assesses three aspects:

the ability to enjoy positive experiences,
the ability to share joy with others,
the tendency to "hoard" positive memories.

Research shows that people with high scores on this test have better social relationships and higher resilience to stress.

2. You don't compare yourself to others – and you don't feel the need to

In the era of social media, comparing yourself to others has become almost inevitable. However, research clearly shows that people who avoid such comparisons have higher life satisfaction. Why?

The mechanism is simple: social comparisons activate brain areas associated with evaluation and criticism, which leads to lower self-esteem. A study published in Nature Human Behaviour in 2023 found that even passive scrolling through other people's social media profiles can lower well-being, especially in young adults.

Interestingly, people who do not feel the need to compare themselves to others often have a stronger sense of self-worth and autonomy. This does not mean they don't draw inspiration from their surroundings – they simply don't treat others' achievements as a measure of their own success.

How to stop comparing yourself?

Here are a few proven strategies:

Limit your time on social media. Research shows that even 30 minutes less per day improves well-being.
Practice gratitude. Writing down three things you are grateful for every day reduces the need for comparisons.
Focus on your own goals. Instead of looking at others, ask yourself: "What do I want?".

3. You have a sense of meaning – and you don't confuse it with happiness

Happiness and meaning are not the same thing. Research conducted as part of the Midlife in The United States (MIDUS) project between 2015 and 2022 showed that people with a strong sense of meaning in life have better physical and mental health, even if they don't always feel "happy."

A sense of meaning is associated with:

engagement in something greater than ourselves (e.g., family, work, passion),
a feeling that our actions matter,
the ability to see the connection between the past, present, and future.

Why is this important? People with a strong sense of meaning cope better with stress, have lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and show greater resilience to difficulties. This does not mean they don't experience negative emotions – they simply have an internal compass that helps them overcome them.

Measurement scale: Meaning in Life Questionnaire

If you want to check how strong your sense of meaning is, you can use the questionnaire developed by Michael Steger in 2006. The scale assesses two aspects:

Presence of meaning: do you feel that your life has significance?
Search for meaning: are you actively looking for answers to what gives your life value?

Research shows that people with high scores on this scale have better relationships, higher motivation, and better mental health.

4. You are psychologically flexible – you know how to adapt to change

Life rarely goes according to plan. Psychological flexibility, or the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, is a key trait of people who enjoy a good life. Research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shows that psychologically flexible people:

cope better with stress,
have higher levels of life satisfaction,
recover from crises faster.

Psychological flexibility does not mean giving up on goals or values. It is more about the ability to adjust to reality without losing touch with what is important to us. It is like walking a tightrope – you need to be stable, but at the same time ready for corrections.

How to develop psychological flexibility?

Here are a few proven methods:

Practice mindfulness. Conscious focus on the present helps break free from rigid thought patterns.
Practice cognitive defusion. This is an ACT technique that involves observing thoughts without identifying with them (e.g., "I am having the thought that I won't cope" instead of "I won't cope").
Accept uncertainty. Instead of fighting what you cannot control, focus on what depends on you.

5. You have close relationships – and it's not about the number of friends

Research clearly shows that the quality of relationships has a greater impact on well-being than their quantity. A meta-analysis published in Psychological Science in 2015 found that people with strong social bonds are happier, healthier, and live longer.

Close relationships do not have to mean marriage or family. They can be friendships, partnerships, or even relationships with mentors or colleagues. The key is the feeling that you can count on others and that they can count on you.

Why are relationships so important? Close bonds release oxytocin – a hormone that lowers stress levels and increases the sense of security. Furthermore, research shows that people with strong relationships have better immune resistance and recover from illnesses faster.

How to build close relationships?

Here are a few tips:

Be present. In relationships, quality counts, not the amount of time. Focus on the conversation, listen actively.
Share emotions. Honesty builds trust. Don't be afraid to talk about your feelings.
Support others. Relationships are a two-way street. Ask how you can help, and be ready to give.

6. You are not afraid of solitude – and you know how to use it

In a society that glorifies being "busy" and "sociable," solitude is often perceived as something negative. Meanwhile, research shows that the ability to enjoy solitude is a sign of psychological maturity and well-being.

Solitude does not mean isolation. It is about the ability to be alone with yourself without feeling empty or bored. People who know how to use solitude:

have higher levels of creativity,
know themselves better,
are more resistant to social pressure.

A study published in The Gerontologist in 2023 found that older people who can enjoy solitude have higher life satisfaction than those who are constantly seeking company. This suggests that solitude can be a source of strength, not weakness.

How to learn to use solitude?

Here are a few ways:

Find a hobby you can do alone. Reading, painting, walking – whatever brings you pleasure.
Practice meditation. It helps you better understand your thoughts and emotions.
Spend time reflecting. Ask yourself: "What is truly important to me?", "What do I want from life?".

Are these signs universal?

Research indicates that most of these signs are universal, although their significance may vary depending on culture. For example:

In individualistic cultures (e.g., USA, Western Europe), greater emphasis is placed on autonomy and self-realization.
In collectivist cultures (e.g., Japan, India), family relationships and social harmony are more important.

However, regardless of the cultural context, a sense of meaning, close relationships, and psychological flexibility are widely recognized as key to well-being. This suggests that although the paths to happiness may differ, the foundations remain similar.

How did the pandemic and crises change the perception of a "good life"?

The COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) and subsequent economic crises (2023–2024) significantly influenced what people consider important in life. A study published in Nature Human Behaviour in 2023 found that between 2022 and 2023, the importance of the following increased:

close relationships,
mental health,
a sense of meaning.

At the same time, the importance of career and consumption declined. The World Happiness Report from 2024 showed that countries with strong social bonds (e.g., Finland, Denmark) rebuilt their well-being after the pandemic faster than those where individualism dominates.

This suggests that in the face of crises, people begin to appreciate what really matters – relationships, health, and the feeling that their life has meaning.

Summary: Do you have a good life?

A good life is not about the absence of problems or constant happiness. It is rather the ability to enjoy what we have, build deep relationships, and find meaning in everyday life. Science confirms that these six signs – savoring, lack of comparisons, a sense of meaning, psychological flexibility, close relationships, and the ability to use solitude – are strong indicators of well-being.

Importantly, all these traits can be developed. It is not about being perfect, but about consciously shaping your life. As Maya Angelou said: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Perhaps that is the secret to a good life?

If you want to delve into the topic of courage and risk as keys to a full life, I invite you to read my previous post: Courage and risk: keys to a full life and success.