What makes a person successful - maybe not financially, but socially/emotionally/practically?

[palimpsest]

You know those people who always seem so capable?
They've got loads going on, interesting stuff, and seem to be able to juggle things and have time to make cakes.
They are generally cheerful and energetic.
How in god's name do they manage it?!! What do you think defines them?
I would love a list so I can make some changes in my life...

confidence

It's all a big act!

I am like this, then I crawl home to my slovenly shitehole, drink 4 bottles of wine, eat crumbs from uder the toaster, speak to no-one other than the kitchen earwigs, but I am determined to remain chipper and perky....if I didn't remain cheerful and energetic, I'd crumble.

Seriously, a lot of people fill their lives because they fear being on their own. it's like some kind of justification of existance.

fakery

yes but what does that mean, practically? How does it show itself?

lol that was to Wisteria

I think it's about being comfortable in your own skin, not depressed, happy with your life and confident in your ability to do those things.

Energy levels increase dramatically with the right diet and IME exercise.

I have a friend who's house is always immaculate even though she has 2 young children. She works in a senior job 3 days a week and is always chipper. There's no fakery there she's just hyper-organised, efficient and cheery too. I must admit she sometimes drives me mad though

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

According to Maslow, you need to ensure your needs are met - you start at the bottom with the need for food etc... for me, it definitely makes sense.

Dh and I consider ourselves successful/lucky/happy. Think it's about appreciating what you have - our motto is 'life is good' (ew, 'we have a motto' , it's not really a motto. it's what is on our wedding rings because we had both put it as our welcome message on our mobiles - without realising the other had). Let yourself be happy and enjoy just being... and let yourself be sad/cross/etc if you feel like it.