We all have a unique blend of qualities that defines us, but often, it’s challenging to recognize the amazing traits within ourselves.

What truly defines an awesome person? It’s not just about being popular or having a lot of friends. According to psychology, being an awesome person is about character, values, and how you treat others.

How can you ascertain whether you are a truly exceptional person, or just ordinary like everyone else?

You might be surprised at the signs that indicate you exudes awesomeness. These signs go beyond mere appearances or social status.

Psychologists have managed to break this down into 10 key signs that could help you unlock the understanding of your self-worth. If you’re curious to see if you tick all the boxes, keep reading.

1) Compassion

Psychology often highlights compassion as a key trait of truly awesome individuals.

Now, compassion isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone. It’s about understanding their situation and genuinely wanting to help. It’s the driving force behind acts of kindness, both big and small.

In a world where everyone is busy with their own lives, taking the time to empathize with others and lend a helping hand is a sure sign of an awesome person. It’s not just about grand gestures; even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Researchers have found that compassionate people are not only more liked and trusted but they also tend to be happier. They’re the people who can step outside themselves and see the bigger picture. 

So if you find yourself always looking for ways to help others, you’re an awesome person. 

2) Resilience

Resilience is another trait that psychologists often associate with awesome people. It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going when things get tough.

Society often criticize failures or shortcomings, but they are, in fact, stepping stones to growth and improvement.

If you embrace your missteps as learning opportunities rather than feel embarrassed or defeated by them, then you are definitely more awesome than you give yourself credit for.

The resilience to bounce back from setbacks signifies that you’re not limited by fear of judgement or failure. It shows that you’re open to exploring new paths and willing to step out of your comfort zone.

So, the next time you encounter failure, instead of beating yourself up about it, pat yourself on the back for having the courage to try. Perfection is an illusion; and real awesomeness lies in resilience and the ability to grow from our experiences.

And you know what? That’s what being an awesome person is all about. It’s not about never facing difficulties; it’s about how you respond when you do. If you can keep going even when the going gets tough, then you’re more awesome than you even know.

3) Adaptability

Change is the only constant in life, and your ability to adapt to these changes is a testament to your awesomeness.

Being adaptable means that you’re flexible in your thoughts and actions. You’re able to navigate through life’s ups and downs with grace and flexibility, always ready for whatever comes your way.

You can adjust your approach or expectations in response to different conditions and surroundings, and you don’t crumble under the pressure of unexpected situations.

If you’re someone who can go with the flow, embrace uncertainties, and adjust sails according to the wind rather than complaining about it, then take a moment to appreciate your adaptability because it’s a sure sign of an awesome personality.

4) Self-awareness

Self-awareness is a critical trait of awesome people. It’s the ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior.

Being self-aware means you understand your strengths and weaknesses and can take constructive criticism. You know where you excel and where you need improvement.

If you’re someone who often reflects on your actions and feelings, and uses these insights to grow and improve, that’s a clear sign of an awesome person. According to psychology, self-awareness is associated with higher levels of emotional intelligence and better mental health.

So if you’re always looking inwards for answers and striving to understand yourself better, keep it up! You’re on the right path to awesomeness.

5) Empathy

Empathy is a trait that’s often overlooked, but it’s a sign of true strength and awesomeness. Being empathetic means you can understand and share the feelings of others, which is a rare quality to possess.

If you find yourself frequently in tune with the emotions of those around you and genuinely caring about their well-being, then congratulations, you’ve got one of the hallmarks of an awesome personality.

Empathy encourages kindness and compassion, and it also shows that you have the capacity to connect on a deeper level. This trait doesn’t just make you an awesome friend or partner, but an amazing human being overall.

So, if you’re often told that you have a big heart or if you’re always the person people turn to when they need comfort or advice, take it as a compliment of the highest order.

6) Forgiveness

Holding onto grudges and resentment can be heavy. It takes a lot of energy and it can cloud our happiness. That’s why one of the signs of being an awesome person is the ability to forgive.

Forgiveness is about letting go of anger, bitterness, and the desire for revenge. It doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened, but it does mean releasing the negative emotions that hold us back.

It’s not always easy to forgive, especially when we’ve been deeply hurt. But it’s a beautiful trait that signifies strength and emotional maturity.

If you’re someone who chooses understanding over resentment, love over hatred, and peace over conflict, then according to psychology, you’re an awesome person. You understand that forgiveness is not just for the person who wronged you, but for your own peace of mind and well-being.

7) Gratitude

Gratitude is a trait that’s often associated with happiness and contentment, but it’s also a sign of an awesome personality. Being grateful means acknowledging the good in your life and recognizing that the source of that goodness is at least partially outside yourself.

If you tend to count your blessings more often than your problems, then this is a sign of your awesomeness. Gratitude has the power to shift your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present.

Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges. Instead, it gives you a perspective where you view these obstacles as opportunities for growth. It makes you appreciate the little things and helps you to remain positive even in the face of adversity.

So, if you’re someone who wakes up each morning thankful for another day or constantly finds reasons to be happy, then you’re not just optimistic, but truly awesome in every sense of the word.

8) Reliability

Reliability is a trait that’s often underrated, but it’s a vital characteristic of truly awesome individuals. It means being a person of your word – someone others can trust to follow through on commitments.

Being reliable isn’t just about showing up on time or meeting deadlines; it’s about maintaining consistency in your actions and proving to others that they can depend on you.

If you’re someone who takes their commitments seriously and strives to meet expectations, you’re truly awesome. Your reliability builds trust and strengthens your relationships, making you a person others can count on.

9) Authenticity

In a world constantly trying to mold us into something we’re not, being true to who you are is a trait that speaks volumes about your awesomeness.

We all have flaws and imperfections, and that’s okay. If you’ve embraced your quirks, accepted your flaws, and are not afraid to show the world your authentic self, then you’re one step ahead in the game of life.

Being authentic to yourself means not seeking validation or approval from others. Living authentically means standing tall in your truth, even when the world is trying to knock you down.

So, if you’ve looked into the mirror and accepted the person staring back at you, with all their strengths and weaknesses, then let me tell you—you’re not just awesome, you’re extraordinarily brave too.

10) Kindness

Kindness is perhaps one of the most significant indicators of an awesome person. It’s about treating others with respect and empathy, about spreading positivity and making others feel valued.

In a world where you can be anything, being kind is a powerful choice. It’s an act that goes beyond simply being nice; it’s about showing genuine care for others.

If you’re someone who prioritizes kindness in your interactions, then you might be more awesome than most. Your kindness not only makes a difference in others’ lives, but it also reflects the beautiful nature of your character.

Understanding your awesomeness

Being awesome isn’t about being perfect or exceptional in everything you do. In fact, the concept of awesomeness is far removed from societal standards of success or perfection. It’s about being human, being real, and recognizing the unique blend of qualities within you that make you who you are.

Each one of us is awesome in our own way. We all have a set of characteristics that set us apart, that make us unique and special. However, often we are so caught up in comparing ourselves with others that we fail to see our own worth.

The traits listed in this article are not meant to be a definitive checklist but rather a mirror reflecting some aspects of an awesome personality.

Awesomeness lies in the little things—the way you smile at strangers, how you lend a helping hand when someone’s in need, how you spread positivity around you, how you are unapologetically yourself. It’s about being kind, being empathetic, being grateful, and most importantly, being genuine.

So here’s hoping that this deeper dive into the idea of being awesome has helped you see your own awesomeness a bit more clearly. And remember, the fact that you’re striving to be the best version of yourself is proof enough that you’re already pretty awesome!