Do you enjoy being by yourself? If you’re reading this, you probably do.
You’ve probably also felt self-conscious about this trait of yours because you feel like the “odd one out”…yes, I’m talking about introspection!
Well, don’t be. There are many reasons why introspection is important in our lives despite how it can make you overthink – and make you feel lonely.
Here are 13 reasons why introspection is actually a sign of a strong personality…
Let’s get started.
1) Build strong boundaries naturally
First off, let’s talk more about introspection!
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time analyzing your thoughts and feelings, you’re already familiar with introspection. And probably comfortable doing it too…
Here’s a reason why this trait is a sign of a strong personality: you’re able to build boundaries naturally.
Why is that?
Well, for starters, you’re used to spending time alone…and that’s a hard first step to take.
Many of us are constantly bombarded by the opinions of others on social media and the news, which can affect how we see ourselves. And the opinions we’ll soon develop.
That’s why introspection is important: it helps you understand your own thoughts and how they’re different from others’ – no matter who they are.
And you won’t hesitate to put up boundaries when they’re necessary – like turning off the television – while others struggle because they’re afraid to be alone with their own thoughts…
2) Able to ask difficult questions (and answer them)
Another reason introspection is a sign of strong personality is that you’re able to ask difficult questions (and answer them)!
You’re probably someone who’s able to find contradictions in their own thoughts and what you see around you. For example, what you see on the news…
You’re also that friend who’s asking the difficult questions and making sure no one’s let off the hook.
Maybe you know someone who’s got double standards when it comes to their relationships…say, they expect give and take when all they do is take!
Being someone who’s used to introspection, you’re able to show others how they can do better.
And that’s because you’re constantly trying to do better yourself – by engaging in self-reflection and making sure to never repeat your mistakes!
3) Less regard for the status quo
This is a big one, so you’d better listen up…
Here’s why introspection is so important: you have way less regard for the status quo!
Remember what I said earlier about questioning the world around you and finding double standards within it?
You’re probably able to pick out these contradictions in the status quo, and wonder why everyone’s following rules that don’t seem to make sense.
And that’s why you’re someone with a strong personality, even if it doesn’t seem like it. Maybe you prefer to challenge your surroundings in a quiet way!
That’s alright – because you’re still someone who makes the rules for themselves.
And you’re also motivated to become self-sufficient; let’s talk more about this now…
4) More incentive to become self-sufficient
Being introspective gives you an incentive to be self-sufficient. And that’s because you don’t follow the rules upheld by society!
You don’t want to do things just for the sake of them, just like how other people chase specific goals thinking it’s what they want…
That’s why you’d rather figure it out along the way!
For you, it’s more important to learn how to see the world without depending on others to guide you.
That’s because you are unique, and you know there’s no one out there like you – you shouldn’t want to erase that uniqueness!
5) Unlimited time to carve out an identity
Speaking of uniqueness brings me to my next point…
Introspection is a sign of a strong personality because it gives you unlimited time to carve out an identity!
And okay, I don’t mean “unlimited” in the literal sense.
What I mean is that you’ll never have to worry about others taking up your personal space – remember what I said before about boundaries?
You’re able to focus on a passion of yours because you’re comfortable being by yourself. And that’s what helps you build an identity that’s unique to you.
In addition, you don’t need anyone to motivate you to get started, which means…
6) Strong personal motivations to succeed
…you have a strong personal motivation to succeed! And that’s rare.
It means you aren’t working to get that dream job because it’s what your parents want, or because it’s what your partner expects of you!
It’s hard to be personally motivated these days. Let me explain why…
We only have social media to blame: it’s so easy to see what other people are doing with their lives and convince ourselves we want the same!
In reality, many of us are chasing goals that are not our own.
But thanks to your introspective nature, you’re able to define YOUR goals and work hard for them – because you want to!
7) Less reliance on other people’s opinions
Again, I have to reiterate this: as an introspective person, you don’t need to rely on other people’s opinions – you know what you want and how you’re going to get it.
This is what gives you a strong personality, believe it or not.
You’re someone who knows how to say “no”, especially when someone’s giving you unsolicited advice!
You’re also able to shut down any attempts to control you, whether it’s by making you feel like the odd one out or threatening you to do something.
After all, you know what it means to think for yourself!
That gives you the space to…
8) Greater focus on developing a passion
…focus on yourself. Your passions, in fact!
Like I mentioned earlier, the ability to introspect gives you lots of time to figure out your purpose.
How many of us go about our lives never knowing our purpose? Let me tell you, many.
But you’re certainly not one of them: that’s because you’ve worked hard on something which has fulfilled you for a long time!
9) Low tolerance for b*llshit
Next up on the list? Being introspective means you have a low tolerance for b*llshit. And that goes without saying…
You’ve seen it all – people who want to put you down, people who make you feel weird, and people who want to tell you what to do.
These are all people you don’t need in your life!
Fortunately for you, you understand that deeply. You know when it’s time to say goodbye to an acquaintance – and this reminds me of something a friend once told me:
“The people we meet are like the seasons. They will come and go; if they’re meant to come back to you, they will.”
10) Inclination towards self-improvement
Now let’s talk about this next trait of yours: you have an inclination towards self-improvement. And why wouldn’t you?
Being someone who’s self-motivated, you’re always following your life’s purpose – and this can take you places!
For example, you’re interested in moving across the world, or joining a field of work you’ve always been passionate about.
Thanks to your introspective nature, you’re always excited to learn something new…
11) Motivated to learn new things often
Like I mentioned, being an introspective person means you’re always working to improve yourself.
Of course, this doesn’t exclude actually learning new things!
It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to master a new skill or pick up a hobby. That’s because what matters is your interest in it.
Often, this comes with various tasks that many people don’t have the patience to complete…
Say, you want to pick up pottery just for fun. You’ll need to buy a pottery wheel, some nifty tools, and loads of clay!
Would you take it all the way and begin selling some of your work, too? You sure would – because a new challenge is an opportunity to grow as well!
12) Manage external stressors better
And that’s also why you’re able to manage external stressors well. Being an introspective person, you’re deeply in touch with your thoughts and emotions…
That means you’re able to decide what’s worth worrying about and what isn’t. And stick to it.
You also know what to leave to fate and what’s under your control! So there’s no point losing sleep when you don’t need to.
In addition, your introspective nature helps you develop grit – you know that deep down, you’ve got a purpose in life that you’re going to follow no matter what…
13) Able to come up with unique ideas
Last but not least, an introspective person is able to come up with unique ideas. That’s what gives them a strong personality, in fact…
These people have unique opinions about society and the world around them thanks to their ability to reflect and second-guess.
But they know they’re not wrong in having these thoughts!
If you’re an introspective person, you must’ve spent a long time feeling like the “odd one out”.
So I hope that this article has helped you see that you’re special, and that this one trait of yours actually builds character!