9 signs you’ve got a complex personality that most people don’t get

Complexity is not a curse but a privilege. It’s what sets us apart, what makes us unique, and often, it’s what leaves others puzzled.

Possessing a complex personality means you’re multifaceted, layered – harder to understand, yes, but richer in depth and intrigue. It’s like being a novel in a world of pamphlets.

People may struggle to comprehend you, but remember this: complexity isn’t about being difficult; it’s about depth, authenticity and the courage to be uniquely you.

Here are 9 signs that your personality may be more complex than most.

1) You ponder over life’s complexities

A complex personality often goes hand-in-hand with a complex mind. And complex minds tend to dwell on the intricacies and nuances of life.

While others are content with surface-level conversations and simple pleasures, you’re drawn to the depths. You question the nature of reality, the purpose of life, the meaning of existence. You’re not afraid to confront existential questions that most people prefer to avoid: such as examining people’s emotions and behaviors, and considering what is the meaning of love. 

It’s understandable that this introspective tendency may be perplexing or even intimidating to some. But never let someone stifle your intellectual depth and emotional maturity. It’s not that you’re trying to be difficult or elusive. Rather, you’re driven by a genuine curiosity and a desire to understand the world at a deeper level.

2) You embrace change and uncertainty

While many people resist change and seek security in the familiar, you, with your complex personality, see life differently. Change for you isn’t something to be feared but embraced. You understand that the only constant in life is change, and in the face of uncertainty, you thrive.

You are not one to stick to the beaten path or follow conventional wisdom. Instead, you deliberately seek out new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. You’re not afraid to challenge the status quo or question established norms. In fact, you relish opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve.

This openness to change and comfort with uncertainty may be hard for others to comprehend. After all, we are hardwired to stay in our comfort zone, for our own survival. So this open-mindedness may make you seem unpredictable or erratic. 

But as the great philosopher Alan Watts once said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” You, with your complex personality, are not just joining the dance – you’re leading it.

3) You are deeply self-aware

Self-awareness is a standout trait of complex personalities. You have a profound understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. This self-knowledge doesn’t come from external validation but from an internal journey of introspection and self-discovery.

Your deep self-awareness allows you to navigate life with authenticity and integrity. You know who you are, what you stand for, and what truly matters to you. You don’t pretend to be someone you’re not or conform to societal expectations just to fit in.

You’ve probably already come across some people who find this high level of self-awareness unsettling, and misunderstand your authenticity as arrogance or your introspection as aloofness. But in reality, your willingness to look within and confront your own imperfections is a sign of courage and strength.

To delve deeper into this concept, I invite you to watch my video where I discuss the importance of embracing the feeling of being an “imposter”. In it, I argue that imposter syndrome is not a flaw to be fought against, but a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.

YouTube video

And if my insights resonate with you and you’re interested in exploring more about living a life with purpose and freedom, consider joining over 20,000 others who have already subscribed to my YouTube channel. You can do so by clicking here.

4) You acknowledge and confront your fears

Being a complex personality doesn’t mean you’re fearless. On the contrary, you’re acutely aware of your fears. But instead of denying or running away from them, you choose to acknowledge and confront them head-on.

This can be a daunting task. After all, as I’ve already mentioned above, it’s human nature to seek comfort and avoid discomfort. But you understand that growth happens outside the comfort zone. You know that fear, while uncomfortable, can be a powerful catalyst for change and transformation.

This raw and honest approach to fear is not common. Many people prefer to live in denial, clinging to illusions of safety and control. But the path you’ve chosen, though much more rare, is arguably also much more real – a path of courage, authenticity, and personal growth.

As I often say, true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives – including our fears. By choosing to face our fears instead of avoiding them, we become more resilient and free. We transform our fears into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

In this way, your willingness to confront your fears is not just a sign of your complex personality – it’s also a testament to your strength, courage, and commitment to personal growth.

5) You value authentic relationships over superficial connections

For you, relationships aren’t a numbers game. You’re not interested in collecting acquaintances or maintaining shallow connections. What you seek are authentic relationships – the kind that are rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.

This approach to relationships might come across as intense or demanding. After all, it’s easier to stick to small talk and avoid the hard conversations. But you’re not looking for the easy path. You’re looking for real connections – the kind that challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow.

This does not mean that every conversation has to be deep and profound. It simply means that you value authenticity over pretense, depth over breadth, and quality over quantity when it comes to your relationships.

This aligns with my own belief in the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships. It’s through our connections with others that we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.

If you’d like to delve deeper into this topic, I invite you to watch my video about the importance of giving up on shallow interactions and focusing more on building connections from a deeper basis.

YouTube video

You might find some great insights in this video that give a fresh perspective, and even more laser-sharp focus to the bonds you nurture. 

6) You find solitude enriching

In a world that celebrates extroversion and constant social engagement, your preference for solitude may seem out of place. But for you, solitude is not loneliness; it’s a space for reflection, creativity, and self-discovery.

You value your time alone because it allows you to recharge, to connect with yourself, and to engage with your thoughts and feelings without distraction. It’s during these moments of solitude that you often experience your most profound insights and creative ideas.

This does not mean you’re antisocial or reclusive. Quite the contrary. You enjoy social interactions and value your relationships. And you also understand the importance of balancing external engagement with internal reflection.

My own journey has taught me about the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. When we choose to spend time alone, we’re doing the inner work needed to confront our fears, challenge our limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion. And as I’ve been delighted to discover, those are some of the keys to getting further ahead in life. 

7) You are driven by values, not validation

In a society where popularity and external validation are often equated with success, your focus on personal values sets you apart. You’re not driven by a desire for approval or acceptance, but by a deep commitment to living in alignment with your values.

You understand that popularity can be fleeting and that external validation can never bring lasting fulfillment. Instead of seeking applause, you strive to make choices that align with your deepest beliefs, even if they aren’t popular or easy.

This value-driven approach to life can be challenging. It often means walking a path less traveled and standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s uncomfortable. But it’s also empowering. By staying true to your values, you’re creating a life of purpose and authenticity.

8) You see failures as opportunities for growth

Many people view failure as an end, a sign of inadequacy. But a complex personality sees it differently. For you, failure is not a setback but an opportunity – an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve.

You understand that success is not a straight line but a winding path filled with obstacles and setbacks. Instead of getting discouraged by failure, you choose to view it as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.

This perspective on failure can be unsettling for some. It challenges the conventional narrative of success and perfection. At the same time, however, it’s incredibly liberating. It frees you from the fear of failure and empowers you to take risks and embrace new opportunities.

9) You don’t shy away from difficult conversations

Everyone knows that difficult conversations can be uncomfortable. They often involve stepping out of our comfort zone and confronting issues we’d rather avoid. But you’re not one to shy away from these conversations.

Whether it’s confronting a friend about their hurtful behavior or discussing a sensitive issue with a partner, you’re willing to engage in tough conversations when necessary. You understand that true connection and understanding come from openness, honesty, and mutual respect.

Is it still uncomfortable? Definitely.

Are you willing to do it anyways? Always – because you have high emotional maturity and a commitment to always being authentic with everyone you deal with. Ultimately, this might mean you will have to let go of some people in your life, but the ones who stay are the ones who can truly appreciate your beautiful, complex personality. 

Embrace the complexity

Our personalities are shaped by a myriad of factors – our experiences, beliefs, fears, desires, and even our biochemistry. For those with complex personalities, understanding these influences can be a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

As I hope I’ve made clear, being complex isn’t about being complicated or difficult. It’s about possessing depth, authenticity, and a unique perspective on life. It’s about valuing quality over quantity in relationships, embracing change and uncertainty, confronting fears, and seeing failures as opportunities for growth.

If you’ve recognized yourself in these signs, embrace your complexity. Don’t shy away from it or try to simplify yourself to fit into societal norms. Your complexity is what makes you unique, what sets you apart from the crowd. It’s what enables you to live a life of purpose, authenticity, and freedom.

And as you continue this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Here you’ll find insights and discussions that delve deeper into these topics. To join a community of over 20,000 subscribers exploring life with more purpose and freedom, click here.

So, how will you embrace your complex personality today?

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Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. As the co-founder of Ideapod, The Vessel, and a director at Brown Brothers Media, Justin has spearheaded platforms that significantly contribute to personal and collective growth. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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