The Main Properties Of Self-sufficient People
Self-sufficient people are a mixture of healthy self-esteem and independence. They make their own decisions and are not dependent on others. In fact, they are not afraid of loneliness. What defines these people most, besides the above-mentioned characteristics, is their freedom of thought.
It’s curious that the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “self-reliance,” is the image of someone who needs no one and can survive alone. However, this term actually encompasses many psychological constructs. This article takes a closer look at this concept so that you can develop it further, set aside stereotypes and integrate it into your personal growth.
This term is not synonymous with detachment. It’s not about becoming a hermit who doesn’t need anything or anyone. In fact, self-reliance is the art of believing in yourself.
The five pillars of self-sufficient people
The guru of self-sufficiency is ecologist John Seymour. He started a movement that inspired thousands of people to change their lifestyle in the 60s and 70s. His books The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It encouraged people to make revolutionary changes.
Much of these transformations involved leaving office or factory life to live in the countryside. This led to the emergence of alternative communities of environmentalists in the UK. So the first thing these hundreds of men and women (mostly young people) discovered was that self-sufficiency required a lot of effort.
It was not easy to stay out of the system and live off the land. However, many realized that while economic self-sufficiency was not viable through that lifestyle, it did help them develop psychological self-sufficiency.
In other words, they learned to think for themselves and to look more critically. Read on to discover the other qualities of self-sufficient people.
Personal safety and satisfaction
Babies are completely dependent on their parents. This is why it is often difficult for people to learn to become independent and take care of themselves emotionally, socially and financially.
It is normal to feel attached to many of your closest figures for much of your life. Acquiring complete independence in all aspects implies developing a healthy self-confidence.
When you discover what you are capable of, you feel satisfied with who you are because of your potential and worth. All this leads to your self-love, a quality that is crucial in self-sufficient people.
Self-sufficient people only feel responsible for their own lives
These people are characterized by an indisputable basis: they like to be in charge of their own lives. What does this mean? It means they don’t allow others to make decisions for them. They don’t depend on what others do, say, or expect of them to live their lives.
In addition, they are reluctant to live up to the expectations of others. They limit themselves to their own desires, personal goals and aspirations at every stage of their lives. They also take responsibility for their own mistakes and failures and see them as life lessons.
They are emotionally intelligent
One of the most special qualities of self-sufficient people is that they usually spend a lot of time with themselves. This contact with their own loneliness has enabled them to learn to regulate their emotions.
The self-knowledge that defines their essence mingles with their ability to control feelings, rationalize thoughts, and regulate behavior at all times. Their emotional intelligence drives the existential self-satisfaction common to self-sufficient people.
Self-sufficient people focus on what they can control and accept what they cannot
Independence is about being in control of your life and feeling free to set your own path. It is what defines this type of personality. They know that many things are beyond their control and ability to control what surrounds them.
Disappointments, loss experiences, crises and twists of fate are some of the situations that you cannot foresee. However, self-sufficient people accept them, know how to face adversity and always try to survive any circumstance.
They are not cold or distant and really value authenticity
Some people think that self-sufficient people are cold and distant. However, this is not true. These people value affection, but are careful with who they bond with.
They value authenticity, genuine affection, genuine friendship and enriching alliances that do not limit their own freedom. They are also people who don’t have to prove anything to anyone and who enjoy the bonds they nurture. Most of all, they really respect themselves.
