Life unfolds as a series of milestones—some monumental, others more subtle. But how do we really gauge success? Is it through material wealth, societal recognition, or power? Psychology suggests otherwise. According to psychological perspectives, the most meaningful markers of a successful life aren’t external accolades but internal milestones that shape our sense of fulfillment and peace. If by the age of 70, you’ve achieved the following seven milestones, then psychology says you’ve truly succeeded in life.
Let’s explore these milestones and understand how they contribute to a life of true accomplishment and contentment.
The first milestone is reaching a state of self-contentment. This isn’t about giving up on personal progress or losing ambition. Rather, it involves arriving at a point in life where you’re genuinely satisfied with who you are and what you’ve done. During our younger years, we’re typically in a constant state of striving—seeking validation, achievements, and growth. But as we age, there’s a shift. “It’s about celebrating your achievements, accepting your shortcomings, and being at peace with the person you’ve become.” When you are no longer haunted by the need to prove yourself, but instead are at ease with your identity and your journey, you’ve crossed a significant threshold. Psychology regards this self-acceptance as one of the strongest indicators of a life well-lived.
Next comes the importance of deep relationships. The number of friends or followers one has does not equate to meaningful connection. What truly matters is the depth of the bonds we form. These aren’t fleeting acquaintances, but the relationships where you can truly be yourself, where vulnerability is met with understanding and love. Reflecting on life, one might realize that “it’s the close-knit relationships – the ones where I can be my truest self – that have added real value to my life.” If you can look back at 70 and recognize a pattern of deep, supportive, and enriching relationships, then you’ve reached a milestone that brings lasting emotional wealth and mutual growth.
Another powerful milestone is embracing failure. Failure is an inevitable part of life. What differentiates a fulfilled person is their response to setbacks. If you’ve faced defeat, questioned your abilities, or felt disillusioned, yet emerged wiser, then you’ve turned failure into a learning experience. “Each failure has taught me something valuable and helped me grow.” Psychology supports the idea that those who can reframe failure as a learning opportunity exhibit resilience and personal growth. If by 70, you can see your failures not with regret but with gratitude for what they taught you, then you’ve achieved a key milestone on the road to emotional maturity.
A fourth milestone, and perhaps one of the most transformational, is cultivating gratitude. Grateful individuals tend to be more joyful, empathetic, and emotionally balanced. Research by psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough showed that people who regularly practice gratitude “experience higher levels of joy, enthusiasm, and overall happiness,” and are also more inclined to help others. The act of recognizing the blessings in one’s life—no matter how small—can reshape one’s entire perspective. “When I started consciously practicing gratitude… I felt a shift,” reflects a personal experience. If gratitude has become part of your daily mindset by 70, then you’ve laid a strong foundation for lasting contentment.
Then comes the milestone of discovering your purpose. This may come early or late in life, but finding what truly drives you is deeply rewarding. Whether it’s through helping others, creating something meaningful, or pursuing a lifelong passion, purpose gives life a sense of direction and coherence. As Viktor Frankl famously wrote, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” Finding that ‘why’ brings an internal clarity that withstands external turmoil. One may start out feeling lost, but eventually, through self-reflection and persistence, “I found my purpose in helping others express themselves through words.” If by 70, you’ve discovered your unique reason for being, then according to psychology, you’ve touched one of life’s deepest rewards.
Closely tied to this is the sixth milestone: accepting imperfection. In a world that often glorifies flawlessness, this may feel counterintuitive. But psychology recognizes that embracing our imperfections can lead to greater self-worth and peace. We all make mistakes and have weaknesses. The shift lies in acknowledging and accepting these flaws without harsh judgment. “The key is not to hide or deny them, but to accept and learn from them.” Instead of chasing unattainable perfection, learning to love ourselves as we are creates emotional freedom. If by age 70, you’ve reached a place where your imperfections no longer feel like burdens but are embraced as part of your uniqueness, then you’ve achieved a profound level of self-compassion.
Finally, there’s practicing kindness—a seemingly simple but profoundly transformative act. It involves treating others with empathy, generosity, and sincerity, not out of obligation, but because it’s part of who you are. As William James once said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” Acts of kindness, no matter how small, ripple outward and enhance the lives of others, often returning to enrich your own. If by 70, your legacy includes a pattern of compassionate actions and sincere efforts to uplift others, then you’ve fulfilled a milestone that resonates far beyond personal satisfaction.
As we reflect on life through this psychological lens, these milestones serve not as rigid checklists but as signposts guiding us toward a rich and rewarding existence. They shift the focus from societal measures of success to personal growth, emotional health, and relational depth.
Life is not a sprint, and everyone walks their own path. Whether you’re approaching 70 or still on your way, it’s never too late to strive toward these milestones. “Which ones have you hit? Which ones are still a work in progress?” This introspection can help you evaluate your journey not by what you’ve accumulated, but by how much you’ve grown, accepted, and contributed.
Ultimately, winning at life isn’t about wealth, titles, or prestige. It’s about becoming the kind of person who’s lived with purpose, love, resilience, and authenticity. If you’ve embraced these values, then no matter your age, you’re already living a life of true success.