How to Instantly (and Easily) Become More Independent

It takes a lot to be independent.

It's not just being able to survive when your two closest friends are busy; it's so much more than that.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to instantly become more independent.

Keep scrolling to find out what they are!

Spend More Time With Yourself

One of the easiest ways to become more independent as quickly as possible is by spending some quality time with yourself. When you become overwhelmed with all you have to do for school, your part-time job and trying to maintain a solid social life, your relationship with yourself tends to take a backseat. To improve that relationship, try and do at least one thing every week with no one else involved but you. This could be going to the movies on your own or shopping all by yourself. In order to be truly independent, you need to feel comfortable being alone every once in a while. So get on with your bad self and feel confident being a party of one.

 

Put Your Needs First

Going off of the above point, when there is so much going on in our lives, we often forget to put our needs first. We always think about how we can help our friends, family, peers, etc., but never question ways in which we can be there for ourselves. This may sound a bit selfish, to put your needs ahead of everyone else's, but it's really not. We've mentioned this before, but you're the only person guaranteed to be by your side all throughout life, so it's up to you to build a strong relationship with yourself.

When you do this, it'll very clearly create an everlasting bond with yourself. You'll know what you want and won't let anything stand in your way. Even more than that, it'll help you figure out the people and things in your life that are taking up space they don't need to. Understanding what doesn't suit your needs will allow you to make more room for what and who does.

(The Parent Trap via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

 

Schedule Your Time Wisely

In line with the first two points, there's this misconception that being independent means you spend more time alone than you do with others. There are plenty of independent people who know how to balance their time wisely and spend a decent amount with those most important to them. They just know that those people won't waste their time or take advantage of them for their own personal gain. So as much as you should have plenty of quality time with yourself, you won't be any less independent if you hang out with your besties or fam more than you do yourself.

We're humans, we're naturally social beings. The important thing is that when you notice your schedule is packed with things to do with or for others, you balance it out by penciling in fun things to do with or for yourself. We know this probably sounds like something that would deflate independence, seeing as your beholden to a schedule, but doing so will help you in the long run. Eventually, you won't need to plan it all out and will be able to just do it.

 

Think for Yourself

Not only must you do for yourself, but it's vital you think for yourself. Don't be afraid to question what you've been taught, especially if it doesn't make sense to you or you know it's wrong. Heck, don't even shy away from doubting yourself every now and then. Wondering why things are the way they are or why people believe certain things will cause you to do plenty of research and you'll quickly have all the answers. This isn't an easy thing to do, especially when it comes to questioning yourself and your loved ones. By taking time to practice this, you'll grow to be one incredibly independent human.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

Be More Assertive

Along with being an independent thinker, you have to make your voice heard. It can be terrifying to do so, but it needs to be done. Those who are truly independent are fantastic at doing this, because they know who they are and what they want. When they get the sense that someone is trying to walk all over them, they're quick to set their boundaries. When they notice someone is spreading false information, they come at them with the facts. This probably sounds like bossy people are independent, but that's not at all what we're saying. Assertiveness is knowing that your feelings and opinions are just as important as everyone else's, so you make them known to the world around you. The next time something doesn't sit right with you, don't be afraid to assert your feelings or opinions.

 

Stop Asking for Permission

Don't read this as be your own person and do whatever you want without facing any consequences—yes, you still have to ask your parents if you can go out on Friday night. Rather, we're talking about being brave enough to make decisions for yourself. Obviously, more monumental decisions can be made with a little help from your family and friends, but wondering what you should eat for lunch, which color you should dye your hair or how to respond to your crush's text don't require the world to weigh in on the topic at hand. You are very capable of making decisions on your own, so don't hesitate.

(The Flash via The CW)

 

If you're hoping to become a better friend, HERE are six ways to instantly do just that.