There’s a vast difference between being nice and truly being a good person.

The difference, it often boils down to, is intention. Just being nice to others can be a facade, a mask worn to fit into society’s expectations.

Being a genuinely great person, however, involves aligning your thoughts, words, and actions – even when no one is watching. It’s about being true to your core values.

Psychology gives us some clear signs to identify such people. It’s like having an internal compass guiding you towards becoming a better version of yourself.

In this article, I’ll share with you 10 signs that indicate you’re genuinely a great person, according to psychology. Let’s dive in and see what these traits are.

1) Empathy

An essential attribute of a genuinely great person is empathy.

Psychologists often refer to empathy as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s that innate ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and genuinely feel what they’re feeling: their joy, their pain, their hopes, and fears.

Empathy is one of the strongest indicators of emotional intelligence. It allows us to relate to others on a deeper level, fostering genuine connections and mutual understanding. 

Genuine empathy is not about pretending to care. It’s about truly connecting with others in their experiences. And that’s something that can’t be faked.

If you’re the kind of person who tends to feel others’ emotions as your own, there’s a good chance you’re an exceptional individual according to psychology.

2) Self-approval

In a world where likes, shares, and positive comments can often be equated with self-worth, it’s refreshing to meet someone who finds value in their own self-approval.

Do you find satisfaction in your accomplishments without needing the approval of others? This could be a sign that you’re a truly great person.

Great people realize that self-worth comes from within and doesn’t hinge on the opinions of others. They are confident in their actions and choices, deriving fulfillment from their own approval rather than seeking validation externally.

If you’re someone who values your own opinion above the noise of the crowd, this is certainly indicative of your inherent greatness.

3) Authenticity

Authenticity is a crucial trait of a great person.

Being authentic means being true to who you are and not trying to fit into the molds that society or others may have created for you. It’s about expressing your real self, not an image of what you think you should be.

Research shows that those who are authentic are happier and more fulfilled. They have better self-esteem, stronger relationships, and higher levels of well-being.

If you’re the kind of person who stays true to your values, beliefs, and personality, regardless of the situation or the company you’re in, then that’s another sign you’re a truly great person, according to psychology.

It’s not always easy to be authentic in a world that often rewards conformity, but it’s definitely a trait worth cultivating.

4) Gratitude

Gratitude is another sign that you’re a truly great person, according to psychology.

Being grateful means appreciating the good things in your life and acknowledging the people and experiences that bring you joy and happiness. It’s not just about saying “thank you”, but genuinely feeling thankful.

If you’re someone who regularly feels gratitude, not just during special occasions or when things are going well but also in everyday moments and even in difficult times, then that’s a clear sign of greatness.

Feeling grateful for what we have, instead of constantly longing for what we don’t, can significantly improve our happiness and well-being. It’s a powerful reminder of the good in our lives and the world around us.

5) Resilience

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is a key trait of a truly great person.

Life is full of ups and downs. We all face trials, tribulations, and setbacks. But what sets great people apart is their ability to overcome these challenges and come out stronger.

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t give up easily, who can adapt to change and keep going despite the odds, then that’s a clear sign of greatness.

Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties or pretending they don’t affect you. It’s about facing them head-on, learning from them, and using them as stepping stones towards growth and self-improvement.

6) Kindness

Kindness is perhaps one of the most endearing qualities of a truly great person.

Being kind is more than just being nice. It’s about showing compassion, consideration, and empathy towards others, even when it’s not expected or reciprocated.

If you’re someone who goes out of your way to be kind – whether it’s helping a stranger, showing support to a friend, or simply spreading positivity through your words and actions – then that’s a strong indicator of your greatness.

Kindness is a language that everyone understands. It has the power to touch hearts, change moods, and make the world a better place. And when you’re kind without expecting anything in return, that’s when your greatness truly shines through.

7) Forgiveness

Forgiveness is another trait of a great person.

Holding onto grudges and resentment can be easy. Letting go and forgiving, however, takes strength and courage.

I remember a time when a close friend betrayed my trust. It hurt deeply and for a while, I felt anger and bitterness. But as time passed, I realized that holding onto that resentment was only causing me more pain. So I decided to forgive.

Forgiving didn’t mean that I forgot what happened or that it was okay. It meant that I chose to let go of the resentment for my own peace and well-being.

If you’re able to forgive, not just others but also yourself, for the mistakes and missteps, then that’s a sign of greatness. Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself – a gift of peace, healing, and emotional freedom.

8) Humility

Humility is a powerful indicator of a truly great person.

Being humble means recognizing that no matter how much you know or have achieved, there’s always more to learn and ways to grow. It’s about being open to others’ ideas and feedback, and acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers.

If you’re someone who values humility and practices it in your daily life, then that’s a clear sign of your greatness.

Humility isn’t about downplaying your achievements or being self-deprecating. It’s about understanding your worth without feeling the need to prove it or belittle others. It’s a quiet confidence that speaks volumes about your character.

9) Consistency

Consistency might not seem like the most glamorous trait, but it’s one of the most telling signs of a truly great person.

Do you find yourself sticking to your promises, maintaining your values, and following through with your commitments? This could be a strong indication of your greatness.

Great people understand that consistency builds trust and respect. They know that it’s not about grand gestures or sporadic acts of kindness but about showing up consistently and reliably.

If you’re someone who values consistency and practices it in your everyday life, you’re likely exhibiting one of the key traits of truly exceptional individuals.

10) Integrity

Integrity is, arguably, the most important trait of a truly great person.

Having integrity means being honest and truthful, sticking to your principles, and doing what’s right even when no one is watching. It’s about staying true to your word and living in accordance with your values.

If you’re someone who values integrity and strives to live by it each day, then that’s the strongest sign of your greatness.

Integrity is the cornerstone of character. It’s the foundation upon which trust is built and it defines who we are as individuals. It’s not just about what we do, but who we are at our core.

Final thoughts: It’s about character

The journey towards being a great person is deeply intertwined with our character.

Each of these traits – empathy, self-approval, authenticity, gratitude, resilience, kindness, forgiveness, humility, consistency and integrity – form the building blocks of a strong character.

They are the threads that weave together to create the fabric of who we are as individuals. It’s easy to overlook these qualities in ourselves, especially when we are constantly bombarded with societal expectations and images of superficial success. However, it’s important to remember that true greatness lies within our character, not our accomplishments.

Being a great person isn’t about being perfect. It’s about striving each day to live by these virtues, learning from our mistakes, and growing into better versions of ourselves.

Every day presents an opportunity for us to demonstrate that greatness. Embrace your qualities, cherish your potential, and continue to grow as an individual.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

So let us strive to be like trees – strong, grounded, and true to our nature. That is the essence of true greatness.