do one's own thing
Follow personal path
Do one's own thing means to act according to personal preference without concern for convention or others' expectations.
The phrase emerged from 1960s counterculture, suggesting individuality and self-expression: She quit her corporate job to do her own thing as a potter.
It can imply admirable independence or self-absorbed disregard for others, depending on context.
Independent decision-making capacity
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- individualityUnique personal character
- self-sufficiencyIndependence from outside aid
self-determination · agency · choice · nonconformity · free spirit · maverick · lone wolf · self-directed
Capacity for original thought
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
- originalityNovel creative quality
- uniquenessQuality of being singular
- personal styleIndividual fashion identity
artistry · individuality · flair · voice · vision · personal touch · signature style · artistic freedom
autonomy
Independent decision-making capacity
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- individualityUnique personal character
self-sufficiency · self-determination · agency · choice · nonconformity · free spirit · maverick · lone wolf · self-directed · unconventional
creativity
Capacity for original thought
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
- originalityNovel creative quality
- uniquenessQuality of being singular
personal style · artistry · individuality · flair · voice · vision · personal touch · signature style · artistic freedom · idiosyncrasy
do one's own thingfollow the crowd
Adopt majority behavior
conform · toe the line · go with the flow · keep up with the Joneses · fall in line
do one's own thingfollow orders
obey · submit · comply · do someone's bidding · take orders
does, done, doing, doers, undone, undoing, ones, oneness, thing