Self-sufficient people: what are they like?

Self-sufficient people combine good self-esteem and a particular taste for independence.. They like to decide for themselves without having to depend on others, they do not fear loneliness and they tend to be those figures who are sometimes difficult to understand, since they do not follow any conventions. Because beyond these characteristics, their freedom of thought defines them.

It is curious how when visualizing the word “self-sufficiency” the first thing that comes to mind is the image of someone who usually does not need anyone and who relies on their own means to survive. However, this term actually contains valuable nutrients from a psychological point of view. It is worth delving into this concept to develop it, put aside stereotypes and integrate it into the repertoire of our personal growth.

After all, this concept is not synonymous with detachment, it is not being the classic outsider who doesn’t need anything or anyone. Self-reliance is the art of trusting yourself.

Self-sufficient people: the five pillars that define them

When talking about self-sufficiency it is common to refer to what is considered its true guru: the environmentalist John Seymour. It was he who started a movement that led thousands of people to change their lifestyle during the 60s and 70s. With books like The Self–Enough Life and How to Live It encouraged people to make revolutionary changes.

A good part of these transformations involved leaving office or factory life to live in the countryside. This caused, for example, alternative communities of groups of people who led an environmental movement to appear in the United Kingdom. Thus, the first thing these hundreds of men and women (mostly young) discovered is that self-sufficiency requires a lot of effort.

It was not easy to stay outside the system and survive only from the countryside and what the land offered. However, something more important happened. Many realized that although economic self-sufficiency was not viable through that lifestyle, they did develop psychological self-sufficiency. That is to say, They learned to think and decide for themselves and adopt a more critical view of things.

Let’s see below what more traits define self-sufficient people..

Personal security and satisfaction define them

We are born creatures completely dependent on our parents. The truth is that it is very difficult for us to acquire that independence and self-sufficiency to fend for ourselves in any aspect: emotional, social, economic…

It is common that for a good part of our lives we feel attached to many of our close figures. Acquiring full independence in all aspects means developing good self-confidence.

Later, and as we discover what we are capable of, comes satisfaction for who we are, for our potential and worth. All of this is threaded with the thread of self-esteem and self-love, essential in self-sufficient people.

They feel solely responsible for their own life

Self-sufficient people are defined by one indisputable pillar: They enjoy feeling responsible for their own life. What does this mean? It implies that they do not leave their decisions on the shoulders of others. They do not depend on what others do, say or expect from them to act.

They are reluctant to meet other people’s expectations, they limit themselves to following only their desires, personal goals and aspirations at every stage of their lives. Likewise, they accept their own mistakes and failures. Only in this way do they acquire valuable learning to continue moving forward.

They are skilled in emotional intelligence

There is a very special and characteristic trait in self-sufficient people. They tend to spend a lot of time with themselves and This contact with their own loneliness has allowed them to learn to regulate their emotions.

The self-knowledge that traces its essence is combined with the ability to manage feelings, rationalize thoughts and regulate one’s own behavior at all times. Skill in emotional intelligence drives that existential self-satisfaction so common in self-sufficient men and women.

They focus on what is within their control and accept what is outside of it.

Self-sufficiency is above all having your life under control and feeling free when deciding your own path. Now, there is an aspect that defines this type of personality. They know that there are many things that escape their will, to that ability to control what surrounds them.

Disappointments, losses, crises, twists of fate… There are endless aspects that one cannot foresee. However, self-sufficient people accept them, They know how to face adversity and always try to survive any circumstance..

They are not cold or detached, they value authenticity at all times

Sometimes, this independence in the character of this personality can make us think that they are cold and that they are always marking distances. However, none of this is completely true. Self-sufficient people do appreciate emotional closeness, but they are select when it comes to establishing links.

They value authenticity, sincere affections, true friendship, alliances that enrich and do not limit or veto their own freedom. They are figures of our society who do not need to prove anything to anyone.but who delight in the bonds they nurture and who know how to respect, above all, their way of being.

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