By Lachlan Brown
High value people are not just individuals who possess wealth or status, but those who bring value into the lives of others. Psychology sheds light on some common traits of these high-value individuals.
In simpler terms, being a high value person is about how you treat others, how you handle adversity, and how you live your life.
In this article, I’ll be revealing ten signs that you may be one of these high value individuals, according to psychology.
Let’s get started.
1) Self-awareness
In the realm of psychology, self-awareness is often a clear marker of a high value person.
High value individuals tend to have a deep understanding of themselves. They know their strengths, weaknesses, and what drives them. This level of self-understanding allows them to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence.
Psychologists often emphasize the importance of self-awareness in emotional intelligence. It’s the foundation for managing one’s emotions and understanding others’, which is essential for building strong relationships.
If you find yourself constantly reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and actions, you might just be a high value person.
It’s not just about introspection but what you do with that knowledge that truly matters.
2) Empathy
Empathy, is another significant trait of a high value person, according to psychology.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and connecting with them on an emotional level.
For instance, a few years back, I had a friend going through a rough patch. Instead of offering advice or trying to fix things, I simply listened and tried to understand what they were going through. It was hard seeing them in pain, but being there for them in that way made all the difference.
This experience taught me firsthand the incredible power of empathy. It not only strengthens relationships but also fosters compassion and kindness, which are hallmarks of a high value person.
If you often find yourself naturally empathizing with others, it’s another sign that you’re a high value individual.
3) Resilience
Resilience is a key trait of high value individuals. It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity, disappointment, or failure.
Psychology suggests that resilience is not just an inborn quality but can be developed over time. It’s about adapting to difficult situations and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Did you know that some of the most successful people in the world attribute their success to resilience? For example, J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, was rejected by 12 publishers before finally getting her book published. Today, she’s one of the most successful authors in the world.
If you’re someone who doesn’t give up easily and always finds a way to rise above setbacks, you’re likely a high value person.
4) Integrity
Integrity is a fundamental trait of a high value person. It’s about being honest, transparent, and standing by your principles, even when no one is watching.
People with high integrity uphold their values and beliefs, regardless of the situation or circumstances. They do the right thing, not because they want to appear virtuous, but because it’s who they are.
Psychologists suggest that integrity is directly linked to trustworthiness. When you consistently act with integrity, people learn to trust you, which in turn strengthens your relationships and enhances your reputation.
5) Generosity
Generosity is another quality that psychology links to high value individuals. This doesn’t just mean being generous with money or possessions, but also with your time, assistance, and kindness.
High value people understand the value of giving without expecting anything in return. They are willing to support others and help them grow.
In fact, studies have found that acts of generosity activate the reward center in our brain, releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the “helper’s high.”
This means that being generous not only benefits others, but it also makes us feel good.
If you’re someone who enjoys lending a hand, sharing your resources, or simply making others feel special, you’re showing signs of being a high value person.
6) Compassion
Compassion is a profound human emotion prompted by the suffering of others, and it’s a key trait of high value people. It’s more than just understanding someone’s pain—it’s wanting to alleviate it.
High value individuals don’t shy away from the suffering of others. Instead, they approach it with warmth, understanding, and a genuine desire to help.
Sometimes, compassion can be as simple as offering a listening ear to a friend in need or showing kindness to a stranger. It fosters connection, empathy, and love, reminding us of our shared human experience.
When you open your heart to others’ pain and respond with kindness and understanding, you’re not only impacting their lives but also revealing your own high value character.
7) Humility
Humility is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of being a high value person. It’s about recognizing that we all have flaws and there’s always room for growth.
A few years ago, I found myself in a situation where my lack of knowledge on a particular subject was evident. Rather than pretending to know more than I did, I admitted my lack of understanding and took it as an opportunity to learn.
This experience taught me that humility isn’t about lowering oneself, but rather about being open to the idea that there’s always more to learn.
If you can accept your imperfections and view them as opportunities for growth, you’re displaying real signs of being a high value person.
8) Accepting criticism
While no one particularly enjoys being criticized, high value individuals understand that constructive criticism is an opportunity for growth.
Instead of becoming defensive or upset, they listen, reflect, and see if there’s any truth in the feedback. They appreciate it as a chance to learn and improve.
This might seem like an odd trait to associate with a high value person, but psychology tells us that being open to criticism is a sign of maturity and self-confidence.
9) Persistence
Persistence is a characteristic that psychology regularly associates with high value people. It’s the determination to keep going, even when things get tough.
High value individuals don’t easily give up. They set their goals and persistently work towards them, despite the obstacles that may come their way. They understand that failure is just a part of the journey towards success.
Psychologists believe that persistence is one of the key traits that can determine life success more than any other.
If you’re someone who keeps pushing forward, no matter how challenging the path may be, then you’re definitely showing signs of being a high value person.
10) Self-respect
The most important sign of a high value person is self-respect. High value individuals value themselves. They know their worth and don’t allow others to treat them poorly or take advantage of them.
They set healthy boundaries and stand up for themselves when necessary. They respect their time, their energy, and their needs. And most importantly, they understand that self-respect is the foundation for respect from others.
If you hold yourself in high regard and demand the same from others, then you’re undeniably a high value person.
Reflection: The journey to value
The path to becoming a high value person is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It’s about nurturing traits within ourselves that not only enrich our own lives but also positively impact the people around us.
Each of the signs we’ve discussed – self-awareness, empathy, resilience, integrity, generosity, compassion, humility, acceptance of criticism, persistence and self-respect – contribute to this journey.
Remember, being a high value person is not about being perfect. It’s about striving for personal growth and working towards being the best version of ourselves.
As the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”
So as you reflect on these signs, understand that the true value lies in the journey of becoming. The path towards becoming a high value person isn’t easy but it’s certainly worth it.
