14 Signs You’re Actually Quite Resilient Even If You Don’t Feel Strong

14 Signs You’re Actually Quite Resilient Even If You Don’t Feel Strong

You might think you’re not very good at dealing with adversity, but is that actually true? Maybe you’re just not giving yourself credit for all the hard work you’ve done to overcome the tough times you’ve faced in life. If you relate to any of the following, you’re so much stronger than you realize.

1. You’ve Successfully Navigated Past Obstacles.

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Every past challenge you’ve overcome, regardless of whether it was big or small, is an affirmation of your resilience. From tackling difficult situations at work to personal crises, these past victories have prepared you for future challenges. They remind you that you’ve faced adversity before and came out on top.

2. You’ve Embraced Change and Adapted.

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According to Positive Psychology, resilience is about adaptability, not rigidity. Your ability to adjust to new situations and roll with the punches is a testament to just how mentally and emotionally strong you really are. Change is inherently challenging, but your readiness to adapt and grow shows your inner strength and flexibility.

3. You’ve Learned and Grown from Setbacks.

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If you approach failures as opportunities to learn and grow rather than insurmountable obstacles, you’re demonstrating resilience. Your ability to analyze your setbacks, learn from your mistakes, and use that knowledge to improve, is a clear sign that your mental and emotional fortitude are legendary.

4. You’ve Looked for Support When Needed.

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Recognizing when you need help and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Whether you seek this from friends, family, or colleagues, your ability to ask for assistance shows your commitment to overcoming your challenges, which is a crucial aspect of resilience.

5. You’ve Made Self-Care a Priority.

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Taking time to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is a sign of serious toughness. By prioritizing self-care, you’re building a solid foundation to face whatever challenges come your way. You’re acknowledging the importance of your personal well-being in your ability to cope with stress and adversity.

6. You’ve Celebrated Your Small Victories.

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If you can recognize and celebrate the small wins along your journey, you’re showing resilience. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. By acknowledging these small victories, you’re reinforcing your capacity to persevere and overcome challenges.

7. You’ve Maintained a Sense of Humor.

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Finding humor in the face of adversity is a sign of serious toughness. According to Verywell Mind, laughter can be a powerful coping mechanism that helps lighten your load and keep you going during tough times. If you can laugh even when things are tough, you’re showing a remarkable ability to cope with stress and hard times.

8. You’ve Got a Good Long-Term Perspective.

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Being able to look beyond the immediate challenges and maintain a positive long-term perspective is a sign of resilience. This outlook allows you to see your current struggles as temporary, and to keep your eyes on the larger goal. It’s a reminder that you have the strength to get through difficult times and come out even stronger on the other side.

9. You’ve Shown Persistence and a Willingness to Start Over.

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The ability to pick yourself up after a setback and try again is a clear indication of resilience. Persistence is a key aspect of this strength, and your willingness to start over, no matter how many times you’re knocked down, speaks volumes about your strength and determination.

10. You’ve Stood Firm on Your Strong Values.

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If you maintain your principles even when faced with challenges, you’re demonstrating resilience. Your values guide your actions and provide a strong foundation for your hardiness. They act as your compass during tough times, helping you navigate through adversity and stay true to yourself.

11. You’ve Developed Positive Relationships.

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Building and maintaining positive relationships is a sign of resilience. These connections provide a support system, a source of comfort, and a sense of belonging during trying times. If you actively nurture these relationships, you’re leveraging a powerful tool in building strength.

12. You’ve Been Proactive in Solving Life’s Problems.

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Resilient people don’t wait for problems to solve themselves. If you’re someone who takes the initiative to confront issues head-on and find solutions, you’re showing just how tough you really are. Your proactive approach shows your readiness to tackle challenges and your determination to overcome them.

13. You’ve Adapted Your Goals Where Necessary.

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If you’re willing to reassess and adapt your goals in response to changing circumstances, you’re resilient, end of story. This adaptability in goal-setting shows that you’re realistic and flexible, traits that are essential for long-term success. There’s nothing that can hold you back!

14. You’ve Reflected on Your Experiences.

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If you often find yourself reflecting on your experiences to glean insights, you’re showing a strength of character that many people just don’t have. Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth, and your practice of looking back to understand how you’ve handled situations in the past can enhance your ability to deal with current challenges.

14. You’ve Maintained a Healthy Balance.

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Being able to maintain a healthy balance between work, rest, and play is a sign of resilience. It shows that you recognize the importance of a well-rounded life. You understand that overextending yourself can deplete your energy reserves, and you know when to step back and recharge.

Piper Ryan is a NYC-based writer and matchmaker who works to bring millennials who are sick of dating apps and the bar scene together in an organic and efficient way. To date, she's paired up more than 120 couples, many of whom have gone on to get married. Her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, Time Out New York, The Cut, and many more.

In addition to runnnig her own business, Piper is passionate about charity work, advocating for vulnerable women and children in her local area and across the country. She is currently working on her first book, a non-fiction collection of stories focusing on female empowerment.