By 
There’s a significant difference between being mentally strong and just cruising through life.
The difference boils down to experience. Facing challenging situations and coming out the other side not only intact but stronger is what makes you mentally stronger than others.
In fact, there are certain experiences that are proven indications of mental toughness. And trust me, it’s not about having a trouble-free life, quite the contrary.
In this piece, I’m going to share with you 7 key experiences that, if you’ve been through, signify that you’re mentally stronger than the average person. So buckle up and let’s dive right in to see if you fit the bill.
1) You’ve faced failure
Failure is an inevitable part of life. But the way you react to it, that’s where the real difference lies.
Most people avoid failure like the plague. They see it as a sign of incompetence or weakness. But that’s not how mentally strong people see it.
If you’ve experienced failure, and I mean real, soul-crushing failure, you’re already a cut above the rest. Why? Because experiencing failure means you’ve taken risks, you’ve dared to try, and most importantly, you’ve learned.
Failure isn’t an end, it’s a stepping stone on the path to success. And if you’ve used your failures as learning experiences instead of letting them defeat you, then hats off to you. You’re mentally stronger than the average person.
Remember, the ability to face failure with grace and resilience is a true testament to mental strength. So if you’ve been there and done that, you’re stronger than you think.
2) You’ve pushed through tough times
Tough times are a part of life, they come and go. But how we respond to them, that’s what truly defines us.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve had my fair share of tough times. I remember when I lost my job unexpectedly. It was a gut punch. My world seemed to come crashing down around me.
But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I used that time to reassess my career path. I looked for opportunities to learn new skills and eventually managed to pivot into a field I’m truly passionate about.
This experience taught me that tough times aren’t just about survival, they’re about growth and transformation. It’s in these moments, when you feel like you’re at your lowest, that you find your true strength.
So if you’ve faced adversity and come out the other side stronger and more resilient, congratulations. You’re mentally stronger than the average person. Trust me, I know how hard it is. But also how rewarding it can be.
3) You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable
Stepping out of your comfort zone is tough. It’s called a comfort zone for a reason – it’s where we feel safe, secure and in control. But here’s the thing: growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who regularly stepped out of their comfort zones showed significant increases in their happiness levels. They were also more likely to see improvements in their personal and professional lives.
If you’ve ever willingly put yourself in a position where you feel uncomfortable, whether it was public speaking, learning a new skill or simply trying something new, you’ve faced fear head on.
This ability to tolerate discomfort for the sake of growth is a clear sign of mental strength. So if you’ve been pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself, you’re not just growing as a person, you’re also hardening your mental resilience.
4) You’ve embraced change
Change is the only constant in life. Yet, many people fear it and resist it at every turn. But if you’ve experienced significant changes in your life and have embraced them, you’re demonstrating a level of mental strength that many lack.
Embracing change means understanding that life is a journey, full of twists and turns. It means letting go of control and trusting in the process. It means adapting, learning, and growing.
If you’ve moved to a new city, switched careers, or have gone through major life events such as marriage or having children, you’ve been through change. And if you’ve not just survived these changes, but thrived despite them, then you’re showing a remarkable level of mental resilience.
Remember, change is inevitable. The ability to embrace it is a testament to your mental strength. So give yourself a pat on the back – you’re doing better than you think.
5) You’ve overcome self-doubt
Self-doubt is a tricky thing. It sneaks up on you, whispering in your ear that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough.
I remember when I was first asked to lead a big project at work. The feeling of self-doubt was almost paralyzing. I kept questioning whether I had what it took to succeed.
But instead of giving in to those doubts, I chose to confront them. I broke down the project into manageable tasks, sought advice when needed, and gradually, my self-doubt began to fade. The project was a success and it was a huge boost to my confidence.
Overcoming self-doubt isn’t about never having doubts. It’s about not letting those doubts control your actions. If you’ve faced your self-doubt and pushed through, that’s a clear sign of mental strength.
So if you’ve ever doubted yourself but pushed through regardless, know this – you are stronger than you think.
6) You’ve maintained a positive outlook
Life is full of ups and downs. But maintaining a positive outlook, even when things go haywire, is a clear sign of mental strength.
It’s easy to be positive when everything is going your way. But when things take a turn for the worse, that’s when your mental strength is truly tested.
If you’ve managed to stay optimistic and hopeful during difficult times, you’ve exhibited an incredible amount of resilience. Positivity in the face of adversity is not about denying reality, it’s about choosing to focus on the good despite the bad.
So if you’re someone who can find the silver lining in any situation, you’re not only spreading positivity to others but also strengthening your mental resilience. Remember, your perspective is powerful and choosing positivity makes you stronger than you think.
7) You’ve practiced self-care
Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s not about pampering yourself, it’s about taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.
If you’ve prioritized self-care in your life, you’ve shown a deep understanding of its importance for mental strength. It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Practicing self-care means acknowledging that you matter. It means taking time for yourself, not as an indulgence, but as a crucial aspect of maintaining your mental strength.
So if you’ve made self-care a part of your life, know this – you are mentally stronger than the average person. Because taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s one of the strongest things you can do.
Final thought: It’s about growth
Every experience in life, whether positive or negative, contributes to our mental strength.
It’s not about having an easy life, it’s about how you react to the challenges life throws at you. It’s about the lessons you learn and the growth you experience along the way.
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. If you’ve been through any of these 7 experiences and come out stronger, you’ve shown resilience.
But remember, mental strength isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s something we’re all constantly working on. So don’t beat yourself up if you’re not there yet.
Instead, look back at your experiences and reflect on how far you’ve come. See how much stronger you are now compared to before.
Because if there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: You’re stronger than you think.