We all have moments of self-doubt, but you might be a much better person than you give yourself credit for.

It’s not about grand gestures or heroic deeds; being a great human often boils down to how we treat others and ourselves in our day-to-day lives.

In this article, I’ll share seven behaviors that indicate you’re a better person than you realize. These are subtle, everyday traits that often go unnoticed but make a world of difference.

So, if you spot these behaviors in your daily routine, give yourself a pat on the back—you’re doing just fine. And if not, don’t worry. These are habits anyone can develop to improve their character and relationships with others.

1) Kindness to strangers

We often get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to extend kindness to those around us. But you, my friend, are different.

If you find yourself going out of your way to be kind to strangers—picking up something someone dropped, giving up your seat on public transport, or even just flashing a friendly smile—these small gestures certainly don’t go unnoticed.

This kind of kindness shows empathy and the ability to put yourself in others’ shoes. You understand that everyone has their own battles, and you choose to inject a bit of positivity into their day.

So, if you’re consistently kind to people you don’t know, then you’re a better person than you realize. This behavior not only brightens someone else’s day but also contributes to a more compassionate society. And that’s something truly admirable!

2) Embracing your flaws

We live in a world that often idealizes perfection. This constant pressure can make us feel inadequate and drive us to hide our flaws.

However, openly embracing your flaws signals a high level of self-awareness and acceptance. It shows that you understand that nobody is perfect, including yourself, and that’s completely okay.

Furthermore, acknowledging your shortcomings is the first step towards self-improvement. It demonstrates a willingness to learn, grow, and evolve into a better version of yourself.

Contrary to common belief, embracing your flaws doesn’t make you weak or inferior. Rather, it makes you human and shows that you’re a better person than you might realize!

3) Setting healthy boundaries

Setting boundaries is often misunderstood as being selfish or unkind, but it’s actually quite the opposite.

When you establish clear and healthy boundaries, you demonstrate respect for your own needs and mental well-being, while also acknowledging and respecting the needs of others.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I explore how creating and enforcing boundaries can be a crucial step in overcoming codependency and building healthier relationships.

If you’re someone who knows when to say ‘no,’ when to step back, and when to stand firm, you’re on the right path. This behavior reflects your emotional intelligence and capacity for empathy—it shows that you’re a better person than you may realize!

4) Accepting others as they are

It’s easy to fall into the trap of judging others by our own standards. But everyone is unique, with their own experiences and beliefs.

As Vincent Van Gogh famously said, “Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.” This quote beautifully captures the essence of accepting others’ uniqueness.

Accepting others’ uniqueness involves moving away from rigid expectations of what is “normal” or “typical.” It encourages us to appreciate the differences that make each individual special and valuable.

When we embrace diversity, we create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute authentically.

By the same token, if you’re someone who practices acceptance, give yourself some credit—it means you have more compassion and understanding than you might think.

5) Showing gratitude regularly

Gratitude is a powerful trait that can truly impact your life and the lives of those around you.

If you’re someone who regularly expresses gratitude, you’re already making a positive difference.

Whether it’s saying ‘thank you’ for someone’s efforts, appreciating the small joys in life, or keeping a gratitude journal, these actions reflect a heart filled with appreciation.

In my own experience, practicing gratitude not only brings positivity into my life but also spreads joy to others. It’s a simple yet profound way to recognize the goodness in the world and foster a sense of fulfillment.

6) Practicing forgiveness

Forgiveness can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when you’ve been hurt deeply. But if you’re someone who can put aside resentment and offer forgiveness, then you’re a better person than you think.

As the wise Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it’s a constant attitude.” Holding onto grudges only harms our own inner peace and growth. Choosing to forgive, on the other hand, is an act of strength and compassion.

Remember, practicing forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re condoning the hurtful actions of others. It simply means you’re choosing to move forward for your own peace and well-being.

For more insights like this, feel free to follow me on my Facebook page. I regularly post articles that can help you navigate through life’s ups and downs.

7) Being honest with yourself

Now, this can be a tough one. Being honest with ourselves often means confronting our fears, mistakes, and shortcomings. It means taking off the rose-colored glasses and looking at our actions and choices objectively.

If you’re someone who can face your truths, no matter how uncomfortable they may be, then you’re a better person than you might think. This level of honesty requires courage and a strong belief in self-improvement.

It’s not about self-deprecation or harsh self-judgment. It’s about acknowledging your areas for growth, taking responsibility for your actions, and striving to learn from your mistakes.

This raw honesty can be challenging, but it’s an integral part of personal growth. It allows you to understand yourself better, make more informed decisions, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life.

So if you have the guts to be honest with yourself, applaud your bravery. You’re showing a level of self-awareness and integrity that many struggle to achieve. And that makes you a better person than you might realize.

Reflections and next steps

As we wrap up this article, it’s important to recognize that being a better person isn’t about attaining perfection. It’s a journey of continual growth, understanding, and empathy—not just towards others, but also towards ourselves.

The behaviors we’ve discussed today serve as a starting point for self-reflection. If you see these traits in yourself, take it as a sign of your inherent goodness. If not, view them as opportunities for personal development.

It’s perfectly normal to be a work in progress. Embracing our imperfections is part of what makes us human, and striving to improve is how we evolve.

For those interested in further personal growth, I highly recommend watching Justin Brown’s video on “the illusion of happiness.”

It challenges the notion that happiness is solely derived from external pursuits and highlights the importance of embracing life’s challenges, nurturing meaningful connections, and staying authentic to oneself for true contentment.

Continue this journey of self-exploration and self-improvement. There’s no end destination – it’s all about the journey. So let’s keep growing, keep learning, and keep striving to be the best versions of ourselves we can be.