Pearl Nash
In the summer of 2019, I found myself on a rugged trail winding through the mountains, surrounded by towering pine trees.
The sun was starting to set, casting a gorgeous golden haze over the landscape.
Up ahead, my hiking companion led the way. This person, who I consider to be the most phenomenal person I know, has a rare blend of traits that elevate them above most people.
But why do I hold them in such high regard? What sets them apart from everyone else I’ve ever met?
Hmm, let’s see. There’s their commitment to kindness, shown in every interaction they have with others.
Whether it’s a stranger they meet on the street or a longtime friend in need of support, they offer empathy and understanding without thinking twice.
Maybe it’s their boundless curiosity and thirst for knowledge that captivate me most. They approach each new experience with a desire to learn and grow.
In this wild world, this pal of mine is a steady reminder of the goodness that resides within each of us, waiting to be nurtured and shared with the world.
If you’re wondering whether you might be a phenomenal person just like my hiking buddy, read on for some psychologist-approved signs.
1) You’re curious about the world
Like I said before, there’s one special quality that sets phenomenal people apart: their curiosity!
In an article about character strengths and virtues, clinical psychologist Dr. Reham Al Taher found that curiosity was the mark of a truly phenomenal person.
“The more curious and creative we allow ourselves to become, the more we gain perspective and wisdom and will, in turn, love what we are learning. This is developing the virtue of wisdom and knowledge,” said Dr. Al Taher.
Let me paint a little picture for you. Imagine a world where everyone just took things at face value, never questioning, never pondering the why’s and how’s.
Sounds like a ridiculously boring world to be part of, right? Well, that’s where curiosity comes in, injecting life with excitement.
Think about it for a sec. The most groundbreaking discoveries and inventions, they all started with a simple “What if?” or “Why not?”
A curious mind is like a treasure chest, filled with gems of knowledge waiting to be uncovered. And guess what? The more you dig, the more you find.
Curiosity is what drives us to explore, to experiment, to push the boundaries of what we know.
Ever met someone who just seems to know a little bit about everything?
Chances are, they’re fueled by an unquenchable curiosity, always on the lookout for the next interesting tidbit to add to their treasure trove.
2) You demonstrate fortitude
Ronald E. Riggio Ph.D. professor of organizational psychology explores how a phenomenal person will often show “fortitude”. But what does this actually mean?
Well, fortitude, according to Dr. Riggio, “involves having the courage to stand up for what you believe in”, or in other words, “to do the right thing.”
So essentially fortitude, a pretty fancy word, is the backbone of a phenomenal person.
Those with fortitude don’t just follow the crowd—they have the audacity to stand up for what they really believe in.
Picture all the great minds of history, the ones who challenged the status quo and reshaped the world.
More often than not, these people had the courage to do the right thing. But what is the right thing?
It’s not always a beacon shining bright—sometimes it’s a subtle flicker in the midst of uncertainty.
It’s that inner compass pointing towards a direction not everyone may necessarily understand or agree with.
Cast your mind back to Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus. In that pivotal moment, she embodied fortitude.
It wasn’t just about a seat, it was about standing firm against injustice, about doing what she believed was right despite the norms of the day. The echoes of her courage reverberate through history.
Phenomenal folks aren’t just book-smart, rather, they possess a huge amount of emotional intelligence, or the capacity to navigate human interactions.
Fortitude is crucial to this brilliance. It’s the willingness to challenge norms, to be a lone voice if needed, all in the pursuit of a greater good.
It’s about daring to question, to challenge, and to forge a path that others might be hesitant to tread.
3) You’re often referred to as wise
Dr. Riggio also breaks down another trait of people who are considered good people: prudence.
Imagine you’re at a crossroads, faced with a decision that could either lead you down the path of triumph or the alley of regret.
What do you do?
Well, that’s where prudence steps in, our trusty sidekick in decision-making.
“Another term for prudence is “wisdom,” but it involves being objective and reflective when deciding on courses of action. Prudent individuals learn to avoid making bad decisions. They value and learn from others,” says Dr. Riggio.
These folks take a step back and evaluate the situation. They ask themselves questions like: What are the potential consequences? Is this the right move? What can I learn from others who’ve been down this road before?
Like, who would you trust more—the person who rushes into every decision like a bull in a china shop, or the one who carefully weighs the options?
These types of people are phenomenal because they often share their insights, so that we can all learn from them.
In a world that often glorifies impulsiveness, being prudent is like having a superpower that keeps you one step ahead of the game.
4) You’re kind and loving to others
A groundbreaking study into what defines a “good person” across different countries, published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, identified the “virtue of humanity—including kindness and love” as being definitive of a good person.
At its core, humanity encompasses kindness and love, as mentioned above.
It’s that thing that connects us all, reminding us that, hey, we’re in this crazy journey called life together.
It’s the ability to look beyond ourselves and extend a helping hand, even when it’s not super convenient.
Now, let’s talk about kindness. It’s not just about holding doors open or saying “thank you.”
Kindness is a force that can ripple through the mundane moments of our lives, turning them into something extraordinary.
It has this magical ability to leave an imprint on both the giver and the receiver.
And then there’s love—the glue that binds humanity and fuels compassion, understanding, and acceptance.
People who embody these values are truly phenomenal as the ripple effect of their actions creates a more compassionate and interconnected world.
When someone experiences kindness, they’re more likely to pay it forward, creating a domino effect that can influence many, many lives.
Embracing the virtue of humanity reflects a deep understanding of our shared human experience.
It’s a recognition that, despite our differences, we’re all navigating the complexities of life—and it aint easy! Not at all.
Embodying the virtue of humanity—kindness and love—transforms a person into a force for good in the world.
It’s a marker of not just goodness but greatness.
5) You speak with honest intent
In this same study, the virtues of “honesty” and “sincerity” were also highlighted as being the traits of a phenomenal person.
Think about a time when someone spoke to you with unwavering honesty. No sugar-coating, no veiled truths.
It’s like a refreshing breeze slicing through the clutter of everyday chat.
There’s a certain clarity that comes with it, a clarity that makes you sit up and take notice.
Well, that’s the power of sincerity—it leaves a mark that time struggles to erase.
Let’s flip the script. You’re the one delivering an honest message. It takes courage, doesn’t it?
It’s like knowing that your words have the potential to totally reshape someone’s perspective.
It’s not always comfortable, but it’s a testament to your authenticity.
An honest conversation is like a real breath of fresh air.. Someone who speaks with honest intent isn’t just a savvy communicator—they’re a catalyst for positive change.
They’re the phenomenal people who forge deep connections, build trust, and inspire those around them to embrace truthfulness.
6) You’re a lover of learning
A 2021 study into character strength and wellbeing found that “a love of learning” happened to be “the character strengths most strongly associated with positive affect.”
But why is this the case? Well, think of being a lover of learning as choosing the scenic route in life rather than sticking to the paved highway.
It’s not just about gathering facts and figures… It’s a journey of discovery.
Plus knowledge is like a toolkit for problem-solving. The more tools you have, the more versatile you become.
These folks are often the go-to person in your social circle or workplace because they can approach challenges from various angles.
Besides, the most influential folks in history all shared a common thread: an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
From philosophers to modern inventors, it’s this hunger that propels society forward, fuels innovation, and creates lasting legacies.
Being a lover of learning is about embracing a growth mindset. It’s about challenging yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone, and constantly evolving.
Final thoughts
To sum things up, exceptional individuals shine as beacons of inspiration through their unique qualities.
These folks stand out for their commitment to kindness, courage to stand up for their beliefs, and wisdom in decision-making.
Their embodiment of humanity, shown through kindness and love, creates a ripple effect of compassion.
Honesty and sincerity characterize their communication, cutting through all the fakeness.
Additionally, their love of learning fuels a journey of constant growth and versatility in approaching challenges.
As we walk down our own paths, let us draw inspiration from these qualities, contributing to a world where authenticity and goodness prevail.
