Mental strength is one of the most important qualities to own. It helps you to get through hardships and stay resilient, so nothing can sink you, according to Psych Central. If you’re feeling vulnerable or fragile, you might assume that you’re not being mentally strong right now. But, you could be displaying traits that reveal you’re stronger than you think. Here are 12 subtle signs you have inner mental strength that simply can’t be destroyed.
1. You Know How To Deal With Change.
When change occurs, you roll with it instead of trying to stop it from happening. Even if the change causes you some anxiety, you know how to turn that anxiety into excitement and optimism so you can make the most of your situation. You know change is an opportunity for growth and you’re ready to embrace it.
2. You See Valuable Lessons In Failure.
Instead of seeing failure as something that defines you negatively, you view it as a way to learn more about yourself and life. You can’t succeed at your dreams if you never experience failure, so you know it can teach you something valuable. This boosts your confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.
3. You’re Kind To Yourself.
An important part of being mentally strong is knowing the importance of treating yourself kindly, according to Psychology Today. You care for yourself and prioritize your feelings. You don’t speak down to yourself because you know you’re trying to do the best you can. By being your number-one cheerleader, you always feel you have someone on your side to keep you strong.
4. You Have Clear Boundaries.
You can’t succeed and stay strong if you don’t know your limits. Not having boundaries means you risk neglecting yourself, such as if you’re always making your partner’s needs more important than yours or pushing yourself to the point of burnout. By knowing what you need to be happy and healthy, you’ll ensure you stay strong.
5. You’re Savvy About Solutions.
When a problem occurs, you don’t crumble or get stuck in the fact that it’s stressing you out. Instead, you know how to put your focus on finding a solution. You’re a natural problem-solver because you have a positive, creative mindset. This keeps you moving forward and ensures you feel empowered instead of distressed. Yes, queen!
6. You Like Being Vulnerable.
If you have a strong mindset, you know that it’s good to be vulnerable sometimes. You’re unafraid to request help if you need it and you can express your feelings without worrying that it’s a sign of weakness. You know it’s not weakness but courage to have such emotional expression and resilience. Although you’re independent, you’re not a superhero. And, pretending to be one lacks awareness.
7. You’re The First To Celebrate Others.
When someone in your circle experiences success, you always celebrate them. You don’t become envious or resentful because you know this keeps you stuck in negativity and blocks you from self-growth as well as your own success. You’re confident and know that supporting others doesn’t take anything away from you. Rather, it makes you a better person.
8. You’re Mindful And Meditative.
Being present in the moment and taking some time in your day to breathe makes you resilient. It helps you to deal with stress in a graceful way and cultivate inner strength that you can turn to during tough times. It prevents challenges and hardships from getting in the way of your success.
9. You Don’t Let Others’ Opinions Get To You.
Although it’s great to get kudos from others, you don’t rely on what they have to say about you. This prevents you from being a ping-pong ball that sways according to positive or negative criticisms. You have the inner strength and stability within yourself to know who you are and what makes you great.
10. You’re Open To Constructive Criticism.
You don’t let yourself get thrown by negative feedback. Instead, you’re open to criticism and feedback. You know that you can use it to improve and grow, without allowing it make you sulky or stubborn. Your strength also enables you to stop internalizing negativity – you can pick and choose the feedback you want to use, which is awesome.
11. You Talk To Yourself As A Bestie.
Imagine how you speak to your best friends. Probably with compassion and kindness, right? Well, mentally strong people know how to have positive self-talk so they reframe negative thoughts into positive ones. You also know how to cheer yourself up and boost your confidence when required, so you stay empowered without having to rely on others to do this for you.
12. You Avoid Catastrophizing.
As a mentally strong person, you try to keep your thoughts balanced with a good mix of emotion and logic. You don’t allow yourself to spend lots of time analyzing the worst-case scenarios to the point of having panic attacks, or allowing your brain to nurture negative thoughts. You don’t let your emotions run away with you and wreak havoc. Keeping a cool head ensures greater creativity and success, and that’s where you’re headed.