Among the most admired character traits is independence. You see it highlighted on school grade cards and professional resumes. Independent people are pillars of professional and personal relationships.

Maybe your solid, independent spirit has been a source of pride since you were a child. You were probably a fast learner, and you often wanted to show adults that you could do it independently. Unfortunately, too much of this spark may have got you in trouble because you refused to follow the rules.

Such individuality is the hallmark of the movers and shakers of the world. They are the scientists like Copernicus who defied traditional views in the light of scientific discovery. They are the artists, writers, and activists who wouldn’t accept the status quo.

Twenty Behaviors of Independent People

Are you an independent spirit, or do you prefer to disappear in the crowd of public opinion? Do others often depend on you to make informed decisions without undue influence? Here are 20 habits of independent people and how they affect their daily lives.

1. Independent People Can Do Most Tasks Without Assistance

Independent people like you’re confident that you will do your best on any task. If you don’t know the answers, you can use different resources to find them. However, you’re not too proud to ask for help when needed from people with more knowledge and experience.

2. Incredibly Driven

Independent people know what they want and are willing to work hard to get it. They are often gifted thinkers and understand how to use the law of attraction. They send positive affirmations into the Universe, which will attract positive outcomes.

If this sounds like you, you likely tend to be an optimist who believes in yourself. You’re highly driven and inspire those around you. Even when you have mistakes and failures, you use them as learning tools and refuse to give up on your aspirations.

3. Independent People Prefer to Do Things Alone

If you’re an independent person, you may consider yourself an introvert. It’s not that you don’t like people or can’t relate to them. You often have your way of thinking and prefer to be and do things by yourself.

On the flip side, you aren’t a narcissist who wants all the glory. You understand the value of teamwork and give credit where it’s due. It’s just that you’re more comfortable doing solitary tasks and helping when necessary.

4. Knows When to Say “No.”

In an article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Hank Davis discusses the social reluctance of telling others “No.” It’s a passivity that most people must avoid conflict, explains Davis. The ability to offer a polite but firm “no” shows that you are honest, self-confident, and you’re an independent thinker.

In having the courage to say “no,” you give yourself the freedom and opportunity to say “yes” when you want. You have the option to choose what you want to do without resentment. When people see that you won’t be a pushover, they are less likely to try to take advantage of you.

5. Tend to Feel Like a Black Sheep Among Family

Independent people usually show their streak of independence at an early age. You naturally go against the grain and refuse to have a cookie-cutter lifestyle and thought process. While you and your family love each other, you often feel like you don’t belong because you do and think so differently.

6. Independent People Are Very Focused

A complication for those too dependent on others is a lack of focus. They are often so concerned about everything around them that it’s hard to think. When you’re an independent spirit, you narrow your focus on the task and hand and try not to get distracted.

7. Internally Strong

It’s only human to have moments of doubt, despair, and weakness. The difference is that independent folks recognize their negative emotions and don’t stay focused on them. You cultivate an inner strength that helps you overcome these feelings to move forward with your intentions.

8. A Leader and Take-Charge Person

If you’re an independent spirit, others often recognize your strengths as a natural leader. You’re an innovative thinker, and you’re not afraid to take a new direction. You also often inspire other people to be their best and think independently.

9. Doesn’t Like to Borrow or Owe Anyone Anything

An article published by Debt says that the stress of debt can cause a storm of emotions like denial, depression, and anxiety. Not only do those drowning in debt have money shortage fears, but they face losing their homes and other necessities.

Those who value their independence don’t make a habit of borrowing things. While you probably have a mortgage, rent, car payment, and other small bills, you try to keep debt at a minimum. You don’t want creditors controlling your emotions or your future.

10. Independent People Are Not Afraid to Speak Their Mind

Most people admire those who aren’t afraid to speak up when necessary. Independent thinkers aren’t swayed by popular opinion and openly state what they believe. Although you are usually kindhearted and generous, you won’t let anyone take advantage of you.

11. It’s Hard to Ask for Help or Admit Defeat

In a perfect world, everybody would stand independently and win every time. Unfortunately, humans are fallible and experience many failures throughout life. As an independent spirit, you have difficulties admitting defeat or asking someone for help.

12. Always Looking to the Future and Making Plans

You may have learned the value of living in the moment, but you’re wise enough to plan for the future. You’re an independent thinker who knows how to define your goals and devise plans for accomplishing them. Although hurdles will be inevitable, you are creative and find solutions to these problems.

13. Can Live Alone and Be Content

Many people who are independent spirits crave solitude. If this is your nature, you are probably a self-described loner. If necessary, you can connect confidently in a group, but you’re at your best when you are by yourself.

Perhaps you’ve had difficulties with personal relationships. It may not be easy for you to compromise or share your space. However, your sense of compassion and love may overcome these issues so you can enjoy a healthy support system.

14. Independent People Are Not Easily Swayed

Some people are so timid about their opinions that they won’t voice them. When faced with more assertive personalities, they will often give in and waffle their views and decisions. As an independent thinker, you’re determined and not easily pushed into changing your opinion.

15. Wants to do Things Their Way

One of the challenges of being strong-willed is that you like to do things your way. You’re often a creature of habit, and you believe that you shouldn’t change things that have always worked. Such an attitude can lead to stubbornness and inflexibility if you don’t keep it in check.

16. Keeps an Open Mind

Your saving grace against stubbornness is your willingness to keep an open mind. You may prefer your tried-and-true methods, but you realize that others have valid points. You’re a big enough person to be open to suggestions and see things from another person’s perspective.

17. Having Friends is Challenging as it Requires Some Dependency

The beautiful part of friendship is that you know you can depend on each other. If one of you is in need, your friend has your back. This may be a bitter pill for you to swallow because you don’t like the feeling of obligation or dependency.

What helps you in these relationships is to understand that friendship is reciprocal. Your friends need your support just as much as you need theirs. Acceptance and validation are basic human needs met by these friendly relationships.

18. An Emotional Rock

Those in your circle value your inner strength and emotional stability. Even in the middle of a crisis, you are level-headed and support others involved. Your independent spirit keeps you afloat when you feel like you’re in a whirlpool of problems.

19. Independent People Often Admit to Having Hermit Tendencies

Many independent people have few close family and friends in their circle. Your tendency to be introverted may turn you into a hermit. You cherish peace and dislike the drama often involved in socializing, and your support system is small.

20. Always Wanting More Out of Life

There’s a fine line between contentment and complacency. While you are grateful and content for all you have, you value the things money can’t buy even more. You usually greet each day with expectations and the joy of a challenge.

Final Thoughts on Behaviors of Independent People

It’s the independent people who dared to make a difference in the world throughout the ages. They often go against conventional wisdom and stand for their beliefs, regardless of the consequences. When you guide your independent tendencies in a positive direction, you can benefit yourself and others around you.