If you see someone rising above their circumstances, you know they’ve got grit. If they make it big despite a rough start, you know they’re tenacious.

That’s the beauty of the human spirit.

Yet, it’s not always as straightforward as it appears. Indeed, the journey from rags to riches is paved with unique strengths that set these individuals apart.

Some people seem to crack this code better than others. What’s their secret? They usually display these 8 striking qualities.

Read on to learn what makes them tick in the face of adversity. And who knows, you might just find some inspiration for your own journey – whether it’s in life or in writing that next big piece.

1) Resilience

Struggles are as unpredictable as the weather.

They strike when you least expect them and can turn your whole world upside down. You can either succumb to them or stand up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.

However, individuals who have had a tough upbringing often face a higher frequency of such hardships. They have experienced life’s lows, making their journey to success twice as hard.

But that’s what makes them so incredible. In fact, most self-made successful individuals are noted for their resilience specifically because they’ve faced adversity head-on.

They know what it’s like to be knocked down, but more importantly, they know how to get back up. They understand that success isn’t just about the highs; it’s about weathering the storms and coming out stronger on the other side.

If you’ve emerged victorious from a challenging upbringing, resilience is your stepping stone to success.

2) Resourcefulness

Life can be like a puzzle with missing pieces.

There are times when you have to make do with what you have, even if it seems like it’s not enough. But it’s exactly in these moments where your creativity and adaptability are put to the test.

As someone who grew up in a low-income family, I can tell you that resourcefulness isn’t just a trait; it’s a survival skill.

I remember my mom turning our small garden into a mini farm, growing vegetables, herbs, even rearing chickens. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to put food on our table. That’s resourcefulness for you.

Successful individuals from modest backgrounds often exhibit this trait. They think outside the box and find unique solutions to problems when resources are scarce.

3) Determination

Imagine a mountain climber scaling the highest peak. They don’t have the luxury of giving up halfway. Quitting isn’t an option; they’re committed to reach the summit, no matter what.

This resolve is a common thread among people who succeed despite a challenging upbringing. They’re like that mountain climber, relentless and focused on their goal.

In the business world, this trait is often referred to as ‘stick-to-itiveness’. It’s the dogged perseverance that keeps entrepreneurs going even when odds are stacked against them.

Did you know Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was adopted and grew up in a middle-class family? Despite the challenges he faced, his determination led him to create one of the most successful tech companies in the world.

If you’ve ever found yourself pushing forward when everything seemed against you, determination is your driving force on your road to success.

4) Humility

In a world that often equates success with ego, humility is a trait that’s not just rare, but refreshing.

Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. It’s about acknowledging your own limitations and appreciating the contributions of others.

Often, those who rise from humble beginnings embody this quality. They remember their roots, they value every small win, and they don’t let success go to their heads.

JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, was a single mom living on welfare before her books became a global phenomenon. Today, she’s one of the wealthiest women in the world but is known for her philanthropy and down-to-earth nature.

5) Positivity

Life is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. But it’s how you view the ride that makes all the difference.

Positivity isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges. It’s about maintaining a hopeful outlook and believing in your ability to overcome anything that comes your way.

I can attest to this. Growing up, we didn’t have much. There were days when things seemed bleak, but my family always managed to find the silver lining. We laughed, we shared stories, and we always believed in better days.

People who flourish despite difficult beginnings often carry this light within them. They see obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

If you’re one of those who can find the rainbow in every storm, positivity is your secret ingredient to success.

6) Embracing failure

In a world that celebrates victories and shuns failures, there’s a unique strength in accepting and learning from our missteps.

Failure isn’t a dead-end; it’s a detour. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and make better decisions moving forward.

Successful individuals who’ve risen from hardship often understand this better than anyone else. They’ve stumbled, they’ve fallen, but they’ve also learned to pick themselves up and glean insights from their failures.

Take Thomas Edison for example. He made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When asked how it felt to fail 1,000 times, he replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”

If you’ve learned to see failure not as a setback but as a stepping stone, this trait is one of your unique strengths on your path to success.

7) Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s about appreciating what you have, acknowledging the good in your life, and never taking anything for granted.

In the rush to achieve more, it’s easy to overlook what we already have. But those who’ve come from less tend to value what they’ve earned even more.

Successful individuals who’ve overcome poverty often possess a deep sense of gratitude. They appreciate every opportunity, every resource, and every helping hand that has helped them along their journey.

Oprah Winfrey, who overcame poverty and hardship to become a media mogul, is known for her strong practice of gratitude. She even keeps a gratitude journal where she writes down things she’s thankful for each day.

If you possess an attitude of gratitude, it’s undoubtedly one of your unique strengths on your path to success.

Beautiful how appreciating what we have can lead us to achieve even more, isn’t it?

8) Vision

Seeing beyond the present is an art few have mastered.

It’s about looking past current circumstances and envisioning a future that’s better, brighter. This vision serves as a beacon, guiding them through the rough patches towards their goals.

Those who climb the ladder of success from humble beginnings often have this far-sightedness. They dare to dream big, even when their surroundings suggest otherwise.

Vision isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about having the courage to reach for them, regardless of the obstacles in your path.

And if you’re someone who can see the invisible, you can achieve the impossible. That’s the power of vision, your compass on your journey to success.

Strength in adversity

If you’ve journeyed with me this far, you might have realized that individuals who emerge successful despite a challenging start are some of the most inspiring figures around.

Because their success isn’t just about wealth or fame. It’s about the strength of character, the resilience to overcome, and the determination to turn dreams into reality.

Consider these eight unique strengths not as a checklist, but as a testament to human spirit and potential. These traits are not exclusive to those who’ve struggled; they can be cultivated by anyone, at any point in their lives.

These individuals didn’t just dream of a better life; they rolled up their sleeves, faced adversities head-on, and built their success story.

And if they can do it, so can you. Reflect on these qualities and see how you can nurture them in your own journey. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about where you come from; it’s about where you’re going, and the person you become along the way.