Jelena Dincic
The way I see it, cultivating a fiercely independent nature is a powerful act of self-empowerment.
It’s about embracing your unique identity, pursuing your passions, and making your way in life.
The good news is that independence is not an innate trait; it’s a skill that can be developed through a mindset of self-reliance and a series of deliberate actions.
With that in mind, here are 10 daily actions that will amplify your autonomy and prove to yourself and the world that you have a fiercely independent nature.
Let’s dive right in!
1) You’re financially independent
Now, the reason I put this first is that you can’t be truly independent (let alone fiercely independent) if you rely on others for money.
Fiercely independent people start young – for example, my sister and I both got weekend jobs while we were still in high school (I worked in a library). It felt good being able to buy myself stuff and not have to ask my parents for everything!
So, if you can pay your rent and buy your groceries, and if you don’t depend on your parents or a partner for your financial existence, it proves you’re fiercely independent!
2) You’re self-reliant
Being self-reliant means so many different things.
- It means that when you need something done, you get it done. You don’t wait for someone else to do it. You don’t ask for help unless you REALLY need it.
- It also means that you can take care of yourself – you make money, you cook, you do your own laundry, etc.
- What’s more, you’re resourceful and know how to make the best of what you’ve got.
- Finally, it means that you’re emotionally strong and self-aware. You don’t rely solely on others for emotional support because you have strong coping mechanisms in place.
3) You set your own goals
Whether it’s about what career you want to pursue, your personal life (get married or not, have kids or not), or anything else related to how you want to live – you’re the only one who gets a say.
You don’t let your family or society dictate what you’re going to do with your life.
This is a true sign of someone fiercely independent: you define your own objectives and you work hard to reach them.
And here’s another thing: You need neither external validation nor approval.
4) You make your own decisions
And it’s not just about your life goals! You’re also very hands-on when it comes to making all your own decisions.
You don’t have doubts about what you should do because you trust your judgment and your ability to make choices.
People who aren’t as fiercely independent as you keep asking the people closest to them, “What do you think I should do?” and “Do you think I’m making a mistake?” but not you!
What’s more, when you want something, you go for it and won’t let yourself be easily swayed by other people’s opinions.
5) You embrace solitude
Here’s the thing: people who are not independent have trouble being alone.
- If they’re in a relationship, they’ll want to do everything with their partner.
- If they’re single, they’ll make sure to always be surrounded by people.
But you’re not afraid of being alone, in fact, you enjoy your solitude and like to have time to yourself every day to reflect, recharge, and simply enjoy your own company.
In short: Being comfortable in solitude shows that you’re self-sufficient and independent.
6) You take initiative
Now, another thing I want to mention is how being proactive proves that you’re fiercely independent.
Instead of waiting around for something (or nothing) to happen, you actually take the initiative!
Just think about all the great things you might not have had if you hadn’t been proactive! From meeting some wonderful people to getting jobs to maybe even meeting the love of your life.
And instead of leaving things up to faith or waiting for the other person to make a move or a decision, you actively seek opportunities and work hard to shape the outcome of your life!
7) You like to stay informed and have a thirst for knowledge
Fiercely independent people like yourself like to have as much information at their disposal as possible.
They don’t want to be manipulated by politicians and the media. They want to be able to make up their own minds and make informed decisions.
So naturally they like to have several sources of news and information. They read international newspapers and watch various news channels.
They also believe in life-long learning and are constantly working to expand their knowledge and skills by reading books, taking online courses, or pursuing independent learning projects.
8) You say it like it is
Do you think it’s super important to express yourself?
Do you share your opinions openly and confidently, even when they may not be all that popular?
If so, that’s another action that proves that you’re fiercely independent.
You see, people who aren’t as independent as you are often scared to voice their opinions if they’re not popular. They’re worried about what people will think of them, so they either keep quiet or they try to compromise.
9) You stand up for yourself
Here’s the best part: Not only are you confident enough to say what you think, but you’re also strong enough to stand up for yourself and for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
You advocate for your own rights and for the rights of people and even animals who are not in a position to do so.
You’re very assertive when it comes to communicating your needs and don’t hesitate to speak up when something doesn’t align with your values or goals.
10) You pursue your interests
Look, when it comes to doing stuff you like, it doesn’t matter if you have someone to join in or not.
If you want to go traveling, you’ll book a room and pack your suitcase. If you want to go hiking or riding your bike but your partner or your friends don’t want to tag along, that’s okay. You’re happy to go on your own.
The bottom line is that you’re ready to pursue your personal interests and dedicate time to activities and hobbies that bring you joy – regardless of whether others share the same interests.
Why?
Because you’re fiercely independent of course!
And there you have it, 10 daily actions that prove you have a fiercely independent nature.
Just remember, being fiercely independent doesn’t mean that you don’t need other people in your life or refusing help when you need it.
It’s about maintaining your autonomy and self-reliance, while being able to accept help when you need it.
