9 signs you’re a genuinely awesome person, according to psychology

Being awesome isn’t about having the most followers on Instagram or driving the flashiest car. It’s about the way you treat others, your outlook on life and how you handle challenges.

Psychologists believe there are some key indicators to figure out if someone is truly awesome. You might be wondering whether you fit the bill or not, right?

Well, this article will help you find out. Here, I’ll share with you 9 signs, backed by psychology, that reveal if you’re genuinely an awesome person.

Let’s dive in and see how many boxes you tick off!

1) You’re empathetic

You know, being awesome isn’t just about you. It’s about how you interact with others. And a key aspect of that is empathy.

Psychologists agree that empathy is a fundamental component of being an awesome person. It’s all about understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

As author Mohsin Hamid puts it:

“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.”

Imagine you’re with a friend who’s just received some bad news. If you’re empathetic, you don’t just pat them on the back and say, “Everything will be okay.” Instead, you feel their pain and offer your sincere support.

And it’s not only about dealing with negative situations. Empathy also means celebrating the good times with others.

If you often find yourself genuinely feeling what others are going through, congratulations! You’ve ticked off one sign of being a genuinely awesome person.

2) You’re open-minded

Being an awesome person also means being open to new experiences and ideas. It’s not about agreeing with everything, but rather, it’s about being willing to consider different perspectives.

Let me share a personal example. A few years ago, I met someone with completely opposite political views. At first, I found our conversations quite challenging. But instead of shutting them down or avoiding those topics, I chose to listen and understand their viewpoint.

This doesn’t mean I changed my beliefs overnight. But it did broaden my perspective and enriched our conversations. It helped me appreciate the diversity of thoughts and ideas in this world.

If you’re someone who embraces differences and is open to learning from them, you’ve got another sign of being a genuinely awesome person under your belt!

3) You’re resilient

Life, unfortunately, is not always a bed of roses. There are thorns along the way – challenges and setbacks that might make you stumble. But being an awesome person is about how you respond to these hardships.

Psychologists often talk about the importance of resilience. It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going when times are tough.

Consider the story of Thomas Edison. It’s said that he failed over 1,000 times before he finally invented the light bulb. But he didn’t see it as failure. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

That’s resilience in action!

If you’re someone who faces adversity head-on and comes out stronger on the other side, then you’re showing yet another sign of being a genuinely awesome person.

4) You’re kind

Kindness is often underrated, but it’s a trait that’s central to being genuinely awesome. It goes beyond mere politeness – it’s about showing genuine concern and consideration for others.

Whether it’s helping a neighbor with their groceries, lending a listening ear to a friend in need, or even just giving a warm smile to a stranger, acts of kindness can make a world of difference.

Being kind doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s about the small, everyday actions that show you care.

If you’re someone who consistently treats others with kindness and respect, you’re definitely displaying the traits of an awesome person!

5) You’re authentic

Authenticity is a trait that’s admired and respected. It means being true to yourself and not pretending to be someone you’re not.

You know, it’s easy to get caught up in what society expects or what’s considered “popular”. But being awesome is about embracing your uniqueness and not being afraid to show it.

It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, owning your strengths and accepting your weaknesses.

If you’re someone who values honesty and authenticity in yourself and others, then you’re definitely showcasing another sign of being a genuinely awesome person!

6) You value relationships

Life’s most precious moments often revolve around the relationships we nurture. Being an awesome person means you understand the value of these connections.

You take the time to check in on your loved ones. You’re there for them in their highs and lows, offering a shoulder to lean on or a cheerleading squad when needed.

But it’s not just about being there for others. It’s also about allowing others to be there for you. You’re not afraid to be vulnerable and let people in.

Because at the end of the day, it’s the bonds we share with others that truly enrich our lives.

So if you’re someone who cherishes and nurtures your relationships, you’ve got another sign of being a genuinely awesome person down!

7) You’re a lifelong learner

Curiosity and a love for learning are attributes of genuinely awesome people. They understand that learning doesn’t stop at graduation, it continues throughout life.

I remember picking up a Spanish language book for the first time a couple of years ago. I was intrigued by the language and decided to learn it despite having no immediate need for it. Today, I can confidently hold basic conversations in Spanish.

Lifelong learning is about embracing the joy of acquiring new knowledge or skills, regardless of its immediate utility. 

8) You’re self-aware

Self-awareness is another sign of being a genuinely awesome person. It’s about understanding your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and how your actions can affect others.

Being self-aware means you’re in touch with yourself. You know what makes you happy, what triggers your stress, and how to manage these emotions effectively.

It also means acknowledging when you’re wrong and being open to feedback. This helps you grow and develop into a better version of yourself.

9) You practice gratitude

The most important thing to remember is this: awesome people are grateful people. They appreciate the big and small blessings in their life and don’t take them for granted.

Gratitude is about acknowledging the good in your life and recognizing that the source of this goodness is at least partially outside yourself. It’s about focusing on what you have rather than what you don’t.

Practicing gratitude has been linked to a multitude of benefits, including improved mental health, better sleep, and stronger relationships.

If you’re someone who often says “thank you” and cherishes the good in your life, congratulations! You’ve ticked off the final sign of being a genuinely awesome person.

Final thoughts: The essence of being awesome

Being genuinely awesome isn’t about impressing others or acquiring accolades. It’s about being the best version of yourself, in whatever form that may be.

These nine signs we’ve discussed are not a definitive checklist, but rather indicators of how you interact with the world around you and within you. They reflect how you treat others, how you handle challenges, and most importantly, how you value and treat yourself.

As Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Embrace your unique blend of qualities and quirks. Celebrate your strengths. Learn from your weaknesses. And above all else, remember that being genuinely awesome starts with being genuinely you.

So take a moment to reflect. How many signs do you identify with? How can you cultivate these traits further? Because remember, the journey towards being a genuinely awesome person is ongoing, filled with growth, self-discovery, and plenty of awesome moments.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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