How to Describe Yourself - Your Positive & Effective Qualities
91Why being able to describe yourself and others is helpful
Learning how to describe yourself and others accurately is something we usually have to put some effort into. This seems to be especially true in most western cultures where being honest about our skills, qualities and attributes can be confused with being arrogant, "blowing your own trumpet" and being excessively self indulgent.
(Below you will find a list of around 180 adjectives to help you describe yourself.)
I know from my experience of delivering training programs and seminars on improving confidence and self esteem, that when participants are asked to state just five of their best qualities a hushed embarrassment fills the room. "I don't know," is the most common response. Conversely, we're all a lot better at listing our faults and failings and can get onto that task without any difficulty! It's like most of us haven't even dared to think about the question, "What's good about me?" - if that's you, then it's even more important that you read on.
Well ask yourself now! "What's good about you?"
How many descriptive words can you come up with? Knowing how to describe yourself is something that comes in very useful especially on resumes, job aplications and in job interviews. On top of that many of us now use dating websites, forums and have profile pages on various websites that ask us to describe ourselves or provide a bio. An added bonus to knowing how to describe our positive qualitities, is that it helps us combat all the negative talk that goes on in our heads - the voice that continually tells us what and where we're going wrong.
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Why "good" is not so good
If you are a leader, manager or teacher
One of things that an effective leader will do is help others to identify their positive qualities, because people that feel good about themselves, will be better team members. Instead of using the word "good" all of the time think about a more descriptive adjective you could use. How about, "the way you got round that problem was really creative", or, "you're a brilliant mediator - the team works so much more effectively when you are around."
If you are a parent
As parents it's our job to help our children recognise their unique personal attributes. Again, being a "good girl" (or boy) is not very descriptive and will not do much to add to your child's self knowledge, sense of identity or confidence. One of the reasons most of us are so poor at describing our own positive traits is because our parents did not help us identify them. Next time you are thinking of praising your child, why not consider if there is a better word you could use instead of "good".
If you were looking for information on how to describe yourself physically then I'm sorry because you won't find that here. What we're going to do is get to the nitty gritty of who you are and help you find the words to describe yours and others unique qualities.
Words to describe yourself
Because we could all identify with 90% of these adjectives in some situation or other, I'd suggested picking 10 - 15 words that describe how you are most of the time, regardless of the situation. It might be helpful to think about who are you when you are on your own, doing your own thing? There will be very few other people who will identify the exact same combination because we are all different.
Effective Qualities
Honest
Assertive
Attentive
Direct
Broad-minded
Committed
Conscientious
Dynamic
Hard Worker
Persistent
Mature
Methodical
Motivated
Objective
Tenacious
Sociable
Friendly
Realistic
Reliable
Resourceful
Respectful
Responsible
Creative
Confident
Traditional
Trustworthy
Unconventional
Unique
Ecclectic
Positive Qualities
Inventive
Exciting
Thoughtful
Powerful
Practical
Proactive
Productive
Professional
Quality
Quick
Balanced
Achiever
Knowledgeable
Leader
Literate
Logical
Initiator
Original
Outgoing
Particular
Patient
Active
Positive
Consistent
Compassionate
Incredible
Independent
With Integrity
Mediator
Emotional
Cheerful
Forgiving
Sensuous
Generous
Sporty
Devoted
Candid
Rebellious
Cooperative
Industrious
Interesting
Racy
Meditative
Understanding
Quirky
Quixotic
More Effective Qualities
Optimistic
Accomplished
Adept
Analytical
Articulate
Artistic
Self Disciplined
Contraversial
Individual
Tolerant
Naive
Green
Unselfish
Sophisticated
Stable
Strong
Successful
Tactful
Talented
Team Player
Fun
Intelligent
Changeable
Passionate
Intense
Intuitive
Upbeat
Vibrant
Funny
Constructive
Customer-oriented
Dependable
Direct
Loyal
Curious
Leader
More Positive Qualities
Competitive
Political
Social Consciousness
Modest
Courageous
Enthusiastic
Enterprising
Entrepreneurial
Facilitator
Focused
Genuine
Open Minded
Wise
Sensitive
Sense of Humor
Sensible
Sincere
Skilled
Solid
Communicative
Helpful
Fast
Responsible
Results-driven
Results-oriented
Self-reliant
Organised
Knowledgeable
Logical
Personable
Pleasant
Flexible
Adaptable
Persuasive
Perceptive
Insightful
Trustworthy
Easy going
Good listener
Imaginative
Warm
Ambitious
Diplomatic
Your list of positive qualities
So how did you get on? How does it feel to identify your positive qualities? Good I hope! Put some practice into learning how to describe yourself and you will find an increase in self esteem and confidence and probably an improvement in your relationships too!
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If you found this exercise challenging or difficult then it may be that you need to start work on building your self confidence.
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Check out this great confidence building blog which will guide you through the process step by step and provides solid advice for common confidence problems.
Please let me know If you thought of any other positive descriptive words by leaving a comment below and remember to bookmark this list in case you need to come back to it. You never know when you will be required to know how to describe yourself and let people know about your positive and effective qualities.
- quick learner
- genuine
- warm
- inventive
- rebellious
- direct
- generous
- insightful
- tenacious
How I describe myself
These are the words I think best describe me:
- perceptive
- down to earth
- open minded
- knowledgeable
- logical
- analytical
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Hi Elisabeth - glad you enjoyed it:) I also hope you were successful in your job search!?
This is really a great list. Being a writer, I don't have a problem describing myself, including pointing out some of the not so great things about me, like my stubbornness for example! I have more of a problem describing others who are close to me as I'm always concerned by what they'll think of me after being too honest!
I totally agree. I find it very hard to describe myself in a positive light without sounding arrogant. I don't know why it's so hard to do, but I can only either sound humble or cocky.
Being honest with these kinds of descriptions requires gracefully walking the line between self-promotion and self-deprecation. And it's easy to overthink it.
that was baf
'Really'Good Hub Susana!
Ummmmm it certainly illustrates what it must be like to be the nail when its just been hit on the head..lol.
Made me realise that whenever anyone asks me how I am.. I seem to always reply; "I'm Good."
I agree with your advice. Whenever my parents told us that we couldn't do something.. Can't was inspirational to "Yes I Can."
However, always one to be Flirtatious..(with death of course)...When told I could... I would think; "Nope, it took you too long to agree.. so I changed my mind!"
Wow.. I guess I'm Very Skilled at being Contrary!
This article reminds me of a teacher I once had who made his students rewrite papers if they used words such as "good" or "nice" rather than more descriptive choices! I completely agree that our children benefit greatly by being told how wonderful they are with adjectives unique to their talents. Teaching kids to have this strong sense of themselves would help them immensely. Thanks.
Dohn - I think we always find it easier to describe our not so brilliant qualities. I'm not sure why it's so much easier to pick out the negative in ourselves and others - what do you think? BTW I think you're a loyal, warm & thoughtful fan! Thank you :)
Misthaven - do you really sound arrogant or just think you do? We're so conditioned to be self depreciating, going against that feels kind of weird to start with. I'll start you off. From my limited experience of you I'd say you're intelligent, motivated and probably a bit of a rebel too!
Susan Boyle - I'm not sure if "baf" is good or bad but thanks for stopping by!
PearlDiver - I never realised you were so contrary and rebellious! We certainly are similar there. You're not an aquarian are you? Quirky, funny, intelligent, perceptive, independent... hmmm all the signs are there!
Thank you for writing this. I'm eagerly studying your hub but would also like to know how to put the "rate or flag this page" code at the top of my hub?
Hi Sue - thanks for stopping by and having a read :) No need to worry about code with your Hubpages - the "rate or flag this hub" link is on every page automatically.
Duhh! I was looking at my page in Edit mode that is why I didn´t see it. Sorry and thanks!
Hy Susana S!
Many thanks for this wonderful positive view of human qualities. I definitely spied a few words here that describe me or friends I know. I know someone who had to attend a clinic for depression after losing a baby. Losing one's confidence can be a traumatc event, and people need guidance and help through it. I am bookmarking this and archiving it for posterity, and reference! More please! Thank you so much! (And thank you for being a fan too!!) Give the girl a big hug!
Hello there Susana S, TrudyVan here
If only people will realize that we are all unique in our own special way and to except each other, there would be less violence in our world
I always tend to discribe myself in not such a good light. Perhaps I should change that. Well written hub and I enjoyed reading. Big thumbs up from me.
Great tips, thanks!
I love your list of various descriptions, very cool hub!
Great article. Very useful. Thanks.
Thanks to everyone who has stopped by and those that have taken the time to leave comments :)
Trudy - I agree that we do need to be mindful of what's good about others and especially value their positive skills ans attributes. It would make the world a better place I'm sure :)
Helen - it's amazing how quickly we can come up with our faults isn't it?! I wonder why it seems more "natural" to do that?
I think you have written it for me..lol I am one of those saying "I don't know". Thanks for great tips to raise our self-esteem. =)
Great hub. I guess we all have to be able to describe ourselves and others especially if we are going to head out into the business world using social media.
Another way to look at it is to ask these questions.
Who am I?
Who am I not?
Where do I want to be in five years time?
and importantly..
What am I doing about it to get there?
These are not adjectives but soul searching questions and sometimes a little harder to answer...
I hope you don't mind Susana, but I have added a link to a competition I entered for writers and soul searchers on Facebook HERE which asks the same questions. If you can tear yourself away from HubPages (I know its hard!) you might want to throw me your vote or even better enter the competition yourself and ask your friends to vote for you. There are some great prizes and the entries are a mmm..fantastic read!
Neil
Wow Susana, that's quite a list there. I didn't know there are a lot of positive attributes to go by. I'm taking my time picking ones for me but heck, I'll enjoy your hub first =). Thanks.
That's allot of adjectives. Very useful hub, thumbs up.
Hi Hoop a Joo - don't think we've met before, so Hello! If the hub helps you with raising self esteem I'm pleased as could be :)
Neil - you've identified some great questions to ask ourselves. Soul searching is one of my favourite past times :)
Emievil - post the ones you think describe you if you want :) To get over the modesty hurdle, lol! BTW - lovely little girl in your profile pic - she's such a cutie :)
Hi Jewels - you just made me realise something! The descriptive words are adjectives not verbs, duh. What a plonker I am. So, i'm very glad you stopped by :)
hehehe, maybe we can make this a new thread in the forum and get everyone to say their qualities. hmmmm.
Thanks, she's my 3-year old niece. She's staying with us and she loves posing for the camera. =)
I love your article - really great. Thanks for sharing.
Love it. Bookmarking this hub, excellent information. Thank you.
Great information for everyone. Lot of people can use this. Very nice job. Thank you.
Great topic! Like your writting style as well!
Your hub was creative and super fantastic, thanks for sharing. creativeone59
i will say i am anything but you if they ask me to describe
me lol kidding in btw nice hub
excellent. I have had to do this on numerous occasions and at different workshops, it's very helpful. also helpful to remember when communicating with children to descriptively point out what we like about something they did, or the way they handled a situation and not fall into the trap of over praising a child. wonderful to read, thank you!
Thanks to everyone for all the genuine, generous & articulate comments :) Glad you enjoyed it :)
I enjoyed this hub and will return for more...
A rather useful reference when one runs out of adjectives
nice work!
You know, my favorite part of this hub was the part about parenting. I am a mother of four small children. It is easy to get lazy with things, and your prospective just made me realize that I could be a better parent. Thank you for another wonderful informational hub. People will learn from you.
You certainly hit on the key point that many of us have a difficult time of coming up with positive qualities we possess. This article made me look at my more positive qualities, which makes for a rather effective confidence boost. This article certainly contains an uplifting and hopeful message that everyone would benefit from.
I like this hub!
Wow Awesome hub your on your way to to be great here at hubpages
For the most part I can consistantly assign the same adjectives to myself - with a few additional ones on some days.
This is an amazing hub and learned a lot reading it. Thank you.
heyy
woow man i figured a lot of thing out of this article
it has a some really important things everyone should know about it and i think this article can make some people re-think in many things in there liefs
thks a lot
Really Thanks......Go Ahead.We Will Ever grateful to You.
Great hub,first I will study about other I could study myself.
Awesome positively inspiring hub Susanna , so wish I had a printer. I know I learned all of this long ago , but I need reminding these days. Good work. Now back to that list!
A great hub, I always felt like I was a 0 but now maybe not, A very good hub.
Robert Elias Ballard
Very nice hub. Keep up the good job !
what if i say non of above word described me exactly.. actually i am sometimes all of them... but yes, article is superb... i really liked so much.. now what abt. listing some bad word abt u?? coz i think, one should know his/her drawbacks as well..
Great hub Susana! To me there's nobody that knows me better than myself and I'm always able and ready to describe myself whether it be my "good" qualities or my "not so good" qualities. Nobody is perfect, and we have to find happiness with ourselves regardless of our personal qualities when it comes to "who" or "what" we are.
This would be great to read right before a job interview! Great content.
Ill remember this hub when I praise my daughter. Thank you, it is very helpfull.
I love what you write here... I strongly agree to what you said about being a Parent we should be able to recognize our child's personality... Through this we can be able to help them build a healthy future.. Thanks
This is a great article. I never really paused to think that there were so many common words and phrases being used to describe oneself. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Hey, this is a great hub. Very inspiring, I'm plenty of those things...this is a fantastic reminder that it's okay to embrace all the wonderful things about ourselves.
cheerful
Isn't the english language wonderful?
Great article. Who knew there were so many adjectives. As one person stated this would come in handy before a job interview.
Hi! tis page is really amazing as a psychologist and as a trainer your right that there are people who always answer "i don't know" to the question describe your self.. this page is really helpful.
thaks a lot..
your a good source of information..
...somehow it boost my energy today! thank you very much for this energy boosting hub ma'am! :)...
Very great hub. Thanks, I'll bookmark this hub Susanna.
Funny
Productive
Responsible
Results-driven
---->thats me!!!!!!
Great descriptors. I am a proponent of positive thinking and the use of positive words but I never had a useful list like this before. Thanks
Really good!
EVERY INTENTIVE
Very informative hub, enjoyed reading it.
This topic is so important, how we see ourselves has a huge impact on how much success we will experience in life. I have had to work on this just to overcome depression and low self esteem. I take this hub as a challenge so here goes.....
I am creative
I am emotionally and mentally speaking strong
I have a great sense of humor
I can get along well with most people
I am a great friend to have
I know how to turn hard work into fun work and that means I get stuff done!
I am empathetic and love helping people when I can
I could go on and on and on but one of my best qualities, I know when to stop lol.
Thanks for sharing your experience in this area. I keep learning more and more from you!
Thanks for writing this! Describing myself is something I struggle with whenever it comes up.
It's kinda hard for me to really describe myself! i may be a writer, but when it comes to me, myself, and I, I see myself differantly than others. Even with all the words, the only thing i can think of for myself is creative. i dont see myself as pretty, or beautiful, or anything that others see in me.
Great topic very important how you view yourself inwardly. Because that is what matters the most in terms of self esteem and continuing to move upward with positive progress. How you feel about yourself, that is what will keep you going from day to day on the mindset that you have choose. I believe me to be humorous, real compassionate for sincere individuals, and giving with encouragement. I strive to uplift.
Very nice article on how to describe yourself. It is important to discover oneself.
this would be a great list to pull words from when writing a resume
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elisabethkcmo says:
3 months ago
Susana, wish I had this hub to read before going on several job interviews lately, it's hard when you are asked to describe yourself to not say ummmm.....
great hub!