If you’ve experienced any of these 8 things in life, you’re mentally stronger than the average person

Life throws curveballs at us, some of which test our mental strength. And, you know what? If you’ve navigated through some of the trickier parts of life, you might be mentally stronger than you think.

Mental strength isn’t about avoiding hardship, it’s about learning to cope with and overcome adversity. It’s not always easy to recognize these signs in ourselves.

However, if you’ve experienced any of these 8 things in life and have managed to come out the other side intact, chances are you’re mentally more resilient than the average person. So let’s dive right into it and see if any of these resonate with you.

1) You’ve faced significant loss

Life is full of ups and downs, and one of the hardest things we can experience is significant loss. This could be the loss of a loved one, a job, or even a cherished dream.

Loss can be devastating. It’s a punch to the gut that leaves you reeling and wondering how you’ll ever pick up the pieces.

But if you’ve managed to do just that – pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and find a way to move forward – you’ve demonstrated remarkable mental strength.

Navigating through grief and loss requires resilience and a healthy dose of grit. You might not feel strong in the midst of it, but the very fact that you’re moving forward shows an inner strength that’s greater than most.

2) You’ve survived failure

We’ve all experienced failure at some point in our lives. It’s a universal part of the human experience. But it’s how we respond to failure that really tests our mental strength.

I’ll share a personal example. A few years back, I was gunning for a promotion at work that I felt I truly deserved. I had worked tirelessly, put in the extra hours, and felt confident that I was the best candidate. But when the time came, the promotion went to someone else.

I was devastated. I felt rejected, and my self-esteem took a serious hit. There were days when I questioned my worth and doubted my abilities.

But then, I decided to use this experience as a learning opportunity. Instead of letting it drag me down, I took it as a challenge to improve myself and my skills.

I realized that setbacks are not the end of the world but an opportunity for growth. And this experience made me mentally stronger.

3) You’ve adapted to major life changes

Change is one of the few constants in life, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging. Moving to a new city, starting a new job, or adjusting to a new lifestyle can throw your world into disarray.

Humans are creatures of habit. We find comfort in routine and familiarity. So when major changes disrupt our status quo, it can be mentally taxing.

However, those who can adapt to these changes demonstrate great mental strength. The ability to adjust and find new routines shows resilience and flexibility.

Did you know that the human brain has a remarkable capacity for adaptation? It’s called neuroplasticity, and it’s our brain’s way of adjusting to new experiences and learning from them.

4) You practice mindfulness

In a world that’s always moving at a breakneck speed, taking a moment to slow down and be present is a sign of mental strength. This is where the concept of mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is a key teaching in Buddhism and it’s all about being fully present in the moment. It’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into how mindfulness can help you develop mental strength.

The ability to be mindful, to truly focus on the here and now, requires a certain mental fortitude. It’s about learning to control your thoughts, rather than letting them control you.

5) You’ve learned to say “no”

Learning to say “no” can be one of the most challenging yet empowering things you can do for yourself. It’s not about being stubborn or uncooperative, but about setting healthy boundaries.

There was a time in my life when I was a chronic people-pleaser. I would agree to every request or invitation, even when it left me stretched thin and stressed out. It was taking a toll on my mental health, but the fear of disappointing others kept me from setting boundaries.

One day, I reached my limit. I realized that constantly saying “yes” was not only draining me, but also preventing me from focusing on my own needs and goals. So, I started practicing saying “no”.

It wasn’t easy at first. There was guilt, and there were uncomfortable conversations. But with time, it became easier. And the surprising thing was, people respected my boundaries.

If you’ve managed to master the art of saying “no” and setting boundaries, you’ve demonstrated great mental strength. It shows that you value your own wellbeing and aren’t afraid to prioritize your needs.

6) You’ve embraced vulnerability

Vulnerability often has a negative connotation. It’s associated with weakness or being open to attack. But what if I told you that embracing your vulnerability is actually a sign of mental strength?

It’s true. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to express your feelings and admit your shortcomings, requires courage. It means letting go of the need to appear perfect and accepting yourself as you are, flaws and all.

In a society that values toughness and invulnerability, admitting that you’re not perfect can be difficult. But it’s a powerful act of self-acceptance.

7) You’ve overcome fear

Fear is a powerful emotion. It can hold us back, keep us stuck, and prevent us from pursuing our dreams. But if you’ve faced your fears and pushed through them, you’ve displayed significant mental strength.

Facing fear isn’t about being fearless. It’s about acknowledging your fear and moving forward anyway. It’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking risks, even when it’s scary.

Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, trying a new activity, or even confronting someone who hurt you, overcoming fear takes courage and mental fortitude.

8) You’ve practiced self-compassion

Self-compassion, the act of being kind to oneself in times of failure or hardship, is the cornerstone of mental strength. It’s not about letting yourself off the hook or avoiding responsibility. Instead, it’s about recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges, and that it’s okay to not be perfect.

If you’ve practiced self-compassion, you understand that your worth is not determined by success or failure. You know how to pick yourself up after a fall and keep going, without beating yourself up over it.

Practicing self-compassion is a sign of mental strength because it requires acknowledging your own humanity and being gentle with yourself. 

Final thoughts: It’s all about growth

Our life experiences, the challenges we face and overcome, are what shape us into the individuals we become.

Each of those experiences, especially the tough ones, contribute to our mental strength. They teach us resilience, self-compassion, and the power of vulnerability.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into how life’s challenges can be viewed not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth.

Remember, it’s not about comparing yourself to others or trying to fit a certain mold. It’s about acknowledging your own journey, your own struggles, and the strength you’ve shown in overcoming them.

So if you’ve resonated with any of these experiences, give yourself some credit. You’re mentally stronger than you might think.

Keep growing. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep embracing every experience life throws at you. Because it’s through these experiences that we truly discover our inner strength.