Mia Zhang
There’s a clear distinction between being a good person and being an awesome person.
The difference lies in actions. A good person does what’s right, but an awesome person goes the extra mile, leaving a lasting positive impact on everyone around them.
Let’s dive in and find out what it takes to be truly awesome!
1) They’re genuinely interested in others
It’s not about being nosy or trying to dig up gossip. It’s about caring, about wanting to understand where another person is coming from, their experiences, and their perspectives.
These people often ask thoughtful questions and listen intently to the answers. They remember details from previous conversations and follow up on them later. They make you feel seen and heard.
2) They spread positivity
I’ll never forget a friend of mine who embodied this behavior. Let’s call him Jack.
Jack was someone who always had a smile on his face. He radiated positivity, even when things were tough.
One day, we were stuck in a rainstorm during a camping trip. Instead of complaining about the wet and cold, Jack laughed and said it was an adventure. He started singing songs and making shadow puppets on the tent wall.
His positive attitude was infectious. Even in that miserable situation, we all ended up laughing and having fun.
3) They practice empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a cornerstone of being human and vital in forming meaningful connections.
In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers found that people who display empathy are viewed more positively by others. They’re seen as more caring, more trustworthy, and overall, more awesome.
4) They’re always learning
They’re lifelong learners who are always seeking to expand their knowledge and improve themselves.
They’re the ones who are always reading new books, taking up new hobbies, or exploring new ideas. They’re not afraid to ask questions and admit when they don’t know something.
Their thirst for knowledge isn’t just about self-improvement; it’s about understanding the world around them better. They know that the more they learn, the more they can contribute to conversations, help others, and make informed decisions.
5) They value integrity
It’s about sticking to your moral and ethical principles, even when no one is watching.
Awesome people are the ones you can trust. They’re honest, reliable and they keep their promises. If they say they will do something, you can bet they will follow through.
Integrity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about owning up to mistakes, making amends and learning from them.
6) They lend a helping hand
They’re the ones who will stop and help you pick up a pile of dropped papers, or offer their seat to someone in need on a crowded bus. They’re the ones who see someone struggling and step in to lend a helping hand.
Their acts of kindness might not always be grand gestures. Often, they’re small, everyday actions that show their compassion and consideration for others. It shows they value kindness over convenience, and people over tasks.
7) They are resilient
Life is full of ups and downs.
A few years ago, I was hit with a series of setbacks that left me feeling defeated. It was a difficult time, but it was also a time when I learned the true value of resilience.
They don’t let setbacks define them. Instead, they use these experiences as stepping stones to grow stronger and wiser.
They face challenges head-on, and even when they fall, they get back up and keep moving forward. Their ability to bounce back and maintain their optimism in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.
8) They appreciate others
They’re quick to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of others, and they’re never shy about expressing their gratitude.
Whether it’s a simple “thank you” to a waiter, a heartfelt compliment to a colleague, or a note of thanks to a friend, they make sure people know their efforts are noticed and valued.
They understand that appreciation can make someone’s day better, boost their self-esteem, and even inspire them to continue doing great work.
9) They live authentically
Authenticity requires courage and self-awareness. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and being unapologetically yourself.
Living authentically means that they’re genuine in their actions and words. They’re not pretending to be someone they’re not just to fit in or please others.
Final thoughts: Awesomeness is a choice
One thing is clear: being awesome is not an accident. It’s a choice, a constant decision to be kind, considerate, and genuine.
Keep in mind, awesomeness isn’t always about big, grand gestures. It’s found in the small acts of kindness, the times we choose understanding over judgement, and in the moments we courageously stay true to ourselves.
So go ahead, choose awesomeness. Not just for others, but for yourself too. Because in the end, being awesome is simply about being the best version of you.
