Tina Fey
Are you someone that prefers to be alone? Or maybe you want to understand a friend or loved one who likes spending time in solitude.
If so, dive in with me.
We will find out more about the amazing traits of people who tend to prefer being by themselves.
1) They have the capacity to be very productive
Being sociable all the time can be fun for many of us, especially extroverts. But it also takes a lot of time and energy! And this is even more pronounced for introverts, as they get drained by other people.
People who enjoy solitude often use their time to get a lot of things done. This could be anything from achieving a lot of work, starting a new business or project, or learning new skills and abilities.
I have an introverted friend, Daniel, who likes to be alone quite a lot.
Here are some of the things Daniel has achieved over the last two years:
- Starting a chocolate-making business
- Exploring the world of psychology and wellbeing
- Creating and maintaining an exercise routine that makes him feel more confident
- Learning to play the violin
- Bringing qigong into his daily life
2) They can have a creative nature
The list of my friend’s achievements continues!
As a conceptual artist, time alone gives Daniel time to come up with creative ideas and bring them to life. He enjoys making art, and his time alone has allowed him to explore things with new kinds of pens, inks, and paints.
What else? He has used this exploration to dive deeper into the world of tarot, drawing and coloring his own version of each card.
This creative endeavor has allowed him to connect better with the meanings of each card, and to practice his artistic skills and inventiveness.
3) They have a rich inner life
People with a rich inner life have a depth and richness of inner experiences that set them apart.
They tend to have a profound connection with their thoughts, emotions, and imagination. This contributes to their unique perspectives and ways of being in the world.
Here is an example – a day in the life – of another friend of mine, Nikki, who has a rich inner life.
In the vibrant city of New York, Nikki explores solitude amidst the bustling streets.
She notices the details of everyday sights, such as the architecture, or beauty of a squirrel in central park, or the outfit of an unusual person. She uses this to spark her imagination and emotions.
At night, she returns to her cozy apartment. It is filled with all kinds of interesting books and paintings, and she immerses herself in literature and unleashes her creativity through writing.
Nikki really thrives in solitude, capturing her introspections in a notebook. Her inner world allows her to perceive the extraordinary in the ordinary, fostering empathy and a deep connection with herself and her environment.
The takeaway? Nikki’s journey can remind all of us to embrace our inner lives, explore our depths, and cherish the intricacies of the human experience.
4) They are curious
Curiosity, like with Nikki with her books and unique way of perceiving the world, is often heralded as one of the most important skills we can have.
What’s so great about curiosity? In the words of genius Albert Einstein:
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.”
If you’re looking for a more relatable figure, then you might also be inspired by Brian Gazer, award winning TV and film producer, behind amazing and thoughtful films such as ‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001).
“I’ve built my whole career and life around curiosity. I think curiosity is the secret sauce for a bigger life.”
Being curious is another part of having a rich inner life, and it’s a trait often found in people who like to be alone.
5) They have a focus on self-development
Just as we’ve seen with my friend Daniel, time alone means time to focus on self-development.
Self-development helps us to be a better person in life, enjoying our own lives more fully and being able to help others.
Wondering what a focus on self-development can look like? Read on to find out.
Read books and study self-development
There are many teachers and places to learn about self-development that can be easily accessed online or through books. There are lots of courses available, many of which are totally free of charge.
Cultivate positive habits
People who like to spend time alone can recognize the power of habits in shaping their lives. This allows them to focus on cultivating positive habits that support their goals and well-being.
This may include practices such as daily affirmations, gratitude journaling, practicing mindfulness, or maintaining a regular routine.
Embrace failure and learn from setbacks
Rather than being discouraged by failures or setbacks, these individuals view them as opportunities for learning. They embrace a growth mindset and understand that failure is a stepping stone to success.
Practice self-discipline and time management
Like my friend Daniel, they can develop discipline and effective time management skills to make the most of their days. They prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and allocate time for activities that align with their goals and values.
Give back
Spending time alone doesn’t mean they can never be with others!
When they do mingle once again, they can use their skills gained in solitude, to make a positive impact in their communities or society.
They may engage in random acts of kindness, volunteer their time, or support causes that resonate with them.
Related: If someone uses these 8 phrases in a conversation, they lack intelligence
6) They have an excellent ability to self-reflect
Are you always on the go? If so, you probably don’t have much time to take stock of your interactions and experiences.
For those who like to be alone, they have a lot of time to consider things. The whats and whys of their lives.
Focusing, developed by psychologists Carl Rogers and Eugene Gendlin, is one excellent way of self-reflecting and understanding what you are feeling.
Although the technique is actually designed to be done by a guide (and is more powerful that way), it’s also great to regularly do by yourself.
Related: 9 signs you’re in a relationship with an emotionally intelligent person
7) They are self-sufficient and autonomous
Autonomy is another defining trait among those who find solace in their own company.
Autonomous people possess a talent for self-governance, steering their lives with determination. They embrace their independence, make their own guidelines, stay true to personal convictions, and pursue their deepest desires.
But wait – there’s more.
Another benefit is that their inherent autonomy empowers them to work diligently, reaching exceptional levels of productivity with minimal oversight.
This can make them excellent remote workers or people who excel on solo projects. In the absence of companions, their solitude acts as a catalyst for heightened productivity.
To sum it up
The autonomous person feels free and unencumbered by outside world influences and so they channel their energies into their activities, enjoying the freedom to follow their goals on their own terms.
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