Adrian Volenik
When we picture lone rangers in our minds, we envision a rugged white man in his 50s dressed like a relatively modern cowboy, don’t we?
But lone rangers come in many shapes and forms these days. To see whether you have an independent personality worth of a lone ranger, keep reading the article.
1) You’re self-reliant
Self-reliance is a key trait of an independent personality. It involves a strong sense of confidence in your own abilities to solve problems and make decisions.
Handling challenges and finding solutions independently is your modus operandi. Who needs other people’s help when you have two capable hands and a strong head on your shoulders?
Your do-it-yourself mentality means you’re learning through practical experience. Instead of relying solely on formal education or external expertise, you take the initiative to acquire new skills and knowledge by diving into tasks and projects yourself.
That also means you take full ownership of the outcomes of your choices and actions. You don’t shy away from accountability and view failures as opportunities for learning and personal growth rather than placing blame on external factors or other people.
Ultimately, self-reliance and self-empowerment contribute to increased confidence and resilience, and further enforce your ability to navigate challenges independently.
2) You live a non-traditional lifestyle
Lone rangers often live lives that deviate from societal norms. You might be embracing minimalism, living off the grid, or pursuing alternative forms of education or work.
Most people just aren’t built that way. They work nine to five and basically coast through life.
Not you.
You live life on your own terms. You question the status quo and embrace personal freedom, authenticity, and fulfillment.
Others might want to be like you, but do they have what it takes? Hardly.
3) You have iconoclastic tendencies
Speaking of societal norms, if you have a natural inclination to question authority, challenge conventional wisdom, or challenge established norms and institutions, you have an independent personality.
You don’t necessarily believe that the Earth is flat. Still, you believe in a healthy dose of conspiracy theories that are kind of out there.
After all, questioning authority is important. Otherwise, we end up with people “just following the orders” when committing inexplicable crimes.
Additionally, you’re skeptical of those in positions of power and aren’t easily influenced or intimidated by authority figures.
You also actively seek new information, explore diverse perspectives, and engage in intellectual debates.
But above all else, you’re willing to challenge systemic inequalities, prejudice, or injustices and strive to bring about positive change in society.
People like you can be powerful drivers of change and progress, but they can also be met with resistance or controversy.
4) You are unapologetically yourself
Independent personalities don’t fit the mold. They can’t be put into the same drawers as other folks.
If you fit the bill, you have a steadfast commitment to being true to yourself, regardless of external pressures or expectations.
At all times, you avoid putting on facades or pretending to be someone you’re not, regardless of the context or situation.
You also express yourself honestly and openly without hiding your true self or pretending to be someone you’re not.
Valuing genuine connections and building relationships based on trust and sincerity are at the forefront of your being.
5) You have an unconventional style
Everyone thinks they’re unique, right? But is that really true? Say you’re listening to a type of music or a specific band almost no one else is listening to or has even heard of.
Still, MILLIONS of other people are likely listening to them.
The same goes for fashion, TV shows, hobbies, etc. Just because no one around you is doing it doesn’t mean there aren’t many others that do.
That being said, having an unconventional style could indicate your independent personality.
For instance, if you creatively approach your style and use clothing as a canvas to express your unique personality, interests, and perspectives.
You might also avoid blending in and prefer to stand out from the crowd by embracing unconventional choices that challenge societal norms.
Or you adopt the classic cowboy style of a stereotypical lone ranger in a time and place where no one else is.
6) You seek out knowledge independently
Do you have a strong desire for knowledge and enjoy exploring topics or ideas that are considered obscure, esoteric, or outside the mainstream?
Lone rangers actively pursue knowledge and skills independently, often through self-study or alternative educational methods, rather than relying solely on formal education or traditional paths.
For example, an independent learner interested in coding may use online coding platforms, tutorials, and resources to learn programming languages such as Python or JavaScript.
Even more so, it means developing practical skills such as woodworking, gardening, or cooking by doing them, watching instructional videos, reading books, experimenting with different methods, and seeking guidance from experienced practitioners.
7) You create your own entertainment
Learning new things is entertainment for many independent personality types. That’s also one of their characteristics. They don’t rely on popular entertainment like TV shows, movies, or social media.
On the contrary, independent people prefer creating their own entertainment, like reading, painting, writing, or even just thinking.
8) You have an experimental mindset
Lone rangers often have an experimental mindset. So if you’re open to trying new experiences, taking risks, and exploring uncharted territories, you might be one, too, especially if you recognize other signs from this list.
I’d recommend everyone step out of their comfort zone every so often. You just may find opportunities for personal growth and novel experiences.
Independent personalities, for instance, frequently visit new places or engage with different cultures and perspectives.
You see, being a lone ranger doesn’t necessarily mean you’re cut off from the rest of the world. Even then, you have to step outside once in a while.
9) You often make unorthodox decisions
Relying on logic and societal expectations is all fine and well, but lone rangers act on their intuition, personal values, and other unconventional factors to make decisions.
Does that sound like you? Do you prioritize your own instincts and beliefs?
Autonomous people and independent thinkers consider how choices align with their core principles, ethics, and sense of integrity.
They will veer away from conventional wisdom or societal norms if it conflicts with their personal values.
I know a couple of people that I see as lone rangers that, rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations, prioritize non-traditional relationship structures, such as open relationships and polyamory, as they best suit their personal needs and values.
Living in Portugal, there are also many people from around the world who invested all they had in Bitcoin when it wasn’t so popular. They cashed out and now live financially independent and oftentimes off the grid in rural parts of the country.
If they didn’t take this risk, they would probably still be in their cubicles and attending boring meetings.
10) You love introspection
Many independent personalities love engaging with complex thoughts, deep introspection, and intellectual pursuits on their own.
Solitude especially provides them with an opportunity for self-reflection, meditation, and independent thought, allowing them to gain clarity and make decisions without external influence.
They take time to reflect on what they’ve learned and how it connects to their goals as well as adjust their future life strategies accordingly. This introspection helps them refine their approach and deepen their understanding.
In such a busy world most of us live in, it’s extremely important to carve out time for a little boredom and time when we’re not engaging with anything else but our thoughts.
I personally love going for walks as this helps me clear my thoughts and develop exciting new ones.
11) You don’t need validation from anyone
Many people have a huge hunger for validation. Be it from their parents, teachers, friends, bosses, etc.
If you have a lone ranger personality, you will appreciate feedback and constructive criticism, but you’ll also have a reduced need for external validation. Or none at all.
After all, you are self-assured in your capabilities, decisions, and achievements. You trust your own judgment, opinions, and abilities, recognizing that your self-worth doesn’t solely depend on external feedback or validation from others.
Your strong internal drive and motivation to pursue your goals and aspirations are more than enough.
Some would call you stubborn; I’d call you intrepid. A modern trailblazer and maverick.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, if you resonate with several of the signs I just mentioned, chances are you have an independent personality, embodying the spirit of a lone ranger.
Embrace your independent spirit and continue to forge your unique path, inspiring others along the way.
Bear in mind that being a lone ranger doesn’t mean being alone. It means going through life with unwavering independence and the courage to carve out your own extraordinary journey.
