Psychology says people who live simply but feel rich inside share these 7 behaviors

We live in a time where success often looks like more. More income, more experiences, more upgrades. Everywhere we turn, we’re told that happiness lives in the next achievement, the next possession, the next version of ourselves.

For a long time, I believed it too. I chased growth and busyness, thinking they were proof that my life was moving in the right direction.

But somewhere along the way, I noticed that “more” never really ended. Each milestone only made room for the next one. I was accomplishing things, but I wasn’t always feeling fulfilled.

In fact, the moments that actually made me feel rich were rarely tied to any achievement I had. They were moments that, if I mentioned them to anyone, they'd laugh and dismiss me as overly sentimental. 

But it's true -- we can live simply and feel incredibly rich. Certain habits can develop this kind of mindset in us. Here are seven of them that can help any of us feel more abundant right where we are.

1. They know when enough is enough

Contentment is one of the most underrated forms of wealth. People who live simply understand that satisfaction grows from appreciating what they already have.

They are not forever chasing the next improvement or upgrade. They settle into the feeling of sufficiency, which is the belief that life as it stands is already full.

Psychologists call this the sufficiency mindset. It reduces anxiety and builds peace of mind. The more you practice it, the more you notice how little you actually need to feel whole.

For instance, back when my husband and I moved into a new home, we didn't have much to spend for decorating it. We were a young couple, just starting out in our careers. 

So we had to make do -- we rearranged our small living room instead of shopping for new furniture. By the end of the day, the space felt fresh and alive without spending a cent. And I should add, without that feeling of resentment that we couldn't afford more. 

That simple act reminded me that abundance often lives quietly within what already exists.

2. They protect their time like it is their most valuable asset

Here's something that might surprise you: studies show that people who value their time like (or more than) money experience greater life satisfaction.

That's why they spend it carefully, knowing it's the one thing that cannot be earned back. They fill their hours with meaning instead of clutter. They make room for rest, reflection, and connection.

Protecting your time means learning to say no when something pulls you away from what matters most. Every choice shapes the quality of your days. When you choose wisely, life starts to feel fuller and lighter at the same time.

3. They savor small moments instead of waiting for big ones

Happiness often hides in plain sight. People who live simply are skilled at seeing it. Psychologists call this savoring, the ability to notice and appreciate everyday joys as they happen.

I've practically made this habit a steadfast life mantra. I try to slow down and notice the tiny, ordinary things that give shape to my days, like my dog jumping up and down in glee when he hears the words "Wanna go for a walk?". The warmth of a cup of coffee between my hands. The sound of rain tapping against the roof.

These moments seem so small, yet they have a way of grounding me. 

When I catch myself waiting for something “bigger” to feel happy, I remind myself that joy isn’t hiding somewhere in the future. It’s already scattered through the present, asking to be noticed.

The practice of savoring teaches you to hold time a little longer, to see beauty before it slips by. It's a zero-cost way to enjoy deeper, more lasting happiness because it gives our experiences texture. 

And when you start to live like that, even the most ordinary afternoon begins to feel like abundance. 

4. They choose presence over productivity

This is closely connected to my previous point. People who live simply understand that being fully present adds more meaning to life than crossing off tasks. They give their attention completely to what is in front of them.

This habit aligns with what psychologists call mindfulness. It's the ability to anchor yourself in the present instead of drifting into worry or distraction. Presence turns even routine moments into experiences that feel full and alive.

I remember when my kids were still young, and I was also a young mom, determined to do it all and still be a great mom. I had this long list of to-dos because I thought that was what being a good mother looked like.

Every hour had a task attached to it: laundry, cooking, work emails, school pickups, meal prep. I treated presence like a luxury I couldn’t afford. There would always be time later, I told myself. 

One afternoon, while folding clothes, I looked up and saw my kids building a pillow fort in the living room. They were laughing so hard they could barely stand. Something in me softened, and I put down the laundry basket and joined them. That half hour of laughter felt more rewarding than anything else I had planned for the day.

Moments like that taught me what presence over productivity really means. Of course, we do have responsibilities, but it's also wise to pause and let life happen in real time. Some moments simply call for that.

When you give your full attention to the now, life starts to feel richer, without you needing to do more.

5. They keep their relationships real and uncomplicated

A simple life often comes with simple relationships. People who feel rich inside nurture connections that are honest, calm, and mutually supportive. They value depth over drama.

Their friendships don't require performance or pretense. They show up as they are, and they make space for others to do the same.

These bonds create a sense of safety and belonging that cannot be replaced by popularity or status. Having a few close friends who truly know you brings more peace than a crowd of acquaintances. Real connection gives life its softness and warmth.

6. They stay curious and grateful

Curiosity and gratitude form a powerful combination. Together they make ordinary days feel extraordinary.

Psychology links both traits to resilience and higher life satisfaction. 

Curious people explore ideas, notice details, and look for wonder. Grateful people pause to appreciate what they find. The result is a steady sense of richness that does not depend on possessions.

7. They measure success by how they feel, not what they have

Finally, for people who live simply, success has a very personal meaning. It reflects how aligned their choices are with their values. Peace, energy, and emotional steadiness become their true markers of success.

They check in with their inner state instead of looking outward for validation. They view emotional awareness as a sign of strength.

This idea reminds me of something I read in Rudá Iandê’s book Laughing in the Face of Chaos: A Politically Incorrect Shamanic Guide for Modern Life. He writes:

“Our emotions are not some kind of extraneous or unnecessary appendage to our lives, but rather an integral part of who we are and how we make sense of the world around us.”

That insight stayed with me because it redefines success as a feeling, not an achievement. You can reach the top of wherever you are and feel empty and lonely up there. That's a sign that the success you've had might not exactly be the success your heart was asking for.

Real success feels steady, not hollow. It feels like being at peace with your choices, even when no one else is watching. It fills you from the inside instead of decorating your life from the outside.

When you begin to measure success by your sense of balance, peace, and integrity, everything changes. You stop competing and start aligning. That shift brings a kind of wealth that lasts.

Final thoughts

The older I get, the more I realize that simplicity is not about stripping life bare. It’s about clearing enough space to feel what really matters.

When I look back at the times I’ve felt most alive, they rarely had anything to do with milestones or achievements. They were quiet moments when I felt at peace, knowing I had done my best and could finally rest. Those moments didn’t look spectacular from the outside, but they filled me with something deeper than pride. They filled me with presence.

Living simply doesn’t mean settling for less. It means choosing with intention. It means valuing time, health, and connection more than speed or status. It’s the gentle confidence that your life, even in its most ordinary form, is already enough.

That, to me, is what feeling rich inside really looks like. It’s not a finish line to reach but a way of walking through the world with gratitude, awareness, and a kind of quiet joy that stays no matter what changes around you.