Paul Brian
If you were to encapsulate your personality in three words, what would they be?
Chances are, “top-quality” might not be one of your chosen descriptors.
However, it’s worth noting that some individuals possess a far greater charm, affability and magnetism than they realize.
Psychology offers key insights into what makes a personality truly excellent and powerful.
Are you among those who have an exceptionally excellent personality? Let’s delve into it.
1) You offer guidance and support
People gravitate towards you for guidance when tough choices loom, and you’re the go-to person during times of stress.
You give good advice, but it’s not just about that. While competence plays a role, it’s more than just skill—it’s about the stability you offer when times are tough.
You hold back judgment and truly listen.
Whether facing medical emergencies, financial crises, or personal turmoil, your mere presence instills a sense of calm and trust. Despite lacking expertise, your ability to provide reassurance and practical guidance is invaluable and folks seek you out.
As research scientist, psychologist and Professor Emma Seppälä Ph.D. notes:
“The other day, I challenged the idea of ‘success’ in my class. I asked my students, ‘What are the qualities of the most wonderful person you know?’ The adjectives that came to mind for them were loving, caring, and present.”
2) You’re a motivator and an energizer
Another telltale sign that you have an excellent personality is the ability to inspire and motivate others.
True motivation transcends mere words; it’s the energy and authenticity behind them that truly move people.
Your capacity to motivate, particularly in face-to-face interactions, is a testament to your magnetic presence. Despite setbacks, you have a knack for encouraging those around you to persevere, and they heed your guidance.
Your own life is the proof in the pudding: you show people that you can do it and they can, too!
This ties into the next point…
3) You help individuals confront their fears
Furthermore, you possess the remarkable ability to aid others in confronting their fears.
Acknowledging and respecting individuals’ apprehensions, you never minimize their fears but you do show them that anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of.
By erasing the shame or guilt of fear, you demonstrate the transformative power of belief, especially when bolstered by external support.
This helps them to actually face their fears and often overcome them in small and large ways, a personality attribute that makes you enormously appreciated by many.
Your encouragement and gentle pushes make a tangible difference in people’s lives, which is what really counts in the end.
As Seppälä reminds us:
“You already know what you will know on your deathbed—that a life well-lived is a life in which you have shared an abundance of love.”
4) You have a strong and abiding life purpose
Your inclination to assist others in overcoming obstacles stems from your strong sense of purpose in life.
Regardless of intelligence, appearance, or social status, nothing surpasses the clarity of purpose. Your unwavering sense of direction serves as a beacon in a world often mired in confusion.
You’re far from perfect, but you like to stay on mission and have a reason for what you do.
People are naturally drawn to those who exude a sense of purpose, finding inspiration in your clarity amidst life’s complexities.
As Professor Emerita Susan Krauss Whitbourne PhD, ABPP writes, this includes “becoming better integrated into society and avoiding antisocial behaviors and a tendency to remain longer at one’s job rather than constantly leaving and finding a new one.”
5) You’re interesting and engaged in life
Beyond your sense of purpose, your life philosophy captivates and galvanizes people around you.
You don’t demand people’s attention or grandstand in a performative way, but you do drop tidbits of wisdom and knowledge as you go through your day.
At work and at home, among friends and when you’re doing fun activities, you spread ideas that are interesting and engaging to the people around you.
Whether rooted in spirituality or personal convictions, your perspectives leave a lasting impression on others. Much like influential figures from our past have helped shape you, your beliefs resonate deeply, shaping others’ perceptions and convictions.
6) You change and adapt, improving yourself
You’re not static. While you do your best to stay consistent and emotionally stable, you’re always adapting and shifting in tune with life.
The journey of life is one in which you change and adapt, trying your best to grow and evolve.
It’s not about proving anything, but simply about the joy and satisfaction of growing in self-awareness and becoming the kind of individual that you want to be in the world (and for yourself).
As Psychology Today notes:
“Despite its day-to-day stability, personality can change in the long term, potentially to a substantial degree over the course of a person’s life.
“Research suggests that people tend to show signs of increasing maturity (including, for instance, increased social sensitivity) in their personality test scores as they grow older.”
7) Your words carry weight and you say what you mean
There’s certainly much to be said for being tactful and discreet at times.
But one of the signs that you have an outstanding personality is that you generally speak in a direct and clear way.
You are the opposite of passive-aggressive, you don’t play the victim and you try your best to say what you mean and mean what you say.
Whether sharing anecdotes, planning for the future or making a commitment, your words hold sway.
As Lawrence Robinson, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. and Melinda Smith, M.A. write:
“Direct, assertive expression makes for clear communication and can help boost your self-esteem and decision-making skills. Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in an open and honest way.”
8) You’re able to effectively navigate conflict
In tense situations, you possess a remarkable ability to diffuse hostility and restore peace.
Your intervention, marked by a calm demeanor and assertive yet compassionate approach, has a palpable effect.
While others may struggle to quell discord, your presence alone often helps people start to calm down and be a bit less confrontational.
You’re able to bring out people’s desire to reconcile and see other people’s point of view, which is a remarkable talent and personality attribute that shows high emotional intelligence (EQ).
9) You’re a career confidante
Individuals frequently seek your counsel regarding career matters, irrespective of your expertise in their field.
Your insights, reassurance, and overall demeanor inspire confidence in navigating professional challenges.
Your knack for forming connections and offering guidance makes you a trusted resource for career-related endeavors.
This also extends to networking, as you effortlessly forge connections with diverse individuals.
Even outside professional circles, your ability to establish rapport proves invaluable. As a result, you often serve as a conduit for valuable connections and opportunities, enriching the lives of those around you.
10) You’re a beacon in matters of the heart
People gravitate towards you for advice and support in matters of love and relationships. Whether experiencing highs or lows, individuals seek solace in sharing their experiences with you.
Despite sometimes being overwhelmed by people asking your romantic advice and seeking your support, your impact on others’ romantic endeavors is undeniable.
In every way, you try to be a person who gives more than they take and who helps people navigate the rough and sometimes confusing terrain of the heart.
“So, what does the research show us? It shows us that we will gain only momentary bursts of joy from all the pleasures we seek in life, from sex to money,” observes Seppälä.
“The long-lasting fulfillment we desire comes from living a life of purpose, meaning, compassion, and altruism.”
What it means to have an excellent personality
The truly excellent personality transcends superficial recognition. It’s not about getting applause or recognition for being a wonderful person, it’s much more about actually being one.
Your personality manifests in everyday interactions and relationships.
When people trust, admire, and seek your guidance, it shows the profound influence and reach that you have. Embrace this power responsibly, using your powerful personality for the betterment of those around you.
As the Atlantic’s health and science writer Olga Khazan notes of her own journey to improve her personality:
“The late psychologist Carl Rogers once wrote, ‘when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change,’ and this is roughly where I’ve landed.”
