There’s a vast difference between appearing strong and truly being mentally strong.
Mental strength isn’t about putting on a brave face or ignoring your feelings. It’s about acting in accordance with your values, even when the going gets tough.
Psychology has identified some key signs that can help us recognize real mental strength in ourselves and others. These signs aren’t always obvious, but once you know what to look for, they’re pretty revealing.
So let’s dive into these 8 signs of a mentally very strong person, as backed by psychology. Trust me, you might be stronger than you think.
1) They embrace change
Most people shun change. It’s scary, it’s unknown, and it can be downright uncomfortable.
But not for the mentally strong.
Psychology tells us that one of the key signs of mental strength is embracing change rather than running from it. These individuals understand that life is in constant flux, and they’re not afraid to adapt their plans when necessary.
Rather than seeing change as a threat, mentally strong individuals see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to grow, to test their mettle.
It’s not that they don’t feel fear or uncertainty. They do. But they don’t let these feelings dictate their actions or decisions.
So if you’re the kind of person who can roll with the punches and adapt to new circumstances, congratulations. You’ve got one of the key signs of mental strength. And that’s big!
2) They say no when they need to
This one hits close to home for me. I used to be a chronic people-pleaser, always saying yes, even when I was stretched thin.
But guess what? That’s not a sign of mental strength.
Mentally strong people understand the value of their time and energy. They know they can’t do everything and be everything to everyone. So, they’ve learned to say no when they need to.
I remember the first time I firmly said no to an extra project at work. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweaty, but I did it. And you know what? The world didn’t end. In fact, my boss respected me more for setting boundaries.
Learning to say no was a game-changer for me. It showed me that I could stand up for myself and my needs. And that’s a powerful sign of mental strength.
3) They’re grateful for what they have
Did you know that practicing gratitude can physically change your brain? A study found that participants who practiced gratitude had increased activity in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for stress levels and sleep patterns.
Mentally strong people aren’t always focused on what they don’t have or what they want next. Instead, they’re deeply appreciative of what they do have. This isn’t just about material possessions, but also the people, experiences, and even challenges in their lives.
This ability to find and express gratitude not only reflects mental strength but also contributes to it, fostering resilience and promoting overall wellbeing. It’s a virtuous cycle, where gratitude builds mental strength, which in turn makes it easier to feel grateful.
4) They don’t dwell on the past
We all have a past, complete with highlights and low points. But mentally strong individuals don’t let their past dictate their future.
While it’s human nature to sometimes ruminate over past mistakes or get lost in nostalgia, mentally strong individuals know how to keep these tendencies in check. They learn from their past, but they do not get stuck in it.
Instead, they focus on the present moment and plan for the future. They understand that the past is something they can’t change, but the future is still within their control.
This ability to let go and move forward is a clear sign of mental strength, showing their resilience and focus on progress over perfection.
5) They are kind to themselves
Mental strength isn’t about being hard on oneself or maintaining an unyielding discipline. In fact, one of the most profound signs of mental strength is self-compassion.
Mentally strong individuals understand that they are human, and like every other human, they too will make mistakes, face failures, and have off days. And that’s okay.
Rather than berating themselves for their shortcomings, they treat themselves with kindness and understanding. They recognize their worth is not tied to their mistakes or failures.
This self-compassion doesn’t mean they avoid accountability. They own their mistakes and learn from them, but they do so with gentleness and empathy towards themselves. This balance of accountability and self-compassion is a powerful indicator of mental strength.
6) They’re not afraid of alone time
Growing up as an only child, I spent a lot of time on my own. Back then, I used to think it was a disadvantage. But now, I see it as a strength.
Mentally strong individuals understand the value of solitude. They’re not afraid to be alone with their thoughts and feelings. They know that spending time alone can lead to self-discovery, creativity, and even emotional healing.
Alone time is when they reflect, plan, and recharge. It’s when they connect with themselves on a deeper level.
This isn’t about isolating from others. But rather, it’s about being comfortable in your own company, enjoying your own thoughts and dreams. It’s about understanding that solitude isn’t loneliness but a space for growth and introspection.
7) They understand it’s okay not to please everyone
In a world where we’re often judged by likes, shares, and positive comments, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to please everyone. But mentally strong individuals know that’s not only impossible, but it’s also not healthy.
They understand that they can’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s perfectly fine. They don’t seek validation from others but instead find it within themselves.
They’re not afraid to express their opinions or stand up for what they believe in, even if it might not be popular.
This doesn’t mean they’re dismissive or disrespectful of others. They value other’s opinions but are not swayed by them. This balance of respect for others and self-assuredness is a clear sign of mental strength.
8) They embrace failure as a part of growth
Failure can be tough. It can bruise our ego and shatter our confidence. But here’s the thing – it’s also one of our greatest teachers.
Mentally strong individuals don’t shy away from failure. Instead, they see it as an integral part of their journey towards success. They understand that every stumble, every fall, brings them one step closer to their goals.
Instead of seeing failure as a sign of inadequacy, they look at it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, to become better. They do not let failure define them but use it to redefine their approach towards their goals.
This ability to embrace failure, to learn from it and use it as a stepping stone towards success, is perhaps the most powerful sign of mental strength.
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