“A truly great person is a work of art.” – Suzy Cassim.
Trying to explain what exactly makes someone great is like trying to define love because everyone has a unique vision of what “cool” looks like.
Some people consider rock musicians in leather outfits to be the epitome of cool, while others are fascinated by English professors surrounded by stacks of literature, or their neighbors who can decorate their homes with three pine branches and a roll of string.
All of these passions and skills are very different, but they all come across as cool because they have that certain “something” that allows them to stand out from the crowd effortlessly.
But cool isn’t just about outward appearance. A person’s actions carry much more weight than their appearance or clothing.
Psychologists suggest that cool people’s attitude and calm demeanor are what make them who they are.
Coolness is also about accepting yourself and acting genuinely, being kind to others, meeting people where they are, and so on.
Wondering what other traits people who are considered cool might have? Read on!
1) Cool people make everyone feel comfortable
One of the most amazing things about cool people is how quickly they make everyone feel comfortable. That’s because cool people are fully present at the moment and genuinely interested in the feelings and perspectives of others.
They use a technique experts call active listening and enthusiastically participate in the conversation, making everyone feel heard and valued.
This tends to leave a strong impression on people.
2) They Are Who They Are
Many people will change their outward personality based on the people they’re with. For example, your boss gets the quieter version of you, while your friends get the wilder side of you.
Cool people, on the other hand, bring their unique vibe to every situation, every time. Appropriately, of course, but they are who they are.
3) Cool people are independent
Cool people are incredibly independent. And because they tend to be friendly, others often admire this individuality.
After all, there’s nothing quite as cool as having the confidence to go after the life you want without fear.
Another crucial element of coolness is a person’s lack of interest in impressing others. Cool people do things because they want to, not because of how they look.
Part of being cool is not caring about whether people think you’re cool.
4) They’re unaffected
According to psychology, cool people are just as stressed out and prone to stress as anyone else.
However, they’re unaffected.
Imagine Bug Rabbit nonchalantly chewing on his carrot while Elmer Fudd points a gun at his head.
Cool people (and little bunnies) understand that staying in control in stressful situations is beneficial in the long run. They realize that there’s nothing to be gained from getting emotional except more chaos and misery.
They maintain a calm demeanor, which allows them to judge the situation with much greater clarity than someone who’s falling apart. These people have an innate ability to see the big picture and realize that most of our fears never come true.
At the very least, cool people know that losing them won’t change anything or improve the outcome. That’s why being around people who are calm, cool, and collected is so comforting.
5) They’re ready for anything
Cool people carefully assess a situation before getting upset or giving in. They seem more capable than anyone else because they’re always prepared.
Cool people make everything they do seem natural and easy, whether it’s changing the oil in their car, learning to play the piano, or running a 10K for the first time. They take a deep breath and figure it out.
“How hard can it be? I can do it,” is the motto of cool people.
6) Cool people don’t judge others
Cool people don’t try to hide their quirks. They embrace them, which makes it easier for them to accept the quirks of others.
Because of this trait, cool people are very open-minded and don’t judge others, which makes them magnets for people.
After all, people enjoy being around someone who makes them feel good about themselves, and cool people exude positivity.
7) Lack of External Validation
As mentioned, coolness is an unwillingness to impress others, especially by pretending to be someone you’re not.
Cool people realize that they don’t need external validation to be their authentic selves. They realize that the only validation that carries any weight is their own.
8) Adventurous and Fearless
Why do we admire cool people?
The reason is simple. Because they do all the things we are afraid to do ourselves. This kind of unshakable self-confidence is one of the main reasons people seem cool to others.
Most cool people are rebels by nature. They don’t believe that might make right. They believe that values and morals are the true measure of justice, not authority.
9) They are authentic
According to psychology, the foundation of coolness is a person’s authenticity. Effortlessly cool people don’t try to be anyone other than exactly who they are.
They never hide themselves no matter how strange or unconventional their personality may be.
It would never occur to them to wear separate masks for every situation. With cool people, what you see is what you get.
10) Cool people are fun
Why are people always drawn to those they consider cool? Because cool people are fun to be around, plain and simple.
Because it’s impossible to be bored around someone who can turn a trip to the dumpster into a good time.
We love them because they turn even the most mundane experiences into something unforgettable.
Cool people know how to get the best out of life.
That explains why the coolest person in your group of friends is always diving into freezing waters, spontaneously dragging you along on their latest adventure, and making everyone laugh with their unique observations.
Final Thoughts
Social media makes it so easy for people to brag about themselves while basking in the glow of their followers’ admiration.
You can make yourself look larger than life with just a few keystrokes.
Cool people don’t play this game. They know that their hard work and perseverance are responsible for their successes, but they never forget that their mentors, their amazing team, and a big dose of luck also played a role.
Cool people are humble. That’s why they’re not afraid to ask questions or ask for advice. They know that the only silly question is the one that’s not asked.
They recognize and acknowledge the strengths and accomplishments of others they associate with.
Great people don’t congratulate themselves on what they’ve accomplished in the past. Instead, they focus on what they want to accomplish in the future.
In general, great people are great.
