There are many types of people in the world, and highly independent people have a unique set of characteristics.
Independent people do things that others don’t, and they often don’t even realize it. Plus, they often learn things the hard way, which essentially makes them stronger.
Independence is a quality that many are born with, but you can practice their habits more independently. The obvious signs of a highly independent person include being decision, strong-willed, and wanting to do things alone.
Fifteen Things a Highly Independent Person Does
There are other, less obvious things that a highly independent person does without realizing it, though. If you know an independent person or if you are one yourself, you will likely recognize some of the things discussed below.
1. An Independent Person Isn’t Afraid to Take Risks
Independent people strive to better themselves and their life all of the time. Making a better life means that they take more risks than others because they aren’t afraid of the consequences. They can handle the fallout if things don’t go well, so it is worth taking the chance.
Independent people don’t want to follow the same path as everyone else. They want to set themselves apart as they work toward their dreams and goals.
2. They Have Good Habits
Those who are highly independent know that the things they do become a habit. So, without realizing it, they develop good habits by consistently doing beneficial things. They always seem to be developing new habits, too.
Having good habits helps people with independence and confidence. When they know they can do things on their own, they are satisfied.
3. They Keep an Open Mind
Life changes all of the time, and there are always new things to adapt to and accept. Independent people view these changes and differences with an open mind, helping them grow and move forward.
Having an open mind involves being receptive to new opportunities and perspectives. It also means considering the ideas of others and giving everyone a fair chance.
4. They are Not Easily Swayed
When an independent person makes up their mind, they are not easily swayed. They listen to the ideas and opinions of others, but they stick with their decision without hesitation. Their beliefs, values, and desires are the only things they consider when making decisions.
One of the reasons they are so sure of their decisions is because they are confident. They believe in themselves and trust that their instincts are correct. Plus, if their decision was the wrong one, they are prepared to deal with the consequences when the time comes.
5. An Independent Person Needs to Spend Time Alone
Independent people enjoy spending time alone, and they often choose it over spending time with others. They also have fewer friends than others but are deeply connected to the ones they have.
Going out alone isn’t an issue for independent people. They enjoy shopping and eating meals alone and will even go to the movies alone. Alone time at home doesn’t bother them, either, and they may prefer to live alone.
When an independent person is in a relationship, their desire to be alone doesn’t diminish. Instead, they learn to incorporate time apart into their relationship, helping to keep the connection strong.
6. They Plan for the Future
An independent person plans for the future instead of doing things on a whim. They view the overall picture and aren’t looking to have fun. Because of this, independent people tend to save more money, too.
7. They Have no Problem Saying ‘No.’
For many people, saying ‘no’ is hard to do. They are afraid of hurting others or making them angry. On the other hand, independent people have the strength to say ‘no’ whenever they want to.
People can’t pressure them into things they don’t want to do, and they don’t feel bad about it. Even better, independent people don’t make excuses for why they said ‘no.’ They tell the truth, even if the truth is that they don’t want to do what they were asked to do.
Being able to say ‘no’ is not a bad quality because people who say ‘no’ tend to be less stressed than others. They know when they have too much on their plate or when they wouldn’t enjoy something. Then, instead of keeping quiet, they look out for their well-being and deny the request.
8. They Avoid Asking for Help
Independent people don’t like to ask for help because it makes them feel weak. Instead, they choose to struggle through every task to prove to themselves that they can do it.
Even when they know someone who could help, they will avoid reaching out. If the independent person has no other choice but to ask for help, they will feel defeated and disappointed in themselves. Even if they gave their best effort, not accomplishing things on their own is hard for them to deal with.
9. An Independent Person Isn’t Afraid to Lead
When you see someone taking the lead even when they aren’t officially in charge, the chances are that they are likely an independent person. They won’t let their group fail, and they get hard things done without hesitation. You may also notice that they take it personally when things don’t go well, and they blame themselves for it.
In official leadership positions, you may notice that successful leaders have the qualities of an independent person. They aren’t weighed down by the opinion of others. Plus, they aren’t afraid to speak up when necessary for themselves, other people, or a cause.
Since they aren’t easily swayed, they stick with the decisions that they feel are right. They still hear the opinion of others with an open mind, though. This helps them positively lead the team, which is why they tend to be good leaders.
10. They Fall Off the Grid Sometimes
Much to the dismay of their loved ones, independent people sometimes go days without talking to anyone. They don’t do it on purpose or to worry anyone. Oftentimes they don’t think about it and are preoccupied with their thoughts.
Constant communication isn’t something they desire in their lives, but it doesn’t mean they don’t care. When they reach out again, it will be like nothing ever happened and like no time has passed.
11. They Speak Up but Don’t Waste Their Time on Undeserving People
Independent people aren’t afraid to speak up. Whether they are standing up for themselves or for something they believe in, they don’t hesitate when it could make a difference.
If they know the other person won’t listen to them or care about what they say, though, they don’t waste their time on it. They know it won’t make a difference, and ignoring it is sometimes better.
They aren’t afraid to set boundaries and enforce them, and they speak up about what they want. You never have to worry about where you stand with them because they will tell you how they feel.
12. They are Self-Motivated
When things need to be done, an independent person gets started on it. They don’t wait for someone else to tell them what to do or to help them. Then, they get the job done quickly and efficiently.
This characteristic is what helps independent people become successful. They recognize what they need to do, and they don’t hesitate to get started and stay focused.
13. They Observe Everything
Independent people are observant, and they are constantly watching what is happening around them. They see things that other people don’t see, and they recognize the intentions of others.
14. They Respect Themselves
Self-respect is a big deal to an independent person. They respect their bodies and their minds, which sets a precedent for those around them. Plus, they recognize that all the things that make them unique are what shapes who they are.
15. They Don’t Take Advice Well
Some people look for advice for everything in their life, but independent people don’t. While they will listen to people’s input, they don’t often follow their advice.
The reason for not following the advice isn’t that they don’t value the input. Once an independent person has made up their mind, it is hard to convince them to change it.
Final Thoughts on Things a Highly Independent Person Does Without Realizing It
Highly independent people tend to do certain things without realizing it. You likely thought of yourself or someone else in your life as you read through the things they do. Independent people are born with that mindset, but you can work to be more positive by practicing some of their habits.
Being independent means believing in yourself and trusting that you will do things well. It doesn’t mean you don’t value and appreciate others; instead, it simply means that you want to do things independently. There is nothing wrong with that, and it is an excellent mindset to have.
Strive to be more independent so that you can be confident and have self-respect. It will help you get farther in life and feel good about yourself. Plus, you won’t have to rely on others to get things done.
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