8 strengths of people who are happy to do things alone

There’s a clear distinction between enjoying company and cherishing solitude.

This difference boils down to self-awareness. People who relish doing things alone aren’t antisocial or aloof. They just value their individuality and freedom to choose.

Being comfortable doing things alone has its own strengths. It suggests a sense of self-reliance, confidence, and independence.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about enjoying the company of others. But those who are happy to do things alone often exhibit certain strengths that set them apart.

In this piece, we’re going to delve into eight such strengths that people who enjoy their own company often possess.

1) Self-reliance

One of the primary strengths of people who enjoy doing things alone is self-reliance.

These individuals aren’t dependent on others for their happiness or fulfillment. They have the capacity to handle situations independently, without the need for external validation or support.

Consider this. When you’re comfortable doing things alone, you learn to trust your abilities and judgments. You don’t rely purely on others’ opinions or decisions.

This can lead to a heightened sense of self-confidence and resilience. It’s about knowing you can take care of yourself, no matter what life throws at you.

Remember, self-reliance doesn’t mean shunning help from others entirely. It’s about having faith in your own abilities while still acknowledging the value of outside perspectives.

So, if solitude is your companion, chances are, you’re cultivating a strong sense of self-reliance. And that’s a strength worth celebrating.

2) Enhanced creativity

Another strength that solitude lovers often possess is heightened creativity.

Let me share a personal example. I’ve always enjoyed my alone time. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a long walk, or just sitting in a quiet corner, I find solitude incredibly refreshing.

One day, I decided to take up painting. At first, it was just a way to pass the time. But as I began to spend more time alone with my thoughts and my canvas, I realized that this quiet time was actually fueling my creativity.

My thoughts were free to wander without interruption, sparking ideas that I might not have had in a group setting. The colors on my canvas began to reflect this newfound creative energy.

This isn’t just my experience. Many artists, writers, and innovators have spoken about the importance of solitude in their creative process.

So if you’re someone who cherishes your alone time, you might just be nurturing your creative genius without even realizing it.

3) Valuable introspection

People who enjoy spending time alone often engage in introspection. They take the time to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and actions, which can lead to significant personal growth.

Here’s something you might not know. A study published in the journal Science found that people would rather administer electric shocks to themselves than be left alone with their thoughts. This highlights how uncomfortable many of us are with introspection.

However, those who relish their solitude do not shy away from this internal dialogue. They use it as an opportunity to understand themselves better, analyze their behaviors, and work towards self-improvement.

So, if you’re someone who prefers your own company, you’re likely using this time for valuable introspection and personal growth.

4) Strong decision-making skills

Being comfortable doing things alone often translates into strong decision-making skills.

When you’re used to relying on yourself, you tend to become better at making decisions independently. You don’t need to turn to others for validation or approval every time you need to make a choice.

This doesn’t mean that you disregard the opinions of others. Instead, you consider their input but ultimately trust your own judgment and intuition.

Being a decisive person can make life much smoother. You’re able to navigate challenges more efficiently and confidently when you trust in your ability to make good decisions.

So, if you find pleasure in solitude, you might just be honing your decision-making skills without even knowing it.

5) Cherishing relationships

It might seem counterintuitive, but those who cherish their alone time often have healthier relationships.

When you’re comfortable being alone, you don’t seek relationships out of desperation or loneliness. You form bonds because you genuinely want to connect with others, not because you need to fill a void.

This can lead to more authentic and meaningful connections. You appreciate the time spent with loved ones because it’s a choice, not a necessity.

Many solitude-lovers will tell you that their alone time helps them value their relationships more. They understand the importance of balance between personal space and social interactions.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys your own company, you’re likely forming deeper, more meaningful bonds with those around you.

6) Freedom to explore

Freedom is another perk that comes with enjoying one’s alone time. You have the liberty to explore your interests and passions without any constraints.

I remember a period in my life when I felt a strong pull towards photography. Most of my friends couldn’t understand my fascination with capturing moments through a lens. But being comfortable doing things alone, I ventured into this new hobby without any hesitation.

This exploration was liberating. I could spend hours experimenting with different angles, lighting, and subjects. Each click of the camera was a step in discovering a new side of myself.

So, if you’re someone who relishes solitude, you have the freedom to explore your interests at your own pace and on your own terms. This can be an incredibly empowering experience.

7) Mastery of solitude

Embracing solitude is a strength in itself. In a world that often equates being alone with loneliness, mastering the art of solitude is a significant achievement.

The ability to be happy in your own company is a sign of emotional maturity and self-acceptance. It means you’re at peace with who you are and don’t need constant social interaction to feel validated or content.

This mastery of solitude can also lead to less fear of loneliness, making you more resilient in the face of life’s inevitable ups and downs.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys doing things alone, you’ve mastered an art that many people struggle with. And that’s something worth acknowledging.

8) Inner peace

Perhaps the most significant strength of those who enjoy solitude is inner peace.

When you’re comfortable being alone, you develop a deep sense of tranquility and contentment. You’re not constantly seeking validation or entertainment from external sources.

You learn to find joy in simple moments, whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or a solitary walk in the park. This peace within yourself spills over into other aspects of your life, creating a calmness that can weather any storm.

This inner peace is a testament to your emotional strength and resilience. It’s a quiet power that anchors you, no matter what life brings your way.

Embracing solitude

The beauty of human existence lies in our diversity. We’re all unique, with different strengths, preferences, and ways of experiencing the world.

For those who cherish their alone time, there’s an array of strengths that come along with it. From self-reliance and enhanced creativity to introspection and inner peace, these attributes paint a picture of resilience and emotional maturity.

It’s not about shunning social interaction or disregarding the importance of relationships. Rather, it’s about embracing solitude and finding joy in one’s own company.

Remember, being comfortable in solitude doesn’t signify loneliness but rather signifies a deep understanding and acceptance of oneself. It’s about finding peace in stillness, strength in silence, and contentment in your own presence.

In the words of philosopher Paul Tillich, “Loneliness expresses the pain of being alone and solitude expresses the glory of being alone.” So, for those who find joy in doing things alone, it is not a matter of isolation but a testament to their ability to find glory in solitude.

In this fast-paced world, where we’re often caught up in the noise and hustle, taking time to enjoy our own company might just be the key to unlocking a sense of peace and contentment within ourselves.