How often do you find yourself spiraling down the rabbit hole of self-doubt, dissecting every little flaw or mistake you’ve made?

We’ve all been there, beating ourselves up over not meeting some impossibly high standard of perfection.

But here’s the thing— you’re human, and like all humans, you’re bound to make mistakes and have flaws.

And it doesn’t mean you’re not a good person. In fact, those quirks and missteps? They’re just part of the human package—proof that you’re real, relatable, and yes, good at your core.

Let’s explore eight signs that show you might not be perfect, but you’re definitely a good person.

1) You acknowledge your flaws but don’t let them define you

Perfection is an illusion, a mirage that keeps shifting farther away the closer you think you’re getting.

You’re fully aware that you have flaws, just like everyone else. You’ve made mistakes and you’ve had your share of failures. But you don’t let these missteps define who you are or limit what you can achieve.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity or blaming others for your shortcomings, you take responsibility for your actions. You learn from your failures and use them as stepping stones to better yourself.

This isn’t to say it’s always an easy journey. There are days when you’re overwhelmed by self-doubt, days when your flaws seem to outweigh your strengths.

But even on those days, deep down, you know that you’re more than your flaws and mistakes. You understand that being a good person isn’t about being perfect; it’s about striving to be better, about making a sincere effort to do good despite your imperfections.

This unshakeable belief in yourself, this relentless pursuit of growth despite setbacks – these are signs that you’re not perfect, but you’re ultimately a good person.

2) You’re not afraid to apologize when you’re wrong

Nobody likes to admit they’re wrong. It’s tough. It’s humbling. It can make you feel small. But it’s also a sign of a good person.

I recall a time when I was working on a group project. I was dead set on my idea and wasn’t willing to listen to anyone else’s input. As a result, our project didn’t turn out as well as it could have, and it was primarily my fault.

I had two options: I could either blame my team members or I could admit that I was wrong, apologize for my behavior, and learn from my mistake.

I chose the latter.

It wasn’t easy. My ego took a hit, but it was the right thing to do. I learned the importance of humility and teamwork that day, and it made me a better person in the long run.

We all make mistakes, but how we handle them is what defines us. Being willing to apologize when you’re wrong isn’t just about admitting your mistake; it’s about showing respect for others, being humble, and acknowledging that you have room for improvement.

And that’s a clear sign of a good person, imperfections and all.

3) You understand that kindness is a choice

Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” This quote resonates with me deeply.

It emphasizes that kindness isn’t about grand gestures or lofty words; it’s about the small, everyday decisions we make to treat others with respect and compassion.

I remember a time when I was in a hurry and found myself stuck behind a slow-moving elderly man. My initial reaction was frustration – I had places to be, things to do.

But then Twain’s words echoed in my mind. I chose kindness. I slowed down my pace, offered the man a smile and some friendly conversation.

Kindness is about understanding that everyone you meet is fighting their own battles. It’s about choosing to add positivity to their day, rather than taking away from it.

We all have our off days, times when we’re not as kind as we could be. But if you consistently strive to choose kindness, then you’re showing one of the best signs that despite your imperfections, you are indeed a good person.

4) You embrace change as a part of life

Change is a fundamental part of life. It’s constant and inevitable, like the ticking of a clock or the changing of the seasons. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s essential for growth and progress.

Research from Harvard Business School suggests that people who embrace change are more likely to succeed and feel satisfied with their lives. They’re more resilient, adaptable, and better equipped to handle the ups and downs that life throws their way.

I’ve found this to be true in my own life as well.

When I moved to a new city for work, it was scary. I didn’t know anyone, and everything was unfamiliar. But instead of resisting the change, I embraced it. I explored new places, met new people, and learned new things about myself along the way.

Embracing change doesn’t mean you’re perfect. You’ll stumble and fall sometimes. But ultimately, your willingness to adapt shows your strength and resilience as a person. It shows that despite not being perfect, you’re quite good at navigating the unpredictable journey of life.

5) You make room for gratitude in your life

There’s something incredibly powerful about gratitude. It shifts your focus from what’s missing in your life to what you already have. It helps you appreciate the good, even on bad days, and this positive outlook often spills over to the people around you.

I’ve made it a habit to jot down three things I’m grateful for each day. Some days, it’s as simple as a good cup of coffee or a sunny morning. Other days, it’s something bigger, like a supportive friend or a new opportunity.

This practice has helped me cultivate positivity even when things aren’t going my way. It’s reminded me that every day holds small blessings if I’m open to seeing them.

Gratitude doesn’t mean everything in your life is perfect. It doesn’t even mean that you ignore the difficulties or challenges you’re facing. It simply means that you acknowledge the good alongside the not-so-good.

And that ability to find and appreciate the silver linings, even when it’s not easy, is a clear sign that you may not be perfect, but you’re genuinely a good person at heart.

6) You strive to learn and grow

Life is a never-ending journey of learning and growth. The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.

It’s humbling and exciting at the same time. I’ve always been a curious person, eager to learn new things, eager to grow.

Whether it’s picking up a new skill, reading up on a topic that intrigues me, or simply asking questions to understand different perspectives, I’ve learned that every opportunity for learning is an opportunity for growth.

But learning isn’t always about adding more to your knowledge bank. Sometimes, it’s about unlearning – letting go of outdated beliefs or habits that no longer serve you. It’s about recognizing when you’re wrong and being open to new ways of thinking.

Learning and growing doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It doesn’t mean you’re perfect. But it does mean you’re constantly evolving, constantly striving to be a better version of yourself.

And that constant pursuit of knowledge and growth is a clear sign that despite your imperfections, you’re doing pretty well as a person.

7) You value relationships and treat people with respect

Relationships are at the heart of our lives. They enrich us, challenge us, and help us grow. They require time, effort, and a willingness to understand and respect others.

I’ve learned that treating people with respect, regardless of who they are or where they come from, is one of the most important aspects of building healthy relationships.

From the barista who makes my coffee to the colleagues I work with, each interaction is an opportunity to show kindness and respect.

Respect also means acknowledging that others have different viewpoints and experiences. It means listening with an open mind, even when you disagree. It means understanding that everyone has a story, and their story matters.

Treating people with respect doesn’t mean you’re perfect. You’ll have moments where you fall short. But if you consistently strive to value others and treat them with kindness and respect, then it’s a sure sign that you’re not just a good person, but a great one.

8) You’re authentic and true to yourself

In a world that often pressures us to fit a certain mold, being true to yourself can feel like a revolutionary act. It’s about embracing who you are – your strengths, your weaknesses, your quirks, your passions – and not being afraid to show it.

I’ve found that authenticity is liberating. When I stopped trying to be what others wanted me to be and started being honest about who I am and what I want, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I became happier, more confident, and more at peace with myself.

Authenticity doesn’t mean you’re perfect. It means you’re real. It means you’re not afraid to show your imperfections. It means you understand that your worth isn’t based on what others think of you but on who you are as a person.

And this authenticity, this courage to be yourself in a world that’s constantly trying to make you something else, is perhaps the most telling sign that you’re not perfect, but you’re ultimately a good person.

Embracing your imperfect perfection

If you’ve nodded along as you read these signs, there’s a good chance you’re far better a person than you give yourself credit for.

Being a good person doesn’t mean being flawless. It’s about acknowledging your imperfections and still choosing to be kind, respectful, and authentic. It’s about learning and growing, embracing change, and showing gratitude even in the face of adversity.

It’s true that our brains are wired to focus on the negative. We often dwell on our weaknesses and overlook our strengths. But it’s essential to remember that your worth isn’t defined by your faults.

Take a moment to reflect on your journey. Consider the times you’ve shown kindness, resilience, or authenticity. Recognize these instances as proof of your inherent goodness.

Consider each day as an opportunity to be a better version of yourself. Not perfect, but better. And in this constant pursuit of becoming better, you’ll realize that you’re not just good enough – you’re wonderfully good.

As Leonard Cohen beautifully put it, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” Your imperfections aren’t signs of failure; they’re portals for growth and self-discovery.

So embrace your imperfect perfection. It’s what makes you human. It’s what makes you, you.