Do you often feel like an outsider in today’s fast-paced digital world?
Have you ever felt like you should’ve been born in more simplistic, past decades?
Do you ever feel out of sync with people your own age?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then you may be an old soul.
What Is an Old Soul?
Being an old soul does not depend on how you look.
Instead, it relates to the way you approach life and how you view your direct (and indirect) experiences.
It is likely that your opinions and outlooks are akin to those who are much older than you.
Often, you seem to possess a great sense of wisdom far beyond your years and are more attuned to your inner self than others.
Those who are surrounded with people their own age but yet can’t connect, aren’t overjoyed by the same things or don’t regard modern topics as important, tend to be old souls.
It can be rather frustrating — especially if you’re still in school — but knowing for sure can really take the pressure off.
Are You an Old Soul?
If you have unexplained wisdom, feel like you’ve lived before, or just feel out of place with your own age group, you may well be an old soul.
By the end of this article, you will be able to tell for yourself.
Take a look at these 14 tell-tale signs that you’re an old soul!
List Of 14 Signs You’re An Old Soul:
#1 You Speak Less And Listen More![14 Signs You're An Old Soul Though You Don't Appear To Be](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'/%3E%3C/svg%3E)
You don’t mind listening to others and letting them take the spotlight they crave. The need to impress everyone with how much you know become lesser as you become wiser.
You speak only when your words are better than your silence. Also, you know your value is not in what you show but in what you are as a person.
#2 You’re Open-Minded![meditation woman](https://www.insightstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/meditation-woman.jpg.webp)
Old souls tend to be willing to see things from other people’s perspectives rather than simply accepting one viewpoint as valid. They formulate their opinions after careful consideration of multiple viewpoints, rather than simply making snap judgments.
Moreover, they tend to be open to new ideas and concepts, which contributes to their intelligence.
This doesn’t mean that they are gullible or easily swayed from their own opinions. Actually, old souls are less likely to be manipulated and more likely to confidently stand by their own opinions.
#3 You Tend To Be Quite Self-Critical![woman joke](https://www.insightstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/woman-joke.jpg.webp)
Although someone might not be actively trying to impress, the ability to acknowledge one’s own faults and the willingness to work on correcting them can be a sign that he is an old soul.
#4 You Make Jokes
If you’re quick-witted and enjoy making others laugh, chances are you’re an old soul.
#5 Deeper Connection To An Inner Self-Reliance![meditation woman third eye pray](https://www.insightstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/meditation-woman-third-eye-pray.jpg.webp)
You know yourself, but do you know your Self? In the east, there’s a big distinction between the self and the Self.
It’s actually the difference between thinking you’re a personality with dislikes and likes and thinking you are a spark of the Universe.
That kind of distinction will completely change the way you view yourself and the world and give you a new sense of confidence and strength.
If you’re getting a calm, clear feeling that the world is completely open to you and your potential is limitless, this is a sign you’re identifying more with the Self and connecting to the third eye.
READ MORE: What Is The Astral Plane Like?
#6 You’re Not On Your Phone All The Time![Phone All The Time](https://www.insightstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Phone-All-The-Time.jpg.webp)
In 2017, the University of Texas-Austin conducted a study to observe how distracting our phones really are.
Scientists gave the study participants 1 of three instructions – leave the phones where they normally put them, place phones face down on their desk during the test, or leave all belongings in a separate room before entering the test area.
All were told to turn their phones to silent mode.
Study participants who left their phones in a different room performed better on the task at hand than their peers.
Scientists concluded that having our phones near us makes it more difficult for us to remain focused without feeling the constant need to check our devices.
They concluded that our phones are dumbing us down and draining our abilities to stay present.
#7 You’re A Quick Thinker
If you can process information relatively quickly, that’s another sign that you’re an old soul.
This skill is another mechanical skill that works with your abstract reasoning capabilities to give a clearer picture of your overall wisdom and intelligence.
READ MORE: Spiritual Meaning of Waking Up at 2AM
#8 You Have Lots Of Self-Control![meditation and itchy skin](https://www.insightstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/meditation-and-itchy-skin.jpg.webp)
Old souls tend to have strong self-control and can resist making impulsive decisions. This is also thought to go hand in hand with their intelligence.
A group of psychologists from Yale and other universities tested this in 2009 with a study that was issued in Psychological Science.
The psychologists tested how self-control relates to intelligence by giving the study participants intelligence tests and offering them reward money.
The study participants could choose to wait longer and be paid a higher amount, or be paid immediately. The individuals who chose to wait for the money tended to have better scores on the test.
Therefore, if you have a strong tendency to weigh all of your options, and can resist making impulsive decisions, it might be time to embrace your inner genius.
#9 You Face Your Problems
You may find yourself facing a bunch of difficult problems, however, an old soul won’t let those bring them down. Also, he will know how to prioritize and deal with problems as they arise before things even get a chance to start spinning out of control.
If you are the type of person who welcomes challenges and faces problems, always dancing on the edge of your comfort zone, chances are that you are an old soul.
READ MORE: 20 Spiritually Inclined Celebrities
#10 You’re The Silent Type![](https://www.insightstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/meditate-man-house.jpg.webp)
You’ll find plenty of misconceptions about old souls, e.g. being labeled as socially awkward, introverts, and so on.
This isn’t unquestionably true, and while not all old souls are necessarily smart, they will commonly refrain from speaking if they are accessing a situation.
Usually, they will take some time to think about what was said and prepare an adequate response. Additionally, old souls find silence better than pointless small talk.
#11 You Do Not See The Worst In Every Situation
Old souls realize that no matter what is happening in one’s life right now, it’s going to pass eventually.
That nothing lasts forever, not even the bad times. Also, they try to focus on what they can do to move forward, rather than questioning why something is happening to them in the first place.
READ MORE: Spiritual Meaning Of Pink Full Moon
#12 You Meditate Several Times Per Week![meditation man](https://www.insightstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/meditation-man.jpg.webp)
According to French philosopher Blaise Pascal:
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
Meditation is essential to having self-awareness.
When you’re awake, self-awareness leads to better creativity, emotional control, and clarity of thought.
#13 You Can Read People
Old souls are able to read people like a book. They are extremely sensitive to the energy of others.
Also, they are able to pick up on body language very well.
READ MORE: 10 Signs You Need To Clear Negative Energy From Yourself
#14 You Find Crowds Stressful
You prefer one-on-one time, where it’s more intimate. If spending time around a lot of people is inevitable, you can’t wait to go home and recharge your batteries.
Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty Images
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As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.