8 signs you’re a great person, even if it doesn’t always feel like it

Avatar by Justin Brown | July 8, 2024, 10:49 pm

Sometimes, it’s easy to underestimate our worth.

We get caught up in our flaws, mistakes, and the daily struggles of life, losing sight of the bigger picture – of who we truly are.

Often, we measure our value by external markers like wealth, popularity, or power. But true greatness has little to do with these things.

It’s about the choices we make, the impact we have on others, and how we navigate life’s challenges.

Being a great person doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being authentic, resilient and empathetic, even when it feels hard. Even when you don’t always feel like it.

Here are eight signs that you’re a great person – signs that serve as a reminder of your inherent worth and potential.

1) You value authenticity

In a world that often values surface appearances, embracing authenticity stands out as a mark of true greatness.

It’s all about staying loyal to your own essence, even when it feels awkward or inconvenient.

Being authentic demands bravery.

It’s about voicing your thoughts, emotions, and convictions sincerely, even if they diverge from the norm.

It means championing what you believe in, even when it’s tough or unpopular.

Consistently pursuing authenticity suggests you’re an exceptional individual.

Because authenticity isn’t just about expressing yourself—it’s also about showing respect for others.

It sends a powerful message—that you prize honesty, integrity, and uniqueness, both in yourself and in those around you.

2) You embrace personal growth

Embracing personal growth is a cornerstone of being a great person.

It means acknowledging our weaknesses and actively seeking ways to improve.

It’s about pushing boundaries, questioning our old belief systems and making room for new perspectives.

Personal growth involves confronting our fears and challenging our limiting beliefs.

It’s about learning from our failures and using them as stepping stones towards our goals.

This process can be uncomfortable, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

In my own journey, I’ve found that personal growth is synonymous with freedom.

By continually evolving, we empower ourselves to lead richer, more fulfilling lives.

The legendary philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

These words ring true centuries later.

By embracing personal growth, you’re choosing to examine your life, to strive for better, and to continuously evolve.

This pursuit of self-improvement is a sign of your inherent greatness.

3) You cultivate self-awareness

Self-awareness is a pivotal aspect of greatness.

It’s the ability to look inward and understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

It’s about recognizing your strengths, weaknesses, and the areas where you need to grow.

Having self-awareness means being in tune with your values, desires, and beliefs.

It’s about knowing what drives you, what brings you joy, and what triggers your fears or discomforts. 

Cultivating self-awareness requires honesty and courage.

It involves questioning our actions, dissecting our motivations, and facing our insecurities head-on.

For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, I invite you to watch my video on why it’s vital to embrace feeling like an imposter.

The video discusses the importance of not trying to defeat imposter syndrome but instead embracing it as an indicator of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.

YouTube video

If you resonate with these insights and wish to join a community of 20,000 others exploring how to live a life with more purpose and freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

You can do so here.

4) You reject dominance hierarchies

In a world that worships power, status, and wealth, boldly rejecting dominance hierarchies is a declaration of your true greatness.

It’s a fierce acknowledgment of the intrinsic value and dignity every individual possesses, regardless of their societal rank or material riches.

Turning away from dominance hierarchies means taking a stand against the societal norms that prioritize power and wealth above all else.

It’s about extending respect and compassion to every person, regardless of their background or social standing. 

This conviction isn’t confined to our interactions; it extends to the very fabric of our relationships.

It means fostering connections built on mutual respect, empathy, and collaboration, rather than hierarchical power plays.

5) You see obstacles as opportunities

Facing obstacles and setbacks is a part of life.

But seeing them as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than just impediments, is a sign of greatness.

Choosing to view challenges as potential learning experiences requires a shift in perspective.

It means accepting failure as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.

This attitude not only helps to cultivate resilience, but also unlocks our creative potential to find innovative solutions.

If you’re someone who embraces challenges and setbacks, taking them in your stride and using them as stepping stones on your path to personal growth, then you’re demonstrating an inherent strength of character.

And if you need a bit more encouragement or guidance on this journey, I invite you to watch my video on embracing failures as part of the path to success.

It’s a raw and honest discussion on how we can transform our attitude towards failure, turning it from something to fear into something to embrace for the growth it can bring.

YouTube video

Remember, every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility.

This mindset is not only a sign that you’re a great person, but also that you’re a person capable of creating great things.

6) You practice self-compassion

Self-compassion often gets sidelined in a society fixated on self-criticism and perfectionism.

Yet, it’s a cornerstone trait of remarkable individuals.

It’s about treating ourselves with the same warmth, empathy, and forgiveness we extend to others.

Self-compassion means recognizing our shared humanity, embracing our flaws, and allowing ourselves the grace to falter.

It’s about facing our imperfections and setbacks without seeing them as signs of weakness but as part of the human experience.

By granting ourselves permission to be imperfect and learn at our own pace, we cultivate resilience and self-worth.

Contrary to what some may think, self-compassion doesn’t breed complacency—it fuels personal growth and fortifies us in adversity.

When we’re kind to ourselves during tough times, we create a fertile ground for transformation and progress.

7) You recognize the power of community

Understanding the profound importance of community and authentic relationships is a sign of a great person.

It’s about realizing that while personal achievements are important, the connections we make and the impact we have on others are equally, if not more, meaningful.

We are social creatures by nature. We thrive on connection, support, and mutual growth.

Being part of a community provides us with a sense of belonging, understanding, and shared purpose that can greatly enhance our overall well-being and happiness.

If you’re someone who values community, who seeks to build authentic relationships based on respect, empathy, and mutual growth, then you’re demonstrating a deep understanding of what truly matters in life.

This belief in the power of community is a testament to your greatness.

8) You use your resources for positive change

Being a mindful consumer and investor isn’t just about money—it’s a mark of greatness.

It’s the realization that every financial choice we make shapes the world we inhabit.

This belief transcends mere budgeting; it’s about syncing our financial actions with our core principles and using our resources to drive positive change.

It’s about channeling our funds into ventures and causes that champion social progress.

Being conscious of where our money flows reflects a profound sense of duty and an awareness of our global interdependence.

If you’re someone who approaches personal finance this way, it’s not just a testament to your character—it’s a pledge to forge a fairer, more sustainable tomorrow.

Finding your path to greatness

We’ve explored many signs that point to you being a great person.

Remember, greatness isn’t about power, wealth, or status.

It’s about authenticity, personal growth, community, and using your resources for positive change.

The journey towards greatness is unique for everyone.

It’s not about emulating others but about aligning with your deepest values and living out your truth.

It’s a journey filled with growth, challenges, and moments of self-reflection.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you’re already on the path to greatness by virtue of seeking it.

By reading this article and contemplating these signs, you’re demonstrating a willingness to introspect, grow, and make a positive impact in the world.

As a final note, consider this question: Of the eight signs discussed in this article, which ones resonate with you the most?

Which areas do you feel you need to focus on more?

If you’d like to explore more insights on living with authenticity and purpose, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here.

Together we can navigate the path towards personal freedom and resilience.