A new study has shown the true signs of a rich and successful life – and it's not about the size of your bank balance or the number of followers you have on social media14:48, 06 Jul 2026Forget hefty salaries and fancy cars - the key to feeling genuinely wealthy in life is having mates who support you, a partner who is your best friend... and Sunday evenings that don't leave you feeling anxious.‌Six-figure earnings, luxury vehicles and thousands of Instagram followers are no longer the most significant markers of success, according to fresh nationwide research.‌Instead, Britons say the most fulfilling life is one packed with solid friendships, excellent health and everyday moments of joy – with two thirds believing life's small pleasures matter considerably more than wealth or social media recognition.‌The research, by Haribo, discovered making people laugh, having a best friend that you trust with your life, having given a pet a happy and secure home and having teens who actually like spending time with you are other indicators you're rich in life.While being able to enjoy a holiday every year and eating out twice a week were viewed as marks of success, they were comfortably surpassed by being someone who treats others with kindness, staying healthy and surrounding yourself with people who are always in your corner.‌Brits now place having genuine friends who celebrate their achievements above social media likes, while having a personal cheerleader is regarded as a greater indicator of success than having savings.For numerous people, feeling successful means having someone to ring in a crisis, having children who share details about their day and having a partner who is also your best mate.‌More than half believe the definition of a rich and successful life has shifted over the past two decades, with 57% agreeing it's now less about what's sitting in your bank account.Overall, nearly nine in ten Brits say they already consider themselves rich in life. It doesn't require much to lift people's spirits either, with 70% saying a small word of encouragement can completely transform their day.And those small moments of happiness don't stop at home. Half of Brits say something as simple as receiving a smile or hearing a friendly "hello" during their commute makes life feel richer.‌To celebrate everyday efforts and little wins, Haribo has launched its "Here for a Cheer!" tour – bringing moments of recognition, little rewards and plenty of cheer to communities across the UK this summer.Philip Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer & MD at HARIBO, said: "Success means different things to different people, but our research shows that having people to cheer you on and celebrate everyday wins, no matter how small, is what helps people feel fulfilled.‌"Whether it's reaching a major milestone, achieving a personal goal or simply making it through a tough day, everyone deserves a little recognition."THE TOP SIGNS YOU'RE TRULY RICH IN LIFE (ACCORDING TO BRITONS)You show kindness to others‌You're in good healthYou can own up to your mistakesYou've got mates who always have your back‌You celebrate other people's wins without jealousyYou don't need to win every rowYou don't depend on social media 'likes' for approval‌Your kids feel safe and lovedYou feel at ease in your own skinYou can be completely yourself around those you love‌Your children share their day with youYou've got a tight-knit group of close matesYour partner is your best mate‌You've got a bit of money put asideYou make people chuckleYou've got a best friend you'd trust with your life‌You've given your pet a happy, secure homeYou get a good night's sleep most nightsThere's someone you could ring at 2am in a crisis‌You take at least one holiday a yearSunday evenings don't fill you with worryYou eat healthilyArticle continues belowYour teenagers enjoy spending time with youYou rarely measure yourself against othersYou wake up excited about the day ahead