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

There’s a huge difference between thinking you’re pretty great and knowing it deep down. And guess what? Psychology has a thing or two to say about what makes someone genuinely awesome.

Let’s get real. Being awesome isn’t about having a flashy car or a million followers on Instagram. It’s about something much more profound.

Psychology suggests that true awesomeness comes from within, from your attitudes, behaviors, and interactions with others.

So, are you really as awesome as you think you are? Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for.

Let’s dive in and see if you tick the boxes.

1) You’re empathetic

“Empathy is…seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.”

These words by Alfred Adler, a renowned psychologist, resonate deeply in the realm of empathy.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a cornerstone of being an awesome person.

It’s not just about feeling sorry for someone else’s plight. It’s about genuinely understanding their perspective, even if you haven’t experienced it yourself.

Truly awesome people have a knack for empathy. They can step into someone else’s shoes and see the world from another viewpoint. It’s a skill that helps them connect with others on a deeper level.

People feel heard and understood around you? That’s a clear sign you’re rocking the empathy game and just might be an awesome person, according to psychology. So hats off to you. 

2) You’re not afraid to be yourself

A few years back, I found myself in a social situation where everyone seemed to be into rock climbing.

Now, I had never been rock climbing and frankly, heights aren’t my favorite thing in the world.

But, wanting to fit in, I thought about pretending that I was a seasoned climber too.

But then I thought: “Wait a second. This isn’t me.”

So instead of nodding along with the climbing tales, I owned up to my fear of heights and shared my love for more earth-bound hobbies like reading and cooking.

Guess what? Not only did it open up a whole new conversation, but it also made people feel more comfortable sharing their own unique interests.

Carl Rogers, a famous psychologist, once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

That’s exactly what we’re talking about here. Embracing your true self is the first step to being genuinely awesome. So, don’t be shy – let your real self shine.

3) You’re a good listener

Now, we all know that person who just waits for their turn to speak, right? But being a good listener is about so much more than that. It’s about truly tuning into what the other person is saying and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.

Numerous research studies have shown that a lot of us use between 70% and 80% of our awake time in some kind of communication. During this time, we’re usually spending about 9% of it writing, 16% reading, 30% talking, and the biggest chunk – 45% – is dedicated to listening

Listening is not just a skill, but a cornerstone in leadership and management, especially crucial in these pandemic times.

With physical distance being the norm and digital platforms like Zoom our primary communication tools, the ability to listen effectively has become more vital than ever.

The challenge, though, is that many of us find it hard to listen well. 

But awesome people understand the power of listening. They know that it’s about more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding, empathy, and connection.

By overcoming these barriers to effective listening, awesome individuals foster better relationships, make more informed decisions, and create a more compassionate and understanding environment. That’s why awesome people make listening a priority.

4) You’re resilient

Life throws curveballs at all of us. It’s not about avoiding these challenges, but how we respond to them that defines our character.

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is a definitive trait of an awesome person. They understand that setbacks and failures are part of life’s journey, not the end of the road.

Rather than wallowing in self-pity or blame, they learn from their experiences and use them as stepping stones to grow and evolve. They exhibit a never-give-up attitude that inspires those around them.

Carl Jung really hit the nail on the head when he said:

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

In other words, your past bumps and bruises don’t define you. It’s your choices, your bounce-back spirit that really shows who you are.

So, if you’re keeping your head up through the storms, you’re doing something really awesome. Keep it up. 

5) You’re kind

Kindness may seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. It’s like a ripple in a pond; one act of kindness can spread and create a wave of positivity.

Awesome people understand the power of kindness. They are generous with their time, their words, and their actions. They lend a helping hand when someone needs it, and they’re quick to offer a word of encouragement or praise.

But it’s not just about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the small acts of kindness – holding the door open for someone, offering a smile to a stranger, or taking the time to listen – that make the biggest impact.

Now, there’s a cool quote from Dr. Albert Schweitzer, a pretty famous guy who knew a thing or two about being kind.

He said, “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”

That’s like saying, just like the sun melts away ice, your kindness can melt away all the not-so-good stuff between people. 

If you’re out there spreading kindness, you’re not just awesome, you’re making the world a little brighter, one kind act at a time. Keep it up!

If you’re someone who believes in spreading kindness wherever you go, there’s no doubt about it – you’re an awesome person.

6) You’re grateful

Gratitude, my friends, is a game-changer.

Have you ever noticed that the happiest people you know are often the most grateful? They appreciate the big and small things in their lives – a beautiful sunset, a kind word, a hot cup of coffee on a cold morning. And it’s not just about recognizing these things; it’s about truly savoring them and acknowledging their value.

Being grateful doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. It’s about finding the silver lining, even in tough times. It’s about focusing on what you do have rather than what you don’t.

To put it in the words of a famous psychologist, William James, “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”

This means deep down, we all just want to feel valued and gratefulness is a way of recognizing and valuing the good in our lives and in others.

By being grateful, you’re not just making yourself happier, you’re answering a deep need in yourself and maybe even in others. 

7) You’re honest

There was a time when I told a lie to avoid an uncomfortable situation. I thought it was the easier way out, but it ended up causing more harm than good.

I had to face the consequences of my actions, and it was a tough lesson in honesty.

Honesty isn’t always easy. It requires courage and integrity. It means owning up to your mistakes, even when it’s uncomfortable.

It means being truthful, even when a lie seems like the easier route.

Awesome people value honesty. They understand that trust is built on truth, and once broken, it’s hard to rebuild. They choose the high road of honesty, even when it’s challenging.

If honesty tops your list of values and you strive to live by it each day, then you’re certainly an awesome person! Keep being you!

8) You’re self-aware

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize your emotions, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and comprehend how your actions affect others.

It’s a trait that’s fundamental to personal growth and emotional maturity.

Awesome people are self-aware. They’re in tune with their feelings and aren’t afraid to confront their flaws.

They continually self-reflect, striving to understand themselves better and improve wherever they can.

They also understand how their actions impact those around them and take responsibility for their behavior.

If you’re someone who’s committed to understanding yourself better and growing as a person, then you are undoubtedly an awesome individual. 

9) You make a positive difference

The true measure of an awesome person isn’t about the accolades they’ve received or the wealth they’ve accrued. It’s about the positive difference they make in the lives of others.

Awesome people uplift those around them. They inspire, encourage, and support. They strive to leave the world a little better than they found it, whether that’s through a big project or small acts of kindness.

When you’re out there making a positive impact, you’re fulfilling a deep human need to create change and do good. That’s pretty extraordinary if you ask me. Keep up the amazing work. 

Embracing the awesome within

Digging into the complexities of our personalities and traits always unveils fascinating insights. And psychology plays a significant role in helping us understand these facets.

The signs of an awesome person aren’t always etched in grand gestures or extraordinary achievements. They’re often found in the ordinary, everyday actions that positively impact the people and world around them.

From empathy and authenticity to kindness and resilience, these traits shape our interactions, our relationships, and ultimately, our lives. They underscore the truth that being awesome isn’t about being perfect or superior; it’s about being genuine, compassionate, and making a positive difference.

So if you resonate with these signs, take a moment to acknowledge the awesomeness within you. And remember, the journey of being an awesome person isn’t a destination; it’s a continual path of growth, self-discovery, and positive impact.

Keep being you. Because you, dear reader, are truly awesome.