You’ve likely heard the term ‘mental resilience’, but do you really know what it means? It’s more than just a buzzword. It’s a crucial trait that allows us to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws at us.

But how do you know if you’re mentally resilient or not? Well, according to psychology, there are certain signs that can help pinpoint if you’re more mentally resilient than the average person.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 7 of these signs. So buckle up and get ready to discover if you’re stronger than you think.

1) You embrace change

Change is inevitable. It’s a part of life, and it’s often the driving force behind personal growth and development. But let’s be honest, change can be really scary.

However, if you’re more mentally resilient than the average person, you don’t shy away from change. Instead, you embrace it. Why? Because you see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Psychology tells us that resilient individuals are adaptable and flexible. They understand that change is a constant part of life, and they’re not afraid to step out of their comfort zones.

In fact, they thrive in such situations because they see them as challenges to be faced head-on, rather than obstacles to be avoided.

So, if you’re someone who welcomes change with open arms and sees it as a chance to learn and grow, congratulations! You’re showing one of the key signs of mental resilience.

2) You always find the silver lining

Life is full of ups and downs. And truth be told, it’s the downs that really test our mental resilience.

A few years ago, I was laid off from a job I absolutely loved. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me, and I was devastated. But after a few days of moping around, I decided to change my perspective.

Instead of seeing it as a blow, I chose to view it as an opportunity. An opportunity to explore other career paths, to develop new skills, and to take on projects that I’d been putting off due to lack of time.

And guess what?

It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. I landed a job that was even more fulfilling than the last one, and I discovered new interests and passions along the way.

Psychology tells us that this ability to find the silver lining in difficult situations is a sign of mental resilience. Resilient individuals don’t just focus on the negative aspects of a situation – they actively seek out the positives and use them as fuel to keep moving forward.

So, if you’re someone who always manages to find the silver lining, no matter how dark the cloud, you’re probably more mentally resilient than you realize.

3) You’re not afraid of failure

Failure can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s natural to feel disappointed, upset, or even embarrassed when things don’t go as planned. But did you know that the most successful people in the world have a different take on failure?

They see it as a stepping stone to success. They understand that failure isn’t the end of the road, but an essential part of their journey towards their goals.

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This mindset allowed him to persist until he eventually succeeded.

If you’re someone who views failure not as a setback but as a learning opportunity, you’re demonstrating one of the key signs of mental resilience. Resilient individuals don’t let failure discourage them. Instead, they use it as motivation to work harder and do better next time.

4) You have strong emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways. It’s about empathizing with others, overcoming challenges, and defusing conflict.

Now, you might be wondering, “What does this have to do with mental resilience?” Well, quite a bit actually.

Being emotionally intelligent means that you’re aware of your emotions and how they can influence your thoughts and actions. This self-awareness can help you navigate stressful situations with ease and bounce back from adversity more quickly.

Moreover, a high EQ can also help you build stronger relationships – another key component of resilience. When you understand and respect the emotions of others, you’re better equipped to provide support and encouragement, both of which are essential for resilience.

5) You know the power of gratitude

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in our problems and forget about the things we should be grateful for. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that gratitude can be a powerful tool for building mental resilience.

When times are tough, it can be difficult to find things to be thankful for. But it’s precisely during these times that gratitude can have the most impact on our mental well-being.

Practicing gratitude helps us shift our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. It gives us a sense of perspective and helps us appreciate the good in our lives, no matter how small.

I’ve found that keeping a gratitude journal has been a game-changer for my mental resilience. Every night before bed, I jot down three things I’m grateful for. It has helped me maintain a positive mindset, even during challenging times.

So if you’re someone who practices gratitude consistently, you’re showing one of the signs of being more mentally resilient than the average person. You understand that even in the face of adversity, there’s always something to be thankful for.

6) You’re patient and persistent

Patience and persistence are two key qualities of mentally resilient individuals. They understand that success doesn’t happen overnight, and they’re willing to put in the time and effort it takes to achieve their goals.

When faced with a setback, they don’t throw in the towel. Instead, they keep pushing forward, knowing that persistence is key to overcoming challenges.

They also understand the value of patience. They know that good things take time, and they’re willing to wait for the right opportunities to come their way.

So, if you’re someone who doesn’t easily give up and is willing to wait for the right opportunities to come your way, you’re likely more mentally resilient than the average person. Your patience and persistence are signs of your strength, determination, and resilience.

7) You have a strong sense of purpose

The most mentally resilient individuals have a clear sense of purpose. They know what they want to achieve, and they let this guide their decisions and actions.

Having a strong sense of purpose gives you something to strive for. It keeps you motivated and focused, even when times are tough.

It also provides a sense of meaning and fulfillment, which can significantly boost your mental resilience.

So, if you’re someone who knows your purpose and lets it guide your life, you’re showing a key sign of mental resilience. This sense of purpose is your compass, guiding you through life’s ups and downs with strength and resilience.

Final thoughts

The path of mental resilience is a journey, not a destination. It’s about learning, growing, and adapting to life’s challenges.

It’s about finding the strength within ourselves to keep going, no matter how tough things get. It’s about embracing change, learning from failure, and always finding a reason to be grateful.

American novelist and Nobel laureate Ernest Hemingway once said, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”

This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of mental resilience. It’s not about never being broken, but about how we rebuild ourselves stronger after we’ve been broken.