Individuality: Are you a unique medal for a special occasion or an ordinary stamped coin?

Individuality is a flame, not a stone; form, not material content. (Norbert Wiener)

Despite the mass nature of modern culture, many people consider themselves bright individuals who stand out from the general crowd. They do this in different ways: some dye their hair neon green, others become members of a sect, others criticize Pushkin for his lack of writing style. But is this a real individuality worth striving for? Does it only manifest itself in such extreme ways? It's time to find out what this concept means in psychology and how, indeed, you can stand out from the rest.

Definition - what is individuality?

The term individuality is translated from the Latin individuum and means individual.

It is impossible to find two absolutely identical people on the entire planet. Even twins have multiple differences from each other, both external and internal.

Some of these characteristics are inherent in us at the genetic level, while others are acquired in the process of education and socialization.

During the Soviet Union, standing out from the crowd was, at the very least, uncivilized and indecent. The central ideology of that period was the slogan of equality. People who dared to somehow express themselves were condemned and criticized.

In modern society, a completely different mindset operates: more flexible and liberated, devoid of shame. The majority tries to stand out from the “gray mass”, sometimes reaching the point of absurdity in such attempts (what is this?).

On the Internet you can find a lot of psychological literature, trainings and webinars that encourage you to “not be like everyone else!” Unfortunately, many, especially young people with fragile psyches, take this call literally, showing everyone an ugly parody of individuality (freaks, trolls, hype people, etc.).

Why is it needed?

What is individuality and why is it needed? Why take it into account and even know about it? In order to avoid long explanations, I will give a simple example that will answer all these questions.

Imagine that you are a participant in a competition, for example, readers. One of the participants is mute, the second is the author of poetic works, which he has been reading for many years, and you only know one and that is from the school literature curriculum. How can you be assessed equally?

Another example. Often young mothers are upset when they hear that someone’s baby started talking or walking earlier, began drawing, counting, and everything like that. And only a few know that all children are different: which of them and when they start doing something for the first time depends on their individual characteristics.

With the same height, people have different weights, builds, foot sizes, etc. We are all somehow different from each other, so we cannot lump everyone with the same brush.

Initially, a small child imitates adults in order to “fit in” with the general mass of people - to socialize. At the same time, he can do this not only in parental ways, but also in his own, original ways. Becoming a person, an individual acquires his own individuality.

The first half of life we ​​try to be like others, the second - to find our differences from them, to understand our personal purpose. We want to show up in something special, make our unique contribution, leave a mark on history.

From a psychological point of view, this is a very important point: an individual lifestyle gives a person a feeling of having a personal meaning of his existence .

Individual psychological characteristics of personality

People differ from each other by personal properties, that is, by traits inherent in one individual. The definition of “individual characteristics” denotes psychological and somatic (from Latin “body”) definitions of a person: height and figure, skeletal formation, eye color, hair, and so on.

An individual personality trait is the facial expressions of a person. A person’s face reflects not only the anatomical, but also the psychological specificity of a particular person. For example, when they say: “this person has wicked eyes”, “you have a conscious face”, they mean precisely the peculiarity of a psychological character inherent in a particular individual.

Let us summarize individually - psychological characteristics into four facets of personality:

1. Social qualities (moral orientation, worldview).
2. Biological qualities (vital needs, temperament, inclinations).
3. Individual traits that have a different mental nature.
4. Experience (a set of skills, habits and skills).

How to find your individuality: advice from a psychologist.

One is born as an individual, one becomes an individual, and individuality is defended.... This is exactly the phrase we were told in social studies classes in high school. What is individuality? What makes us unique, inimitable and who we are. What fundamentally distinguishes us from each other. What you need to have, appreciate and protect throughout your life.

There are a large number of people who, no, no, and even wonder how to find their individuality. The point is that each of us has it. The main thing is to feel it and pull it out.

Individuality: what it is and what it is eaten with.

A person’s individuality is manifested in many things:

- character;.- temperament;.- interests;.- hobbies and interests.

Individuality is formed in the environment where a person grows and develops, under the influence of upbringing, his environment, friends and family. As a rule, if a child developed well in childhood, was well brought up, had his own opinion, and grew spiritually and physically, then he does not have problems with individuality. Such a person is self-sufficient and beautiful. However, there are those who, unfortunately, simply cannot find themselves. Such people begin to adopt the behavior of their friends and relatives, turning into their copies. Which, you see, is completely unpleasant and unnecessary.

How to find your individuality: useful tips.

In order to find and fully reveal your inner world, you don’t need to move mountains. The advice we offer is simple, good and quite banal. But if you follow them, you can achieve tremendous results.

1. understand yourself. As already said, individuality is what makes each of us unique and unrepeatable

In order to solve this puzzle, it is important to understand yourself and your desires. Think about what you want and expect from life; what you like and what you don’t; how you like to spend your time and what is truly dear to you

Be sure to write down your answers on paper - visualization always helps.

2. believe in yourself. Inner strength and confidence are an important stage on the path to acquiring or discovering your individuality. Think about what you value. Are you ready to protect and defend your interests? Are you ready to openly tell the world about your desires? Then go ahead! Don’t forget that the most important friend and helper in life is next to you, it’s you. And with such a friend, it’s unlikely that anything can scare you.

3. love yourself and everything around you. There is no purer, brighter and more tender feeling in the world than love. Love for those who are close to us; love for animals, love for the world and, of course, love for oneself. A person who exudes this wonderful feeling looks at the world completely differently and looks somehow special. Can you really say that he has no personality?

Our advantages, our disadvantages are what distinguishes us from our friends, neighbors, all people on the planet. Don't compare yourself to anyone else and don't be jealous. Be proud of yourself, love and respect yourself, then the world will sparkle with completely different colors. Believe me.

4. find something of your own. The last piece of advice on the list, but far from least important. Every normal person should have something that makes him happy. What he is ready to devote all his free and non-free time to. Do you love to draw? So why not hone this skill and open your own gallery? Poetry? It's time to think about publishing your own books. Can't imagine your life without music? time to take guitar lessons and create a rock and roll band

Among hundreds of different things, find what is important to you and develop, develop in this direction. Then no one will dare to say that you have no personality

P.S: don’t be afraid to think and think differently than the rest of the world. This is what distinguishes us from each other.

Diagnostics

The degree of individuality formation may vary. Psychodiagnostics helps to determine it using conventional testing.

Personality test. Questions

I. A circle of friends is discussing a film that you personally liked, but others did not like. You:

1. you will immediately change your opinion about him;
2. change your opinion only after you are shown its weaknesses;
3. stay with your opinion;
4. change your mind because others understand it better.

II. You have been told something bad about a person you have seen, know, but have never personally interacted with. You:

1. remember everything you said so you can tell someone else;
2. immediately change the topic of conversation;
3. you will listen, but will not take it seriously until you communicate closely;
4. believe everything they say.

III. You want to buy something for yourself in the store, but your significant other talks you out of it. You:

1. don’t buy because your significant other wants it;
2. buy it next time you go to the store without your significant other;
3. buy it anyway;
4. don’t buy it because you don’t like the item.

IV. You travelling. However, the route planned by the guide does not include the attraction that you really want to see. You:

1. you go with a guide, but then you’ll kick yourself for missing the opportunity to see the attraction;
2. try to combine your interests with the plans of the guide;
3. go along your own route;
4. You completely trust the guide: he knows best what to see on the excursion.

V. You have learned about some innovation that destroys the generally accepted tradition. Your reaction:

1. study the information, but at the same time you will be guided by the opinions of your friends about the innovation;
2. carefully study the information about the innovation inside and out;
3. you won’t even think about it: most likely, this is just another nonsense;
4. Completely trust the opinions of your friends.

VI. Someone you know is pouring out their soul. You:

1. think about what others would say about it;
2. listen carefully, try to help;
3. you listen inattentively;
4. looking for something in his story to laugh at.

VII. What interests you most:

1. gossip;
2. science articles;
3. policy;
4. other people's opinions about you.

VIII. We read a sensation on the Internet. Your reaction:

1. believe unconditionally;
2. analyze sources, trying to understand whether it is true or not;
3. do not believe what is written;
4. you ask the opinions of others about this - you completely trust them in this matter.

IX. What is most important to you in life:

1. personal life;
2. spiritual growth;
3. career;
4. financial stability.

X. Your worldview does not coincide with your best friend's view of the world. You:

1. change your worldview;
2. try to understand the reasons;
3. think this is quite normal;
4. this is impossible, since your worldview always coincides with his.

Processing responses

Give points for each answer:

• for each answer under No. 1 - 2 points;
• under No. 2 - 3 points each;
• under No. 3 - 4 points each;
• No. 4 - 1 point.

Count their total number.

Test interpretation

Number of points scored: 10-15

The level of individuality is zero.

Description:

• someone else’s opinion is your guiding star in life;
• by personality type you are a stickler, who attaches to the majority;
• you never have your own point of view, you always unconditionally accept what others say;
• you disappear into the faceless crowd.

Recommendations:

1. A complete lack of individuality is most often a problem coming from childhood. To solve it, it is better to contact a professional psychologist.
2. Increase your self-esteem.
3. Start small: read a book (or watch a movie) and think about whether you liked it and why. Then ask others for their opinions. Don't change your point of view if it is different. Try to defend it.

Number of points scored: 16-25

The level of individuality is low.

Description:

• you value other people’s opinions too much, although they are not always decisive for you;
• by personality type you are a chameleon who changes his opinion depending on the situation and adapts it to others;
• even if you think and count in your own way, you will not demonstrate this, because you are too afraid of condemnation and disapproval;
• you go with the flow that the crowd sets.

Recommendations:

1. Learn to defend your point of view.
2. Try to delve into the reasons and essence of what is happening, and not take everyone’s word for it.
3. Develop independence.

Number of points scored: 26-34

The level of individuality is normal (average).

Description:

• you respect and acknowledge other people's opinions, but they do not affect yours in any way;
• by personality type you are a dolphin - smart, reasonable, trying to understand the essence of everything that happens, always ready to help others;
• do not be afraid to express your own point of view, even if it differs from others, but at the same time do it delicately, without imposing it on anyone;
• you can change your opinion if you are convinced that it is wrong - you are that rare person who knows how to admit that you are right;
• stand out in the crowd.

Recommendations:

1. Continue to develop your individuality.
2. Make sure she doesn't cross the line of "normal."
3. Help other people with personality development.

Number of points scored: 35-40

The level of individuality is increased.

Description:

• someone else’s opinion means nothing to you, since you consider yours to be the only correct one;
• by personality type you are a camel who looks down on others and doesn’t “give a damn” about what others think;
• you often get involved in completely unnecessary quarrels, trying to impose your opinion on everyone;
• never admit you are wrong;
• You stand out from the crowd as too bright a spot.

Recommendations:

1. Learn to take into account the opinions of others.
2. Understand what is happening thoroughly before getting involved in disputes in which you are completely incompetent.
3. You have high self-esteem, which should be lowered to a normal level.

There are also other questionnaires that allow you to determine the presence and degree of individuality.

Study approaches

Individuality is considered from the point of view of behavior, appearance and inner world of a person (this includes volitional attitudes, mental characteristics, worldview)

Some psychologists focus primarily on socialization, the ability to build interpersonal relationships and become a leader. The second - on the features of the physique and face

Still others focus on character accentuations.

In connection with such discrepancies in psychology, the main approaches to the typology of individuality have been formed:

• explanatory - establishing psychophysical correspondences (Kretschmer’s constitutional typology and Sheldon’s somatotypes);
• descriptive - drawing up individual typical portraits (methodology of Gannushkin and Lichko);
• therapeutic - highlighting individual personality traits (Jung's psychological types).

Many experts believe that individual traits cannot be typologized, since they manifest themselves differently in each person.

Today in psychology, integral individuality is most often considered - a concept introduced by the Soviet psychologist V. S. Merlin. These are the characteristics of the human personality at different levels:

• biochemical;
• general somatic;
• neurodynamic;
• psychodynamic;
• mental;
• socio-psychological;
• socio-historical.

In Russian psychology there is also the Teplov-Nebylitsyn school, which considers individual traits as manifestations of temperament.

How can I find my love. Disappointments in the past

It is not uncommon for people who have had a negative romantic experience or divorce to feel uncertain and afraid when looking for a new relationship.

It is important to know that not everything we want in life will be handed to us on a silver platter. That's why finding true love is quite difficult

That's why most of us prefer to wait for the weather by the sea: either it will happen or it won't.

But if you take this approach, you will never know that the person you like is exactly the one you need. How do you recognize a chosen one in a crowd who has no distinctive features? People experienced in love relationships believe that it is necessary to look for their happiness not outside themselves, but inside. The following tips will help you find your ideal partner.

Keep up with the latest technical innovations

Always learn something new.
Science is beyond fashion and standards. Every day incredible discoveries happen in the world. Anna Buslenko, physicist

“It is a complete misconception to consider the study of science to be boring and uninteresting. Scientific processes are constantly happening around each of us. Whether you are sitting in a movie theater or drinking a soda, you are becoming an object of science. Basic knowledge can put any dude in his place. Technical achievements, scientific breakthroughs, discoveries - they are what allow us to enjoy everything that we have today. Think about this as you press Enter again.”

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Human intellectual development

It's no secret that knowledge is power. When you own the information, you own the world, you look at the events around you completely differently, the naive views of the public who believe in a democratic society, that in the world the people decide, and not the rule of the strong, immediately disappears.

Intelligence is, first of all, the ability to predict certain events, find non-standard solutions in areas in which a person is very well versed, and not just adapt to new conditions, remember something new and correctly solve technical problems that no one needs in complex subjects. , which are very often completely meaningless, especially in the minds of immature children, due to their mental abilities.

Turning on the brain to solve complex problems

Why burden a person with highly developed humanitarian skills with solving complex problems in chemistry and physics? Give him the opportunity to develop in his field, do what he does best, and then the output will be specialists in his field who will be very difficult to manipulate.

This is where mathematicians are born who cannot count to ten, and philosophers who think like five-year-old children and dictate to all people how and with whom they should live, receiving millions in fees for this.

It’s like in the army, when they say don’t think, just do it, then you will think when you do it, and with ordinary people, don’t think, there is someone to think for you. Well, in practice, this is implemented in an elementary way, now no one needs to fight, there is the Internet, an information bomb that will destroy people’s minds, impose imaginary values, sex, alcohol, money, drugs, you just absorb it, it’s so easy not to think , but only to entertain yourself. This is what many people fall for, because all this abomination is embedded in our animal instincts, all that remains is to find the key to how to extract them, which, in principle, has already been done.

Thus, it can be emphasized that human intelligence is, first of all, needed not only for solving biological, animal problems (how to get food, how to seduce a girl/guy, how to outwit a person, and so on), but also in order to:

• not to be deceived (including by the state)
• not to be controlled
• understand the essence of things, not their illusion

In order to constantly improve your intellectual abilities:

• you need to constantly develop your mental abilities
• communicate with smart people, read smart literature
• be inquisitive
• compare and objectively evaluate information from different sources

Active brain activity

Sometimes it is also useful to communicate with a person who would be smarter and wiser than you, so that you feel like an “ant”, all this also contributes to personal growth and development of a person.

Our youth is a bunch of uneducated citizens who don’t care about anything, who degrade themselves, kill, give birth to the same generation, which dies out, thanks to natural selection, only the strongest survive, the one who owns the information. If you understand all this, then great, if not, then it’s time to think, change your way of life, otherwise Russia, which is already experiencing difficult times, will collapse completely.

Personal growth goals

Although personal growth is aimed at working out internal aspects, it is necessarily reflected in the outside world. One of the most striking signs of development is the realization by a person of his own plans. Mobilization of internal resources allows you to achieve your goals in an environmentally friendly way, without harming other people.

However, you can look at it from the other side. The process of personal growth cannot be imagined without setting appropriate goals. In fact, the desire to become better is already an independent intention. That is, following a certain goal ensures human development, and vice versa. But sometimes the plans outlined do not require the development of personal qualities. Then self-development acts as a basis that helps to achieve success in this matter.

For example, if a person needs to improve the skill of persuasion, he does not need to develop any moral qualities. But in many trainings, learning this ability will be presented as personal growth. Depending on what is meant by development, improving this skill will or will not constitute personal growth.

If the ability to persuade is one of the conditions for the formation of an integral and harmonious personality, development must occur in accordance with certain principles. If a person defends his own point of view, resorting to manipulation, intimidation and pressure, this has nothing to do with self-improvement.

As already mentioned, personal growth is inextricably linked with the principle of environmental friendliness. In this context, the ends do not justify the means at all, especially if the methods used may harm others.

For example, if a person plans to open his own business, then his goal is to launch this project. It should be remembered that business is impossible without customers.

This means that you need to pay attention not only to ways to promote the product, but also to its quality. The goal of the business should be to sell a truly necessary and high-quality product, and not simply make a profit

Personal growth in this case will be conducting honest and decent business activities. To do this, it is enough not to deceive your customers: sell products with a good shelf life, do not pass off a fake as an original, speak openly about all the characteristics of the product, etc.

And the very idea of ​​a future business project should be environmentally friendly. It's no secret that today there are plenty of fly-by-night companies that disappear with the money of customers or partners. Yes, this is also a business, but it has nothing to do with moral development.

It turns out that personal growth must meet certain conditions. It is not enough to simply improve a skill; you must constantly work on your character and values.

Be creative, develop creativity and pay attention to details

True beauty is not a flashy wrapper or an expensive device.
Beauty is about subtle details. Look for beauty in the details, without being distracted by the motley mass. Svetlana Sokolova, designer

“A person needs comfortable living conditions. And no matter how it sounds, comfort can be created literally from improvised means. Every day we come across familiar things and don’t even suspect where beauty is born. Getting used to the imposed “standards” of beauty, we begin to forget the true value of the natural. Look closely at the little things, look at the world more broadly, take advantage of your capabilities, create.”

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