Lachlan Brown
Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast.
I’m here to tell you how psychology shows us that being independent-minded isn’t about being stubborn or contrary. It’s about making informed decisions and standing by them, even if they’re not popular.
But what truly separates independent-minded individuals from the average person?
At its core, it’s about making choices that reflect who you are, rather than just going along with what everyone else thinks or does.
Independent-minded people don’t just follow the crowd; they think for themselves, make informed decisions, and aren’t afraid to stand by those decisions, even if it means going against the grain.
This isn’t about being difficult or stubborn—it’s about living life on your own terms. In this article, we’ll explore 8 key signs that you might be more independent-minded than you think.
Each of these traits is grounded in psychological principles, and together, they paint a picture of a person who values autonomy and self-direction.
1) You’re not swayed by the crowd
Being independent-minded is not about being a contrarian or a rebel. It’s about making decisions based on your own judgment, even when it goes against the grain.
Those with an independent mind don’t just follow the majority because it’s easier, or because they’re afraid of standing out.
They weigh their options, consider the consequences, and then make a choice – even if it’s not popular.
Psychology shows us that this ability to resist social pressure is a clear sign of an independent mind. It’s about thinking for yourself, not just echoing what others are doing or saying.
This doesn’t mean you dismiss others’ opinions out of hand. You value input and perspective, but at the end of the day, you’re confident in your own judgment.
2) You’re comfortable with discomfort
Being independent-minded often means stepping outside of your comfort zone. And let me tell you from personal experience, it’s not always easy.
A few years ago, I decided to start Hack Spirit. The idea of creating a platform to share mindfulness and self-improvement resources was something I was passionate about.
But it wasn’t the safe bet, and many around me questioned my decision.
I could have chosen a more traditional path, one that promised financial stability and less risk. But I knew this was what I wanted, even if it meant facing uncertainty and plenty of challenges.
Being independent-minded meant being comfortable with that discomfort. It meant listening to my own voice over the voices of doubt and fear.
In short, for those with an independent mind, this struggle is not just inevitable – it’s welcomed.
3) You embrace solitude
Being independent-minded often means being comfortable in your own company. You don’t need constant stimulation or interaction to feel content. In fact, you might find that some of your best thinking happens when you’re alone.
This doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or introverted, necessarily. It simply means you value the time and space to reflect, think critically, and tap into your own ideas and insights – undisturbed by the noise of the world around you.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I discuss the importance of solitude in achieving mindfulness and self-awareness – key aspects of an independent mind.
Buddhism teaches us that solitude is not loneliness, but a state of being deeply in touch with oneself. It’s in these quiet moments, free from external influences, that we can truly reflect on our decisions and actions.
4) You have a strong internal locus of control
In psychology, the concept of ‘locus of control‘ refers to the degree to which people believe they have control over their own lives.
An external locus of control suggests that outside forces determine our fate, while an internal locus of control indicates a belief that we have the power to shape our own lives.
Those with an independent mind tend to have a strong internal locus of control. They believe in their power to influence their future and they take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
This doesn’t mean they believe they can control everything.
They understand that life is unpredictable and that things won’t always go as planned. But they also recognize that how they respond to these challenges is within their control.
5) You’re not always confident
This might seem counter-intuitive, but hear me out.
Being independent-minded doesn’t always mean being supremely confident. In fact, it often means being willing to admit when you don’t know something.
Those with an independent mind value learning and personal growth above appearing infallible.
They’re not afraid to question their own beliefs and assumptions, and they’re open to new information and perspectives.
They understand that confidence isn’t about always being right, but about having the courage to be wrong. This humility allows them to continually learn, grow, and adapt – a crucial trait in an ever-changing world.
6) You’re not afraid to go against the grain
Independent-minded individuals don’t shy away from standing out or being different. They don’t let societal norms or expectations dictate their actions or decisions.
Instead, they’re more concerned with living authentically and staying true to their values and beliefs, even if it means going against the grain.
They understand that being different isn’t a bad thing but rather a reflection of their unique perspective.
This doesn’t mean they’re rebellious for the sake of it. Rather, they’re willing to challenge the status quo when they believe there’s a better way.
7) You listen more than you speak
In a world that’s constantly clamoring for attention, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we always need to have our voices heard.
But sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply listen.
Listening allows us to understand different perspectives, challenge our own beliefs, and deepen our knowledge and empathy. It’s an act of respect and curiosity that enriches our own thinking and fosters deeper connections with others.
In my own life, I’ve found that some of the most valuable insights and learnings have come not from speaking, but from listening – to friends, mentors, strangers, even critics.
It’s a practice that requires patience and humility, but the rewards are immeasurable.
8) You prioritize self-improvement
Independent-minded individuals understand that personal growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
They’re constantly seeking ways to improve themselves, intellectually, emotionally, and even spiritually.
This commitment to self-improvement isn’t driven by a sense of inadequacy or a desire for perfection.
Rather, it’s fueled by a genuine curiosity and a desire to realize their full potential.
They read books, attend seminars, take courses, ask for feedback – all in a bid to learn more about themselves and the world around them.
They see every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.
As psychologist Abraham Maslow, known for creating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once said: “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
This understanding is inherent in those with an independent mind – they see self-improvement as the path to greater self-awareness and personal fulfillment.
Final thoughts: It’s all about choice
At the end of the day, being independent-minded comes down to choice — the choice to think for yourself, the choice to challenge norms, the choice to prioritize self-improvement, and the choice to stand by your decisions, even when they’re not popular.
These choices might not always be easy, and they might not always lead to immediate success. But they’re crucial in shaping who you are and who you want to be.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I discuss how these choices can lead to a life of greater mindfulness and fulfillment.
It’s not about being right all the time or never depending on others. It’s about having the courage to take responsibility for your life and your decisions, even when it’s challenging.
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