How to Know If You’re on the Right Side of Your Life

Life isn’t a straight road—it’s a winding journey, full of crossroads, detours, and moments where we wonder: Am I really going in the right direction?

It’s easy to measure our lives by success, money, or the approval of others. But deep down, what we really want to know is whether we’re living a life that feels true, meaningful, and fulfilling. The good news is—there are signs, inner compass points, and reflections that can guide us toward clarity.

The Markers of a Meaningful Path

Psychologist Martin Seligman offers a beautiful framework called the PERMA model, which highlights five pillars of well-being:

• Positive Emotions – moments of joy, gratitude, and hope,

• Engagement – losing yourself in activities that light up your soul,

• Relationships – bonds that nurture, uplift, and support you,

• Meaning – a sense of purpose that stretches beyond yourself,

• Accomplishment – progress and achievements that truly matter to you.

If these elements show up in your life—even in small ways—you are already walking on solid ground.

Equally powerful is Aaron Antonovsky’s idea of a Sense of Coherence. According to him, life feels “right” when it makes sense (comprehensible), feels manageable (you have what you need to cope), and feels meaningful (worth the effort). When those three align, your path feels steadier, no matter what challenges arise.

The Power of Living Authentically

Being on the right side of life isn’t about comparing yourself to others—it’s about living authentically. Research shows that authenticity leads to higher self-esteem, healthier relationships, and lasting happiness.

Authenticity means your choices match your values. It’s when your inner voice is louder than external noise. It’s the courage to say “yes” when your heart agrees and “no” when it doesn’t.

Think of authenticity as four guiding lights:

• Consistency – living in harmony with your values,

• Connection – building bonds that reflect who you are,

• Continuity – growing into your best self over time,

• Conformity – balancing your truth with the world around you.

When these pieces align, you feel a quiet but powerful assurance: This is who I am, and this is where I’m meant to be.

Self-Acceptance: The Gentle Compass

Sometimes, the best proof that your life is right is how you treat yourself. Self-acceptance is not about ignoring flaws—it’s about embracing yourself as a whole. When you stop fighting your imperfections and start valuing your uniqueness, you gain freedom. That freedom allows you to face challenges with courage and live from a place of peace.

Questions That Change Everything

Philosopher Oliver Burkeman suggests a simple but transformative question: “Does this choice enlarge me, or diminish me?”

When you’re unsure, pause and ask yourself this. Growth often feels like expansion—like stepping into something bigger than fear. Diminishment feels like shrinking, hiding, or betraying your values. Your body and spirit know the difference.

Journaling can help too. Putting your thoughts on paper reveals patterns you might miss in the rush of daily life. Over time, the pages show whether your path is pulling you closer to your truth—or away from it.

Escaping the Scarcity Trap

One thing that pulls us off course is the scarcity mindset—the belief that we don’t have enough time, money, talent, or opportunity. This mindset keeps us running but never arriving.

Shifting to an abundance mindset—focusing on gratitude, celebrating small wins, and trusting that life unfolds in seasons—reminds us that fulfillment doesn’t come from having it all, but from appreciating and using what we already have.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Journey

Being “on the right side of life” doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It means moving in alignment with your values, your truth, and your growth.

If your days hold sparks of joy, if your relationships nurture your heart, if your choices reflect authenticity, and if you can look in the mirror with acceptance—you are already on the right path.

The road may twist, but every step you take with courage and clarity is proof: your life is not just going right—it’s becoming exactly what it’s meant to be.