People Who Were Considered ‘Strong-Willed’ as Children Often Develop These 10 Traits as Adults
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Parenting a strong-willed child can be challenging, as these children are highly independent, persistent, and determined, often preferring to make their own choices. Dr. Molly Burrets, a clinical psychologist, explains that while traits like resilience and drive are valuable in adulthood for leadership and problem-solving, strong-willed individuals can also be seen as stubborn or oppositional when their views conflict with authority. These traits, if properly managed with self-awareness, can lead to personal growth. Psychologists suggest that helping strong-willed children embrace their strengths while addressing weaknesses can lead to positive outcomes.
Here are 10 Common Traits of People Considered ‘Strong-Willed’ as Kids, According to Psychologists:
1. Strong leaders: Strong-willed children often exhibit natural leadership abilities, confidently coming up with their own ideas and taking charge. Dr. Dakari Quimby explains that this confidence in childhood typically continues into adulthood, with these children likely to rise to leadership positions in their careers.
2. Effective communicators: Strong-willed children often develop solid communication skills due to their inherent confidence. Dr. Catherine Nobile explains that their determination makes them effective communicators, as they are assertive and willing to discuss difficult or uncomfortable topics.
3. Willingness to challenge authority: Strong-willed children, as adults, develop a strong sense of justice and empathy. They are sensitive to perceived unfairness and often advocate for fairness and equity in relationships. This trait may lead them to challenge authority when they believe something is unjust, such as questioning a police officer or confronting a supervisor.
4. Authority issues: Strong-willed children may grow into adults who challenge authority, which can be both beneficial and problematic. While questioning injustice is important, their tendency to question everything can make it difficult to follow orders in structured environments like schools or workplaces.
5. Strong focus: Strong-willed children are persistent and determined, pushing through setbacks and obstacles that might deter others. Their focus on achieving goals drives them to develop strategies and proactively solve problems.
6. Definitive decision-making: Strong-willed children grow into adults who are confident in making quick decisions and taking charge. Their independence and ability to make choices for themselves help them lead and act decisively, especially in uncertain situations.
7. Independence: Strong-willed children may resist helicopter parenting because they’re eager to do things independently. Dr. Nobile says this desire for independence can carry into adulthood, and these folks will often problem-solve before seeking help.
8. Selective hearing: Strong-willed individuals’ intense focus on their goals can lead to selective hearing, where they ignore topics unrelated to their focus. This behavior stems from being conditioned to stay fixated on their thoughts, making it difficult for them to shift their mindset.
9. Intense emotions: Strong-willed individuals often experience intense emotions, which can carry over into adulthood. While this can be beneficial at times, it can also be overwhelming, especially if they struggled with emotional processing as children due to their strong desire to act or feel a certain way.
10. Competitive: Strong-willed children often grow into competitive adults, driven by personal standards and goals. While this competitiveness can be motivating, it can also create stress in team settings and make collaboration with others challenging at times.
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