Often in life, we tend to be our own toughest critics.

We scrutinize our actions, doubt our abilities, and generally sell ourselves short.

However, we’re typically much better people than we give ourselves credit for.

We have a tendency to overlook the signs that show we’re making positive impacts, that we’re actually kind, compassionate, and contributing well to the world.

So let’s delve into these signs.

The following are 8 signs that you’re a better person than you think you are, based on psychological insights.

It’s time to give yourself a little more credit!

1) You’re more empathetic than you think

Empathy is a huge indicator of being a good person, and it’s something that many of us underestimate in ourselves.

As humans, we have a tendency to be harder on ourselves than we are on others.

We’re quick to judge our own actions, while being more understanding of other people’s situations.

But here’s the thing – demonstrating empathy towards others often reveals you’re a better person than you might realize.

Empathy is understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

It’s putting yourself in their shoes, seeing things from their perspective and feeling for them, not just with them.

The famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgement on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good!”

That ‘damn good’ feeling?

That’s empathy in action.

So next time you catch yourself feeling for someone else, remember – you’re a better person than you give yourself credit for.

2) You practice gratitude

Gratitude is more than just saying thank you.

It’s a profound appreciation for the good in your life, both big and small.

If you find yourself regularly acknowledging and expressing gratitude for what you have, that’s a clear sign of your character strength.

Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what’s missing in your life to the abundance that’s already present.

It promotes positivity and fosters a sense of peace and contentment.

As renowned psychologist Martin Seligman stated, “Gratitude can make your life happier and more satisfying.”

It’s an important element of positive psychology, a field he significantly contributed to.

3) You forgive and let go

Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when the hurt runs deep. 

I recall a time when I was wronged by someone close to me.

It took me a while, but I eventually learned to forgive.

Not for them, but for my own peace.

It was one of the most liberating decisions I’ve ever made.

Famed psychologist Lewis B. Smedes said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning the wrong, but it’s about releasing the burden of resentment and bitterness.

4) You live by your values

One of the strongest signs that you’re a better person than you think is if you live by your values.

Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work.

They determine your priorities, and deep down, they’re probably the measures you use to tell if your life is turning out the way you want it to.

When you apply these core values to your life, it shows that you’re not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk.

Famous psychologist Viktor E. Frankl once said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of his human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Living by your values is choosing your own way, regardless of what others think or do.

It’s staying true to yourself, even when it’s hard. 

5) You spread positivity

In a world often filled with negativity, being a source of light and positivity is a trait that should not be underestimated.

Do you often find yourself encouraging others, offering kind words, or even just greeting people with a warm smile?

These small acts of positivity can have a big impact on those around you, lifting their spirits and making their day just a little bit brighter.

Being a beacon of positivity in someone’s day is more than just being nice; it’s about making the world around you a better place.

And if that’s not the sign of a good person, I don’t know what is.

6) You offer help without expecting anything in return

It’s one thing to help someone when you’re expecting a favor in return, but it’s quite another to extend a hand simply because you see someone in need.

This selfless act of kindness is a sign of a truly good person.

If you find yourself offering assistance, sharing your resources, or spending your time to help others without expecting anything in return, then you’re showcasing a level of compassion and generosity that is truly admirable.

Every act of kindness, no matter how small it may seem, can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

So give yourself some credit – your selflessness is a sure sign that you’re a better person than you might believe.

7) You’re not afraid to admit your mistakes

We all make mistakes. It’s a part of being human.

But what separates a good person from the rest is the ability to own up to those mistakes.

It’s humbling, sometimes even painful, to admit when we’re wrong.

Yet, it’s also a powerful act of honesty and integrity.

Renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud once said, “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”

This statement holds true especially when we learn from our errors.

Don’t beat yourself up for your mistakes.

Instead, give yourself credit for being able to acknowledge them and grow from them.

That’s a sure sign of a better person.

8) You know when to say no

Here’s something a bit counterintuitive: saying no can actually be a sign that you’re a better person than you think.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that always saying yes makes you a good person.

But the reality is, constantly agreeing to everything can lead to burnout and resentment.

Knowing when to say no shows respect for your own boundaries and needs.

It’s an indication of self-awareness and self-care, which are both signs of emotional intelligence.

Psychologist and author Dr. Henry Cloud once said, “We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing.”

Saying no can be uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary for our wellbeing.

Final thoughts: Embrace your worth

Understanding your worth is a beautiful journey that begins with acknowledging your strengths.

According to renowned psychologist Carl Rogers, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

This wisdom holds true when it comes to recognizing your value.

You may not always see yourself as a good person, but these signs serve as reminders of your inherent goodness.

Every time you show empathy, strive for improvement, express gratitude, or make a positive difference, you’re demonstrating qualities of a good person.

So, embrace your worth.

Acknowledge these signs and give yourself the credit you deserve.

Because in the end, the most reliable mirror to see our true selves lies within us.