In all of us lies an essence that not only sets us apart but also shines through in our actions and words.

Do you ever wonder if you are a good person, or even better, a terrific one? Is it possible to measure the extent of your kindness, empathy, or integrity?

Can we really know if we’re terrific or just average?

After diving into the fascinating world of psychology and examining my own interactions with some truly wonderful people, I’ve outlined 9 signs that could help you understand your inherent goodness.

If these traits seem familiar, it might be time to acknowledge and celebrate the terrific person you truly are.

1) You are empathetic

Empathy is often considered the cornerstone of moral behavior. It is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, to place yourself in their shoes, and feel what they feel.

Do you often find yourself imagining how someone else might be feeling in a particular situation? Can you comprehend their point of view, even if it’s different from yours?

Your ability to empathize shows that you respect and validate the feelings of others, which is a beautiful and rare quality. Being empathetic is not just about understanding others’ emotions – it’s about responding appropriately to them, and that’s a sign of a terrific person.

Psychology tells us that those who regularly demonstrate empathy tend to have stronger interpersonal relationships and are often perceived as leaders. They also tend to be better listeners and problem solvers, as they can understand different perspectives.

Remember, empathy is more than just being kind to people who are like you. It involves extending compassion to those whose experiences or beliefs may be vastly different from yours. If you have this trait, then you’re indeed a terrific person.

2) You appreciate the small things in life

Did you know that our brains are wired to pay more attention to negative experiences than positive ones? It’s a survival mechanism from our hunter-gatherer days that still lingers.

Yet, terrific people have a knack for breaking this natural tendency by appreciating the small things in life. They take time to savour the sweetness of a ripe strawberry, the warmth of the sun on their face, or the laughter of a loved one.

This trait shows an ability to live in the present moment, to appreciate what we have rather than always longing for more.

If you often find joy in little things and express gratitude for them, you’re showing a sign of being a terrific person. After all, life isn’t just about grand achievements and milestones; it’s also about cherishing those fleeting moments of simple joy.

So keep counting those blessings!

3) You are open-minded

Being open-minded is a sign of a terrific person. It’s about being receptive to new ideas and experiences, and not being confined by your own beliefs and opinions.

Open-minded individuals are always willing to consider different perspectives, they’re flexible in their thinking, and they’re not afraid to challenge their own beliefs.

They understand that growth comes from stepping out of their comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

So if you find yourself always curious, ready to learn, and open to new ideas, then give yourself a pat on the back. You’re exhibiting another key trait of a terrific person! Keep embracing diversity of thought and continue broadening those horizons.

4) You are self-aware

Being self-aware is another key trait of a terrific person. It’s all about understanding your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and the effect you have on those around you.

Self-aware individuals are usually in tune with their feelings and know how to manage them effectively. They are also conscious of their strengths and areas for improvement, which makes them better at managing relationships and navigating life challenges.

So if you’re the kind of person who’s introspective, who takes time to reflect on your actions, and who’s always striving for personal growth, then congratulations! You’re showing another sign of being a terrific person. Keep exploring your inner self, it’s not just self-improvement, it’s self-empowerment!

5) You are humble

Humility is a virtue that is often overlooked in our modern, self-promotion obsessed culture. However, it is an essential trait of truly terrific individuals.

Do you acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them? Do you understand that there’s always room for improvement? Can you celebrate others’ achievements without feeling envious?

A humble person does not see themselves as superior to others. Instead, they recognize their own limitations and appreciate the strengths and contributions of others.

Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking of yourself less and focusing more on others. It means understanding that every person you meet knows something you don’t. If you have this trait, then you’re indeed a terrific person.

6) You are authentic

Authenticity is about staying true to who you are and what you believe in, even in the face of adversity. It’s about being yourself, not an imitation of what you think others want you to be.

I remember a time when I felt pressure to conform to certain expectations. It was tempting to put on a façade and blend in. But deep down, I knew I wouldn’t be true to myself if I did that.

So, I chose authenticity. I chose to honor my values, voice my opinions, and express my true self, even when it was difficult. It wasn’t always easy, and sometimes it meant standing alone. ”

But at the end of the day, I could look at myself in the mirror and know I was being true to myself.

So if you’re someone who values authenticity over conformity, who is comfortable with being yourself and stands up for what you believe in, then you’re showing yet another sign of being a terrific person. Your authenticity is your superpower. Wear it with pride!

7) You are a good listener

Listening is one of the most underrated yet important traits a person can have. Being a good listener is not just about hearing the words others say, it’s about understanding their thoughts, their feelings, and their perspectives.

Good listeners don’t just wait for their turn to speak, they truly engage with what the other person is saying. They ask questions, provide feedback, and show empathy.

It’s not about offering advice or solutions, but about providing a space where others feel heard and understood.

If you’re someone who makes others feel heard and valued when they speak, then you’re onto something. Keep lending that ear, it might just be the most comforting thing someone needs.

8) You own your flaws

We all have flaws. It’s an unavoidable part of being human. We make mistakes, we have weaknesses, we falter.

Terrific people, however, don’t hide from their flaws or pretend they don’t exist. They embrace them as a part of who they are. They understand that these imperfections do not make them less valuable or less worthy.

Owning your flaws is not about being comfortable with mediocrity. It’s about acknowledging your shortcomings and committing to personal growth. It’s about taking responsibility for your actions and striving to be better.

So if you can look in the mirror and accept the person staring back at you, flaws and all, then you’re showing a sign of being a terrific person. Because real strength lies not in perfection, but in authenticity and self-acceptance.

9) You strive to make a difference

Lastly, being a terrific person is not just about self-improvement, it’s also about making a positive impact on others and the world around you. It’s about striving to make a difference, big or small.

Whether it’s volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, helping a friend in need, standing up for what’s right, or simply making someone’s day a little brighter with a kind gesture – every action counts.

If you constantly seek ways to leave the world a little better than you found it, then there’s no doubt about it. You are truly a terrific person!

Keep shining your light and making the world a better place. You’re doing an amazing job!

Final thoughts: It’s in your hands

Being a terrific person is less about inherent traits and more about the choices we make every day.

The qualities we’ve discussed like empathy, resilience, gratitude, openness, self-awareness, self-kindness, authenticity, listening, and making a difference – they all boil down to conscious decisions.

These are not something you’re born with or without. They are behaviors and mindsets that can be learned, practiced, and cultivated over time.

Every new day is an opportunity to practice these traits. To choose kindness over anger, understanding over judgement, authenticity over conformity. To listen more and talk less. To recognize your own worth and make a positive impact on others.

So here’s a thought to leave you with: being a terrific person isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s about striving each day to be a little better than you were yesterday.

You hold the power to be that terrific person. It’s in your actions. It’s in your words. But most importantly, it’s in your hands. So go ahead, make the choice.