Some people have personalities so strong they can move mountains. If you feel like that applies to you, then it just might. But what exactly does it mean to have a strong personality? Is it inherently a good or bad thing?
“Someone with a really strong personality often means that they are confident and assertive,” explains Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. “These people speak their minds and hold boundaries. They are also often people that others find themselves drawn to because there is a charismatic quality to these people.”
She reports that people with strong personalities have a signature passion and energy, which has its pros and cons. Read on as experts share more signs you have a strong personality and understand yourself (or a loved one) a bit better.
Related: People Who Were Considered ‘Strong-Willed’ as Children Often Develop These 10 Traits as Adults
Strong Personalities Have Pros and Cons
“Strong” can exude power—something often celebrated by society. Psychologists agree that there are certain qualities in individuals with strong personalities that are worth highlighting. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, says the benefits of having a strong personality include:
- Standing up for what’s right
- Protecting others
- Natural leadership skills
- Clear decision-making
- Clear communication
- Honest and direct, including during conflicts
- Ability to motivate others
On the flip side, Dr. Hafeez shares that people with strong personalities can struggle with:
- Coming off as intimidating and unapproachable
- Controlling tendencies
- Being too blunt
- Silencing “softer” voices
- Impatience
With that in mind, let’s see what signs point to someone having a really strong personality.
Related: 6 Things Successful People *Always* Do in a Conversation, According to a Neuropsychotherapist
7 Signs You Have a ‘Strong Personality,’ According to Psychologists
1. You say what you think
People with strong personalities speak their minds.
“A person with a strong personality will often speak up and say the thing, even when others are reluctant,” Dr. MacBride says. “These people tend to voice their opinions, challenge groupthink and address difficult topics.”
This trait isn’t merely self-serving but carries weight in moments of injustice.
“They speak up when something feels wrong,” Dr. Hafeez says.
Related: 7 Helpful Phrases for Politely Expressing a Different Opinion, According to a Psychologist
2. You set clear boundaries
While some people struggle to set boundaries, those with strong personalities tend to be all in with them.
“These boundaries are often offered without the need to soften or apologize for them,” Dr. MacBride says.
Dr. Hafeez notes that this type of person doesn’t second-guess and ruminate about boundaries after communicating them.
“They don’t agree to things just to avoid awkwardness,” she says. “They know their limits and aren’t afraid to say what they are.”
Related: Here’s How To Set Boundaries in Every Area of Your Life—and Actually Stick to Them
3. You’re resilient
Dr. MacBride notes that people with a solid temperament remain whole even when criticized or rejected.
“People who have a strong personality are drawing validation from inside themselves,” Dr. MacBride says. “They don’t crumble when someone disagrees with them or doesn’t like them. It’s not that these things don’t impact them, but their identity isn’t hinged on the perceptions of others.”
Another expert agrees. People with strong personalities share something in common with rubber balls: They bounce back.
“They can recover quickly from difficulties and get back on track with what they were doing,” says Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist.
Related: The World’s Most Resilient People Swear By These 50 Habits
4. You aren’t a people pleaser
Dr. Hafeez reports that strong personality types don’t strive to fit in and don’t exhibit people-pleasing tendencies.
“They’ll listen to others, but they don’t fake who they are,” she says. “They know what they believe and stick with it. This shows self-respect and inner strength.”
Dr. MacBride echoes these sentiments.
“People who have a strong personality have learned that they are not everyone’s cup of tea,” she says. “They are often OK with who they are and show up in genuine ways, rather than adapting their likes and dislikes to fit in with a group.”
5. You’re a natural-born leader
If you’re constantly in charge—whether that’s in the workplace or organizing a pal’s birthday bash—your people may consider you a “strong personality.”
“Formal—and even informal—leadership roles tend to fall to these people,” Dr. MacBride explains. “They have an ability to influence others, make decisions and trust their inner convictions, and this doesn’t go unnoticed by those who decide on leadership roles.”
Related: 13 Subtle Signs of a Mentally Tough Woman, According to Psychologists
6. You’re good with internal validation
Dr. MacBride stresses that people with strong personalities aren’t on a fishing expedition for compliments.
“These people don’t go seeking reassurance from others when they are able to validate their own opinions and choices,” she shares. “This quality is what
allows them to make decisions and take initiative.”
Related: 15 Phrases To Disagree Respectfully, According to Psychologists
7. You’re stubborn
Stubbornness can have a negative connotation, but it’s also a great trait to have to stay true to yourself, your morals and what’s right for you. Those with powerful dispositions have this trait in spades.
“Nobody can convince them of anything that doesn’t align with their heart and point of view on important matters,” Sokola says. “They are tough negotiators. They follow their heart and reason by checking if the heart tells the truth. They usually listen to their gut instinct and focus on information rather than observations of others.”
Up Next:
Related: 12 Things Confident Women Never Apologize For
Sources:
- Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners
- Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind
- Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist
