7 subtle behaviors that reveal someone’s trying really hard to seem more successful than they are

I’ve always believed that success is a personal journey, unique to each individual.

It’s about aligning your actions with your true potential and maintaining authenticity, even when no one is watching.

However, have you ever crossed paths with someone who seemed to be trying just a little too hard to project an image of success?

Let’s be honest.

We live in a world where success is often equated with power, prestige, and wealth.

And in the race to get ahead, some people may resort to behaviors that make them appear more successful than they truly are.

So, how can you tell when someone’s pushing too hard to seem successful?

Just like you can spot a fake designer bag or a knock-off luxury watch, there are subtle signs that reveal when someone is striving too hard to project an image of success.

In this article, we’re going to explore seven subtle behaviors that might indicate someone’s trying really hard to seem more successful than they are.

Remember – genuine success isn’t about pretending to be someone else.

It’s about being the best version of yourself and letting your true potential shine through. So let’s dive in and find out more about these tell-tale signs.

1) Excessive name-dropping

We’ve all met that person.

You know, the one who sprinkles the conversation with names of influential people, high-profile businesses, or prestigious institutions as casually as they’d talk about the weather.

Sure, networking and creating meaningful relationships is a critical part of success.

But there’s a fine line between sharing relevant experiences and dropping names for the sake of appearing successful.

If someone frequently brings up their connections to successful individuals or organizations without a valid reason, they might be trying to create an impression of success through association.

Genuine success isn’t about who you know; it’s about what you do and how you impact those around you.

It’s okay to be proud of your connections, but it’s also important to recognize your own achievements and growth.

2) Overemphasis on material possessions

I’ll never forget an encounter I had with a former colleague at a company reunion. She arrived in a flashy sports car, wearing designer clothes, and flaunting a high-end watch.

Throughout the evening, she made it a point to let everyone know just how much each of these possessions cost her.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor and investing in quality items. I mean, who doesn’t like nice things?

But it struck me as odd that she seemed more focused on showcasing her material wealth than catching up with old friends or sharing professional achievements.

This experience taught me that when someone consistently highlights their expensive purchases or lifestyle, they may be trying to portray a level of success that isn’t entirely accurate.

True success, after all, isn’t measured by the amount of stuff we own but by the value we create and the positive impact we have on others.

3) Dominating every conversation

Ever had a conversation with someone who just couldn’t stop talking about their accomplishments?

The type who barely lets you get a word in edgewise, and when they do, it’s only to steer the conversation back to them?

Well, I’ve been there too.

It’s like being trapped in a one-sided tennis match where you’re just a spectator, watching the ball of conversation being relentlessly served in one direction.

And while it’s great to share victories and achievements, making every conversation about oneself can be a sign of trying too hard to appear successful.

It’s as if they’re overcompensating for insecurities by asserting their success at every opportunity.

True success is as much about listening as it is about speaking. It’s about acknowledging others’ accomplishments, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and learning from others.

After all, no one ever learned anything new by only talking about themselves, did they?

4) Constant comparison with others

Have you ever noticed how some people always seem to measure their success against others’ achievements?

It’s almost as if they’re in a perpetual competition, always striving to outdo others.

I once worked with a guy who had a habit of comparing his progress with everyone around him.

He’d often say things like, “Did you know I closed more deals than John this month?” or “My presentation was much better received than Lisa’s.”

While a healthy dose of competition can fuel ambition and drive, constantly comparing oneself with others can be a sign that someone is trying hard to seem more successful.

It’s as if their worth is determined not by their own accomplishments but by how they stack up against others.

Real success comes from recognizing your own growth and improvement, not from outdoing someone else.

Because at the end of the day, the only person you should be competing with is yourself.

5) Obsession with social media image

In today’s digital age, almost everyone has a social media presence.

But for some, their online persona becomes a meticulously curated gallery of their ‘perfect’ life.

From photos of exotic vacations and fancy dinners to posts about major business deals or promotions, every update seems to scream ‘Look how successful I am!’.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, about half of social media users feel that the platforms create pressure to only share content that makes them look good to others.

Now, sharing achievements and happy moments is great, but when someone’s entire feed is a highlight reel of their life with no sign of struggle or reality, it may be a sign that they’re trying to appear more successful than they really are.

True success lies in authenticity and maintaining an honest representation of your life, both online and offline.

Not just the filtered, picture-perfect version of it.

6) Rarely admitting mistakes or failures

We’ve all had moments of failure or made mistakes – it’s part of being human. These experiences, as painful as they may be, often serve as stepping stones to growth and success.

Some people find it hard to admit when they’ve stumbled. They might gloss over their mistakes or even blame others to maintain an image of infallibility.

I remember a team leader from my past who would never admit when he was wrong.

Even when it was clear that a project had failed due to his oversight, he’d find ways to shift the blame or downplay the situation.

While it may seem like this behavior projects strength or success, it often does the opposite.

It can create an environment of mistrust and hinder personal growth.

Admitting mistakes isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a mark of a mature and successful individual.

It shows that you’re not afraid to learn, grow, and become better. After all, our mistakes often turn out to be our best teachers.

7) Lack of genuine joy for others’ success

Success isn’t a zero-sum game. There’s enough room at the top for everyone to reach their potential and shine.

When you’re genuinely successful, you understand this and find joy in seeing others succeed too.

However, if someone finds it hard to celebrate others’ victories, or worse, feels threatened by them, it could be a sign that they’re trying to appear more successful than they are.

Genuine success breeds confidence and generosity of spirit, not insecurity or jealousy.

True success lies in lifting others as you rise, celebrating their achievements, and finding joy in their happiness.

Because at the end of the day, success is sweeter when shared.

Final thoughts

If you’ve recognized some of these behaviors in yourself or others, remember, it’s not a life sentence.

We all, at times, may fall into the trap of wanting to appear more successful than we are.

It’s a human tendency, stemming from our desire to be accepted and admired.

The first step towards change is awareness. Recognizing these behaviors is a sign of self-awareness, a cornerstone of personal growth and authenticity.

What’s the takeaway here?

Success isn’t about pretense or comparison; it’s about being true to who you are, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and continuously striving to be better.

It’s about celebrating others’ achievements as much as your own and understanding that success is not a destination but a journey.

Remember, the most impressive people aren’t those who constantly flaunt their success but those who remain humble and authentic despite their achievements.

As the great philosopher Socrates once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

The more successful we become, the more we realize there’s still so much more to learn and achieve. That’s the real mark of success.

As you continue your journey towards success, keep this in mind: Be authentic. Be humble.

And most importantly, be you. Because there’s nothing more successful than being genuinely you.