Word for doing things on your own

Some people don’t like the support from others. They like to get things done on their own to show that they are capable, and that’s okay! It’s a good character trait (sometimes). This article will explore the best words to describe these people.

There are plenty of great words we can use. Perhaps one of the following will work well for you:

• Self-sufficient
• Self-reliant
• Self-made
• Independent
• Autonomous
• Lone wolf
• Self-actualizing
• Hermit
• Loner
• Reclusive

The preferred version is “self-sufficient.” It works well to show that someone is happy to do their own thing, and they will only ever rely on themselves to get what they want out of life. It’s a great character trait for people to have.

Self-Sufficient

“Self-sufficient” is a great way for us to show that someone is able to provide all the things they need for themselves. Due to this, they like to do things on their own, and they will very rarely ask for help.

While you’re always free to offer help to self-sufficient people, don’t be surprised if they turn it down. They would much rather stay true to their values and work through something alone.

The definition of “self-sufficient,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “able to provide everything you need, especially food, for yourself without the help of other people.”

• I’m as self-sufficient as they come. Seriously, I will be able to figure this all out without your help.
• She’s self-sufficient, but I’m not sure she can do this one alone! I just wish she’d let me help her.
• He’s too self-sufficient and proud to let you do anything to help him. Just let him get it done alone!

Self-Reliant

“Self-reliant” means we can rely on ourselves, and we don’t typically need anyone else to help us. It uses the “self-” prefix to show that nobody else is required when we want to work on something. In fact, it’s much more likely we’ll do better alone.

The definition of “self-reliant,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not needing help or support from other people.”

• You’re one of the most self-reliant people I know, so I’m sure you’ll find a way to figure this out on your own.
• She’s self-reliant, which makes her formidable. I wouldn’t worry too much about what she’s getting up to.
• Stop worrying about me. I’m self-reliant, and I’ll always find some way to get through the day.

Self-Made

“Self-made” is another good “self-” prefix. This time, it’s a bit more specific because it refers to someone who has managed to make themselves rich based on their hard work.

Some rich people only have the money they do because they inherited it from their families. The point of being “self-made” shows that you’ve put the work and effort into making yourself the rich person in your family.

The definition of “self-made,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “rich and successful as a result of your own work and not because of family money.”

• This is a self-made enterprise, and I’ve earned everything I have here on my own.
• I didn’t deliberately choose to set up a self-made company, but I’m glad I did. Now I know I’m capable.
• He’s self-made. You should ask him how he did it because I think you’d learn a couple of things from him!

Independent

“Independent” means that someone will do their own thing. They are not influenced by people around them, so they will happily crack on with their work or projects without anyone else being able to involve themselves.

It’s quite complementary to call someone independent, as it shows they don’t need to rely on anyone else to help them with anything.

The definition of “independent,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not influenced or controlled in any way by other people, events, or things.”

• As an independent woman, she likes to get all of these things done on her own. I wouldn’t bother asking to help her.
• You’re very independent, and I think that’s a great quality. You’ll have to teach your kids that when you have them.
• She’s too independent to let anyone else give her a hand. She thinks it’ll take away from her power.

Autonomous

“Autonomous” is a great way to show that someone is happy to do things on their own. They usually thrive when they’re alone, meaning they can get to work and get the best results for whatever they’re doing.

The definition of “autonomous,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “independent and having the power to make your own decisions.”

• It feels good to be autonomous. I feel like I have all the power I could possibly need.
• She’s too autonomous to need you for this. Just let her do it on her own, and you’ll be surprised by what she can do.
• He’s autonomous, but I’m sure he’ll let you help him if you ask! Who knows; you might even make a new friend.

Lone Wolf

A “lone wolf” is someone who typically operates better alone. We can use it successfully when referring to people that like to do things without the help of other people. Often, they’ll find others to be an obstacle that isn’t worth navigating.

The definition of “lone wolf,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who likes to do things on their own without other people.”

• You’re a lone wolf, which makes you pretty cool. Still, you might benefit from letting other people help you.
• As a lone wolf, I refuse to let anyone offer me help. It’s my work, so I’ll get it done.
• I don’t mean to be a lone wolf, but I don’t see why anyone else should have to worry about my problems.

Self-Actualizing

“Self-actualizing” is another “self-” prefix word that works. It shows that someone is willing to put as much work into their abilities to achieve things they want to.

Typically, it refers to people wanting to achieve things because they believe they deserve whatever those things are.

The definition of “self-actualizing,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person’s desire to use all their abilities to achieve and be everything that they possibly can.”

• I’m very self-actualizing, and I will make sure that I achieve the things I want to achieve on my own.
• I like my self-actualizing attitude toward life. No one but me is going to help me get the things I want.
• He’s got a self-actualizing spirit about him. It’s quite endearing if you ask me.

Hermit

“Hermit” is a somewhat insulting term we can use for someone who likes to do things on their own. They are people who live apart from others, often meaning they will choose to do things on their own because they don’t have anyone around them.

There are some people who prefer to take on the hermit lifestyle by choice, but they are not common. It’s much more likely we’ll use “hermit” to insult someone’s lack of friends.

The definition of “hermit,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who lives alone and apart from the rest of society, especially for religious reason.”

• As a hermit, I have a hard time connecting with people. I just like to stay to myself and do my own thing.
• You’re a hermit, and you won’t let others in. That’s stupid, considering you need our help right now.
• Stop being such a hermit, and let us help you! You don’t have to be alone with any of this!

Loner

“Loner” is another derogatory term we can use to refer to someone who prefers to do things on their own. They don’t expect help from other people because they usually don’t have many people in their lives to offer them any kind of help.

The definition of “loner,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who likes to do things on their own without other people.”

• You’re a loner, which is why you have such a hard time letting other people in.
• He doesn’t want to be a loner, but you can tell that he’s stuck living that kind of life.
• I’m not a loner! I just want to do this on my own because I know that I can!

Reclusive

“Reclusive” is the last insulting word we want to refer to. Again, it works best when you want to show that someone does things on their own, though it’s usually because they are not good socially rather than by choice.

Some people like to refer to themselves as “reclusive,” but it’s much more common to see it as an insult.

The definition of “reclusive,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “living alone and avoiding going outside or talking to other people.”

• He’s quite reclusive, so I don’t think you’re going to get much out of him.
• She’s too reclusive to ask you for help. Maybe you should offer it to see if she’d take it.
• I’m reclusive by choice. I just can’t stand other people thinking they need to do stuff for me.