This post may include affiliate links to products we think you'll find useful. We may earn a small commission if you buy through these links. Read our affiliate disclosure.
It’s incredible to think that all human beings are completely unique. Every person is the product of different genetics, life experiences, and personality traits, and these have a huge influence on the way we think, feel, and behave.
But it’s also comforting to know that we are not locked into a single way of being. We have the ability to change, adapt, and grow based on our life experiences and interactions with the world around us.
Here are 25 aspects of being human that make you a wonderful and unique individual. I hope this article inspires you to celebrate your own uniqueness and to appreciate the incredible variety of people in this world.
By the way, “What makes you unique?” is also a very common interview question, and this list of attributes might help you think of specific examples to match the job description and prove you’re a good fit for the role.
1. Core values
Your values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions and actions. Whether you value integrity, honesty, generosity, or courage, these are the qualities that define who you are as a person and make you unique.
It’s important to note that your values are different from what you care about. The things you care about can change over time, but your values are more constant. They define who you are at your core, and only very significant life experiences can change them.
For example, you might care about getting a promotion at work, but if one of your core values is integrity, you’re not willing to sacrifice your principles to get ahead.
2. Experiences
The experiences you have in your life shape the way you think, feel, and behave. They are a major influence on your core values and beliefs, and they can either make you stronger or weaker, depending on how you deal with them.
You may have suffered through very painful experiences, such as abuse or trauma, and I hope they have made you a stronger and more resilient person. I’m sure you’ve also had many positive experiences, like traveling the world, meeting the love of your life, or achieving a life-long goal. No matter what your unique experiences have been, they have made you the person you are today, and they make you unique.
3. Beliefs
Your beliefs are the ideas that you accept as “true,” either consciously or unconsciously. They can be about anything – the existence of God, the value of hard work, the importance of family, or even your political views on a particular issue.
Your beliefs are incredibly powerful because they play a huge part in defining your values. They shape everything from your mindset and attitude to what you think is possible in life and what you think others will expect from you.
Everyone has their own unique set of beliefs that makes them who they are. And often, these strongly-held beliefs drive you to succeed in life.
4. Genetics
At least for the time being, you have no control over your genetic make-up. You can’t choose the color of your eyes, the shape of your nose, or even some of the abilities you were born with. Your unique DNA determines these things, and they make you who you are.
The neuroscience community has been studying the nature vs. nurture debate for many years, and it’s clear that both our genes and upbringing play an essential role in determining who we are and what we can achieve. Identical twins are a fascinating way to study this question because they share the same DNA yet often have different personalities and abilities.
5. Physical appearance
There are as many unique bodies in the world as there are people, and each one is special in its own way. Your physical appearance is largely a biological factor beyond your control, but things like your diet and lifestyle also influence it.
Even though your physical appearance is just one small part of what makes you attractive, it has a big impact on your personality development. We treat people differently based on how they look, which helps shape their beliefs and values. People seen as “attractive” have very different personal interactions to those deemed “unattractive.”
Our bodies also change over time as we age, which shapes our unique life experiences. Whether you’re still young or already in your golden years, you are constantly evolving and becoming a new person with every year that passes.
6. Upbringing
Your upbringing is the nurture component of the nature vs. nurture equation. Your family is a significant influence on who you become, but so are schools, friends, religion, neighborhoods, and countless other factors that affect how you think and feel about yourself and the world around you
It’s important to remember that your upbringing doesn’t completely define your future. It certainly plays a role in shaping your personality and beliefs, but you have the power to change and grow, regardless of your past.
7. Creativity
There are so many different creative talents and gifts in the world, and each one is unique. You may have a knack for music, art, writing, or some other form of expression that you can use to share your thoughts and ideas with others.
Your creativity allows you to discover things about the world that most people never see or consider, and it’s an important part of what makes you who you are. It’s also a great way to express yourself, build lasting connections with others, and create opportunities for success.
8. Energy
The energy and enthusiasm you bring to your daily life drive you to take action, try new things, and pursue your goals and dreams. Your energy level is determined by a number of factors, including your physical health, mental well-being, and emotional state. Some people are more naturally laid-back than others, but you might struggle to achieve your full potential if you’re feeling negative and lethargic.
Whether you’re a naturally optimistic or pessimistic person, it’s important to find ways to keep your energy levels high to live a more fulfilling life. This could mean being more active and eating healthy foods or simply spending time with supportive friends and family members who make you feel good about yourself.
9. Imagination
Your imagination allows you to see the world in new and different ways. It’s a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals, solve problems, and find beauty in everyday life.
If you’re struggling to imagine a better future for yourself, it may be because you’re feeling stuck in your current situation. But with a little effort, you can start to see things in a new light and find hope and possibility where there seemed to be none before.
10. Intelligence
Intelligence is the unique gift that makes humans capable of creating art, developing technology, and understanding the universe. It’s what allows us to think abstractly, see connections between things, and come up with new ideas.
There is no one-size-fits-all definition of intelligence, as it comes in many different forms and is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Some people are good at math or science, while others are more creative or intuitive. Whatever skills and abilities you have, they’re what make you special and unique in your own way.
11. Relationships
Your personal relationships give you a sense of belonging in the world and deeply affect how you think and feel about yourself in both positive and negative ways.
If you’re facing a challenge or going through a tough time, talking to your loved ones can help you gain a different perspective and find new strength. Even challenging relationships provide opportunities for personal growth and help you become a better, more understanding person.
Forming meaningful connections with other people also allows you to test your values, beliefs, and ideas on others, which can help you to reflect on your thoughts and feelings.
12. Empathy
Empathy is an important personality trait that helps you relate to others in a positive way while also nurturing your sense of self-worth and happiness. The way you empathize with other people makes you unique because it expresses your values and beliefs.
Some people have an intuitive way of understanding and relating to others, while others have to work harder at it. But with practice and by paying attention to your own emotions, you can develop greater empathy for yourself and others.
13. Insight
Insight is related to intelligence, but while intelligence is often described as the ability to think abstractly, insight is more closely linked to your intuitive and emotional awareness.
When you’re able to pull apart complex problems or situations and gain new perspectives, it’s a sign of great insight. This might be related to some other personality trait, like being curious or creative, but no matter the cause, it’s something that makes you unique and valuable in your own way.
14. Intuition
A high level of intuition is related to stronger right-brain function, which is often associated with creativity, imagination, and empathy. If you’re someone who relies heavily on your intuition, you might find that you’re more sensitive to the emotions of others or have a strong sense of gut feeling when it comes to making decisions.
While some people are more in touch with their intuition than others, it’s an important personality trait that helps you navigate the world in a way that is uniquely your own.
15. Attitude
Your attitude reflects your overall outlook on life, and it can have a significant impact on your happiness and success. A positive attitude will help you see the good in every situation, while a negative attitude will only bring you down.
The way other people interact with you is also affected by your attitude. Body language, tone of voice, and the words you use reflect how you present yourself to the world and influence how others see and respond to you.
The way you choose to see the world is mainly up to you, and it’s one of the things that makes you unique. You can choose to focus on the positive or the negative, and it’s up to you to decide which one will have the greater impact on your life.
16. Passions & goals
Achieving an important goal in life boosts your self-esteem and gives you a sense of accomplishment. But even if you haven’t achieved any of your long-term goals, having a passion gives you direction in life and defines what’s most important to you.
Your passions and goals are an essential part of what makes you unique because they give you a sense of purpose and drive in life. When you can identify your passions, it’s easier to find meaning in your day-to-day experiences and feel more connected to the people and the world around you.
17. Skills
Your unique skills make a big difference in how you navigate the world. Whether you’re skilled in the arts, sciences, or some other area of your life, focusing on and improving those skills can help you build new relationships and collaborate with others in a meaningful way.
While it’s good to be humble about your talents, you should also have pride in your abilities. When you recognize that you have unique skills, you can use them to your advantage in life and reach your full potential in whatever area of interest you choose.
18. Fears
Everyone is fearful of something, but how you deal with your fears makes you unique. Some people can face their fears head-on, while others struggle to even acknowledge them.
No matter how you deal with your fears, it’s important to remember that they’re a natural and necessary part of life. Facing your fears can help you learn more about yourself and what you’re capable of in different situations.
Your fears are an important part of who you are, so rather than trying to ignore them or pretend they don’t exist, try to learn more about the reasons behind your fears and find ways to overcome them.
19. Sense of adventure
Being open to new things and experiences is very beneficial in life. Whether you’re trying something completely new or doing something familiar in a different way, having a sense of adventure lets you explore your options and learn more about yourself in the process.
Your sense of adventure is one trait that sets you apart from everyone else, and it’s a valuable trait to have. It’s something you can use to your advantage at work, in relationships, and all areas of life.
20. Resilience
Resilience is your ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep going even when times are tough. It’s a valuable trait to have because it allows you to overcome challenges and reach your goals despite the obstacles in your way.
No one is perfect, and everyone faces challenges at some point in their life. What makes you unique is your ability to persevere through difficult times and come out stronger on the other side.
21. Sociability
Social interactions are a necessary part of life, and how you choose to interact with others defines who you are as a person.
Some people are naturally outgoing and enjoy being around others, while others prefer to spend more time alone or in small groups. There’s no right or wrong way to be, but it’s essential to be aware of your preferences and make sure you’re getting the level of social interaction you need to feel happy and fulfilled.
22. Sense of humor
Whether you’re laughing at silly jokes or telling sarcastic quips, having a sense of humor allows you to enjoy life to the fullest.
Having a good sense of humor can help you make friends more easily and stay positive even in difficult times. It’s also a great way to diffuse tense situations and get people to see you in a positive light.
No matter your sense of humor, it’s an important part of who you are. Embrace it, and use it to your advantage in all aspects of your life.
23. Personal taste
Your tastes represent your likes and dislikes. Taste can be as simple as your favorite food or as complex as the personality you prefer in a romantic partner. Everyone has a different set of preferences regarding the things they like, whether it’s food, music, art, or anything else. These preferences make you who you are, and they’re an important part of what makes you unique.
24. Communication
Being a good communicator can significantly influence how successful you are in life. Whether you’re interacting with friends and family or trying to convince your boss of an important idea, communicating clearly and effectively is a valuable asset.
Your communication style can also play a big role in how well you interact with others, so it’s important to focus on what feels natural for you and refine it over time. Work hard to become a better communicator, and you’ll find that people appreciate your efforts and are more likely to listen to what you have to say.
25. Habits
Having complete control of your life is largely about forming good habits. Whether it’s being organized, exercising regularly, or sticking to a budget, developing positive habits can help you move closer to your goals and unlock the best version of yourself.
On the other hand, a bad habit can be a major stumbling block that keeps you from reaching your full potential. Everyone has a few bad habits they wish they could change, and the key is to focus on little things you can do to shift your behaviors in a positive direction.
Final thoughts
There are many different factors that make you unique, from your genes, upbringing, values, and beliefs to your habits and ability to bounce back from setbacks. No matter what makes you stand out from others, embrace these aspects of yourself and use them to your advantage in all areas of life.
