8 things mentally strong women never do, according to psychology

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | May 27, 2024, 8:56 am

Being a mentally strong woman isn’t about being hard as nails or emotionless. It’s about knowing where to draw the line, how to handle challenges, and when to say no.

According to psychology, there are certain things that mentally strong women just don’t do.

In this article, I’m going to reveal the 8 things that mentally strong women never do. These aren’t rules, but habits and choices that contribute to their strength and resilience.

Read on to discover what sets these powerful women apart, and how you can learn from their wisdom.

1) They never play the victim

Life is not a smooth sail. It’s full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. And we all deal with it differently.

Mentally strong women, according to psychology, never play the victim card. Even when life throws the toughest problems their way, they don’t resort to self-pity or wallow in misery.

Instead, they take responsibility for their actions and their circumstances. They don’t blame others or external factors for what they’re going through.

They understand that playing the victim only leads to a cycle of self-defeat and helplessness. They choose to be proactive instead, focusing on solutions rather than problems.

They may not control every situation, but they certainly control their response to it. That’s what sets mentally strong women apart.

2) They don’t let fear dictate their actions

Fear is a part of life. It’s a natural response to danger or uncertainty. But mentally strong women don’t let fear rule their lives.

A few years back, I decided to switch careers. I was in a stable job but I was far from fulfilled. The idea of moving into an entirely different field was scary, to say the least.

There were countless fears running through my mind. What if I fail? What if I regret leaving my safe job? What if I’m not good enough for this new career?

But then, I realized something. If I let fear dictate my decisions, I would never grow. I would never discover what else is out there for me.

So, I took the plunge. And guess what? It was the best decision I ever made.

Mentally strong women understand this. They face their fears head-on and use them as fuel to grow and move forward. Yes, they feel the fear but they do it anyway.

3) They don’t shy away from change

Change is inevitable. Whether it’s a change in career, relationships, or personal habits, it’s a part of life. Yet, many of us resist change because it takes us out of our comfort zone.

But not mentally strong women. They embrace change, understanding that it’s a catalyst for growth.

In fact, neuroscientists have found that our brains are wired to resist change because it perceives it as a threat. This is known as “homeostasis” – our brain’s attempt to keep things stable and predictable.

But mentally strong women recognize this and consciously push against their natural inclination to stick with the status quo. They welcome new challenges and opportunities because they know that change is the only constant in life.

In the face of change, they don’t panic or resist. Instead, they adapt, learn and grow.

4) They don’t waste energy on things they can’t control

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life’s uncertainties and the actions of others. But mentally strong women know that it’s a waste of energy to fret over things they can’t control.

Whether it’s traffic on the way to work, uncooperative colleagues, or a sudden downpour on a planned picnic day, there are countless things in life that we simply have no control over.

Instead of letting these uncontrollable events upset them or ruin their mood, mentally strong women focus on what they can control – their own actions and reactions.

They understand that while they might not be able to change a situation, they can always choose how they respond to it. By doing so, they conserve their mental energy for productive tasks, rather than wasting it on futile concerns.

5) They don’t dwell on the past

Past experiences, both good and bad, shape us in many ways. But dwelling on the past, especially on the negative aspects, only hinders our progress and growth.

Mentally strong women understand this well. They don’t let past disappointments or failures keep them from moving forward.

Whether it’s a failed relationship, a missed opportunity, or a mistake they made, they don’t let these past experiences define them or dictate their future.

They acknowledge their past, learn from it, and then let it go. They understand that holding onto past hurts and regrets only breeds bitterness and stunts growth.

Instead, they focus on the present moment and the possibilities of the future. They know that every new day brings new opportunities to learn, grow and move forward. And that’s what they choose to focus on.

6) They don’t seek validation from others

The need for approval and acceptance is natural. We all want to be liked and admired. But mentally strong women don’t rely on others to validate their worth.

I remember a time when I was constantly seeking approval from others. I wanted to be liked, to fit in, and it affected my actions and decisions. I was afraid to voice my opinions, fearing I would be judged or rejected.

But then, I realized that the only person’s approval I truly needed was my own. It was a game changer.

Mentally strong women understand their worth and do not let others define it for them. They are confident in their abilities and achievements and do not need constant affirmation from others.

7) They don’t ignore their emotions

Emotions are a natural part of being human. They give color to our lives and guide us in our decisions. But it’s also important to manage them properly.

Mentally strong women don’t ignore or suppress their emotions. They don’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not, nor do they let their emotions control them.

Instead, they acknowledge their feelings, understand them, and then decide how to respond in a healthy way.

They know that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared at times. These emotions are not signs of weakness but of being human.

By recognizing and managing their emotions, mentally strong women maintain control over their actions and reactions, ensuring their emotional well-being.

8) They never give up on their dreams

The road to achieving our dreams is often long and filled with obstacles. There are times when giving up seems like the easier option. But mentally strong women never give up on their dreams.

They understand that success doesn’t come overnight, and they’re willing to put in the time and effort required to reach their goals. They’re not discouraged by failures or setbacks; instead, they see them as opportunities to learn and grow.

They remain committed to their dreams and are relentless in their pursuit of them. They know that the only true failure is giving up on what they truly want in life.

Final thoughts

The strength of a woman is not defined by her physical prowess, but by her mental fortitude. It’s about how she navigates through life’s challenges, how she handles her emotions, and how she maintains her self-worth.

Psychology tells us that mentally strong women have certain habits and mindsets that set them apart. They don’t play the victim, shy away from change, or seek validation from others. They acknowledge their emotions but don’t let them rule. And most importantly, they never give up on their dreams.

But remember, these are not hard and fast rules. These are habits that can be learned and cultivated over time.