I once found myself scrolling through Instagram, envious of how polished some people’s lives looked.
Perfect homes, balanced schedules, and effortless smiles. But then I started wondering—what’s real, and what’s just good lighting?
Here’s the thing: having priorities in order isn’t measured by appearances. It’s rooted in alignment with what you care about most and how you choose to live.
In this article, I’ll share eight signs that show when someone has their life truly sorted.
These aren’t surface-level indicators but grounded truths that reflect genuine balance.
1) They prioritize their health
Health is wealth, so they say. And it rings true for those who genuinely have their priorities in order.
Psychologically, a person who prioritizes their health – both physical and mental – shows that they value themselves.
They understand that a sound body and mind are the foundation for everything else in life.
Consider this scenario: an individual who regularly exercises, eats a balanced diet, and ensures ample rest displays a better sense of priorities compared to someone constantly burning the midnight oil, neglecting meals, or sacrificing sleep for work.
Putting health first is not just self-care; it’s self-respect.
It’s recognizing that you’re important enough to be taken care of and that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
So, if you see someone making conscious efforts to stay healthy and fit, chances are they have their priorities set right.
But keep in mind, it’s not just the surface actions that count; it’s the underlying value they place on their well-being.
2) They set clear boundaries
Let me share a personal story.
A few years back, I had a friend who was always available for everyone, at all times.
She was the go-to person for advice, help, or even just a chat. But over time, she began to feel exhausted and overwhelmed.
That’s when she realized the importance of setting clear boundaries.
Setting boundaries means respecting your own time and energy and understanding that you can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s okay.
My friend started by saying ‘no’ more often.
She designated specific ‘me time’ during her day, where she would engage in activities she enjoyed or simply relax.
This didn’t mean she stopped helping others; she just made sure it didn’t encroach on her personal time.
The result? She became happier, less stressed, and surprisingly, more productive.
This is a clear sign of having your priorities in order.
When you value your personal space and time, you are more likely to focus on what truly matters to you.
And trust me, setting boundaries is a game-changer in ensuring a balanced life.
3) They have a balanced lifestyle
A common trait among people with their priorities in order is the ability to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
And not just with work or family; it’s important to ensure all aspects of life get the necessary attention.
Did you know that in Denmark, one of the happiest countries in the world, maintaining a good work-life balance is a societal norm?
They believe that time spent with family and on hobbies is just as important as time spent on work.
This balance contributes to their high levels of happiness and contentment.
When you see someone being able to juggle their personal life, professional commitments, hobbies, and social interactions effectively, without letting any single area dominate their life, it’s a strong indication they’ve got their priorities right.
After all, enjoying each facet in its own right is what makes life beautiful.
So, look out for that balance – it speaks volumes about a person’s priorities.
4) They make time for personal growth
Personal growth is a top priority for individuals who have their lives in order.
They understand the importance of continuous learning and evolving.
Whether it’s reading a book, attending a seminar, taking up a new hobby, or simply indulging in introspective activities like journaling or meditation, these people spend time nurturing their mind and spirit.
They’re not ticking off items from a self-improvement checklist.
They understand that we are all works in progress and that there’s always room for growth and improvement.
When someone dedicates time to their personal development regularly, it shows they value themselves enough to invest in their growth.
It’s a sign they understand that the key to achieving their life goals lies within them.
So next time you see someone carving out time to learn something new or develop a skill, know that they are likely someone with their priorities well-aligned.
5) They value relationships
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get lost in our own world and forget the importance of relationships.
But, those who genuinely have their priorities in order understand that relationships are the bedrock of a fulfilling life.
They know that life isn’t just limited to personal achievements or material success.
A happy life also involves sharing, caring, and creating meaningful connections.
It involves being there for someone in their time of need and knowing that someone will be there for you when you need them.
These individuals make an effort to keep in touch with their loved ones, no matter how busy they are.
They’re there to celebrate the victories, big and small, and they’re also there to offer a shoulder during the tough times.
Having a rich network of friends and family to share life’s ups and downs with is a blessing.
And those who understand this are the ones who truly have their priorities in order.
So if you see someone who treasures their relationships, know that they’ve got something very important figured out – that love and connection are what truly enrich our lives.
6) They understand the value of downtime
There was a time when I used to measure my worth by my productivity.
The more tasks I completed, the better I felt about myself.
But eventually, I started feeling burnt out and uninspired. That’s when I realized the importance of downtime.
Those with their priorities sorted understand that taking breaks is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
They know that rest is not a sign of laziness but a tool for rejuvenation.
Downtime can take different forms – from a quick power nap to a week-long vacation.
It could be as simple as spending an hour doing nothing or as elaborate as a day spent pampering oneself at a spa.
The key is to allow yourself to rest, recharge, and come back with renewed energy and vigor.
It’s about understanding that you’re not a machine and that it’s okay, even necessary, to slow down at times.
So if you see someone taking regular breaks without feeling guilty about it, know that they’ve understood one of the fundamental truths of life – that rest is as important as work.
7) They are not afraid to ask for help
Pride and ego often prevent us from reaching out to others when we’re struggling.
But those who have their priorities in order understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a strength.
They recognize that everyone has unique skills and experiences, and it’s impossible to know or do everything on their own.
They are not shy about seeking advice or delegating tasks when necessary.
This willingness to seek help also reflects humility and the ability to recognize one’s own limitations.
It shows they value progress over perfection and are focused on achieving their goals rather than appearing flawless.
So if you notice someone openly asking for help or advice without feeling embarrassed or inferior, it’s a telltale sign they’ve got their priorities sorted out.
They understand that collaboration and learning from others is the way forward, not an obstacle to their success.
8) They are true to themselves
At the end of the day, the most significant sign that a person has their priorities in order is that they are authentic and true to themselves.
They understand their values, passions, and strengths, and they don’t compromise on them for short-term gains or societal pressures.
They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not or try to live a life that doesn’t align with their core values.
Being true to oneself means acknowledging your desires, dreams, and fears, and making decisions aligned with your authentic self.
It means living a life that feels right to you, not one that merely looks good on the outside.
So if someone is living their truth and not afraid to show their authentic self, it’s the ultimate sign they have their priorities in order.
They know that being genuine and true to oneself is the foundation of a life well lived.
Final thoughts
I used to think having my life together meant checking all the right boxes: career, relationships, health.
But the more I observe people who truly seem at peace, the more I realize it comes down to knowing what matters and staying true to those choices.
If these signs feel familiar, take a moment to appreciate the work you’ve done to reach that clarity.
If not, there’s always room to shift and grow. Life is a constant process of finding focus and letting go of the rest.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
