You’ve probably met someone like this before — the friend who doesn’t stress over plans falling apart or the coworker who confidently speaks their mind without fear of judgment. 

There’s something captivating about them, a quiet power that makes them feel untouchable by life’s usual chaos. 

As a psychologist, I’ve studied this phenomenon and found that these “free spirits” aren’t born this way — they live by a unique set of behaviors that grant them this remarkable sense of freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from anxiety, self-doubt, or social pressure, you’ll want to keep reading. 

We’ll dive into the uncommon but learnable traits of truly free people — and how you can apply them in your own life.

1) Embracing uncertainty

They don’t let the unknowns of life paralyze them, but instead, they use it as a driving force to explore and grow.

For example, while some people might hesitate to venture into a new career field due to fear of the unknown, they dive headfirst into the opportunity.

They see the uncertainty as a promise of new experiences and learning opportunities, rather than a threat.

This isn’t about being reckless or careless, but about having an open mindset and the courage to face life as it comes.

It’s about trusting in their ability to handle whatever life throws at them.

This approach might seem unusual or even intimidating to many people who prefer a more structured and predictable lifestyle. 

However, embracing uncertainty can lead to a life filled with growth, discovery, and true freedom.

It requires a shift in perspective – seeing uncertainties not as obstacles but opportunities for enrichment.

Being genuinely free is more about an attitude than a set of actions.

So, if you aspire to live more freely, adopting this mindset could be your first step towards that goal.

2) Prioritizing alone time

In a world that often values social connections and constant interaction, they understand the importance of spending time alone.

It’s not about being antisocial or avoiding others, but rather about valuing their own company and using this time for self-reflection and personal growth.

They see alone time as an opportunity to recharge, focus on their interests, and tap into their true selves without the influence of others.

This might involve meditating, engaging in a hobby, reading, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation.

Through these activities, they foster a strong sense of self-awareness and inner peace, which contributes to their overall feeling of freedom.

These individuals appreciate their relationships with others but don’t depend on them for their happiness or sense of worth.

They enjoy social interactions but also recognize the value in solitude. 

This balance allows them to maintain their individuality while still forming meaningful connections with others around them.

3) Practicing mindfulness

Many people who live genuinely free lives have a strong focus on the present moment.

They are not consumed by past regrets or future worries, but instead, they fully engage with what’s happening in the here and now.

This way of living is rooted in the practice of mindfulness, which involves actively paying attention to your current experience without judgement.

By doing so, they experience life more fully and can respond to situations with greater clarity and calmness.

Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and increase overall happiness.

Despite its benefits, many people struggle to incorporate this practice into their daily lives due to our society’s fast-paced nature and constant distractions.

However, these individuals embrace this practice and make it a priority.

They understand that by focusing on the present moment, they can truly appreciate life’s experiences and live with greater freedom. 

4) Showing compassion

They understand that everyone is on their own unique journey, facing their own struggles and triumphs.

Instead of judging or criticizing, they offer understanding and support. They recognize the shared humanity in all of us.

And treat others with the same kindness and respect they would want for themselves.

This compassion extends to themselves as well.

They understand that they, too, are human and will make mistakes. 

Rather than beating themselves up over these missteps, they offer themselves forgiveness and use these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow.

This ability to show compassion, both to others and to oneself, contributes to a sense of inner peace and freedom.

It’s a gentle reminder that we’re all doing our best with what we have, and that’s something worth celebrating.

5) Valuing simplicity

We all know that life can sometimes get complicated.

There are bills to pay, deadlines to meet, and responsibilities to fulfill.

However, these individuals have a knack for embracing simplicity amidst all the noise.

They understand the power of living a simple life, free from unnecessary clutter and complications.

This could mean decluttering their living space, simplifying their work tasks, or even cutting off toxic relationships.

Instead of running the rat race, they choose to focus on what truly matters to them.

They value quality over quantity, whether it’s in their possessions, relationships, or experiences.

Simplicity for them is not about deprivation or lack.

It’s about making room for what brings joy, peace, and meaning to their lives. 

By reducing the excess noise and clutter, they make space for the things that truly enrich their lives and contribute to their sense of freedom.

6) Pursuing passions

These  individuals have a remarkable tendency to follow their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem to others.

They understand the joy and fulfillment that come from doing what they love.

For instance, I know of a person who left a high-paying corporate job to pursue a career in wildlife photography.

Despite the initial financial struggles and skepticism from others, they followed their heart.

The result? They’re now happier than they’ve ever been, traveling to different parts of the world, capturing stunning images of nature, and inspiring others with their work.

This individual didn’t let societal norms or expectations dictate their life choices.

They recognized their passion and had the courage to pursue it, leading to a life that feels genuinely free and fulfilling.

This doesn’t mean that you have to quit your job and follow suit.

Rather, it’s about recognizing what truly makes you happy and making an effort to incorporate that into your life, however possible. 

By pursuing what you love, you take one step closer to living a more authentic and free life.

7) Accepting responsibility

Here’s the thing: they don’t play the blame game.

They understand that their decisions and actions have consequences, and they’re not afraid to take ownership of them.

In life, things won’t always go our way. We’ll make mistakes, face setbacks, and encounter challenges.

It’s easy to point fingers, make excuses, or wallow in self-pity.

But those who live truly free lives don’t take the easy route.

They acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, and take proactive steps to make things right.

They see every setback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

This might sound tough, and it is.

Taking responsibility for your actions is difficult. 

But it’s also liberating. It means you’re in control of your life, your choices, and your future.

And that’s a key ingredient to living a genuinely free life.

8) Living authentically

At the core of all these behaviors lies one fundamental principle: living authentically.

These individuals are true to themselves in every sense of the word.

They don’t conform to societal expectations or try to fit into a mold.

They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not, just to please others.

Instead, they embrace their individuality, with all its quirks and idiosyncrasies.

They live in alignment with their values, passions, and beliefs.

They express themselves honestly and openly, without fear of judgment or rejection.

Genuine freedom is about being true to yourself.

It’s about living a life that reflects who you truly are, not who others expect you to be.

Final thoughts

Living a genuinely free life isn’t about following a set formula — it’s about embracing who you truly are, flaws and all. 

And here’s the thing: that journey looks different for everyone.

What feels freeing to one person might feel stifling to another, and that’s okay. 

Freedom is personal, and it’s yours to define.

This article highlights some key behaviors that reflect a genuinely free life, but it’s not about ticking boxes or chasing perfection. 

It’s about reflecting on what your version of freedom looks like.

Maybe it’s pursuing your passions unapologetically, making choices that feel true to you, or finally letting go of the need for external validation.

A life of true freedom requires courage — the kind that lets you break away from society’s “shoulds” and “musts” to walk your own path. 

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

So, here’s to carving out a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and 100% yours.