It’s not a secret that life can be tough. We all face struggles that test us to our limits. But, what about those who not only survive these struggles, but also come out stronger?

They don’t just happen to be lucky. They undergo certain changes which are the key to their resilience.

In this article, we will delve into the 7 changes usually experienced by these remarkable individuals. These are people who’ve weathered months of hardship and emerged not just unscathed, but stronger.

So, if you’re curious about what makes them tick, read on.

1) They develop a resilient mindset

There’s no doubt that struggles can be overwhelming. But people who come out stronger have one thing in common – they see these struggles as opportunities, not obstacles.

This is what we call a resilient mindset.

It’s not about denying the difficulty of the situation, but rather about embracing it. They acknowledge the hardship, but they don’t let it define them. Instead, they use it as a catalyst to grow and improve.

Resilience is a mindset that can be fostered over time. It’s not an inherent trait or a genetic gift – it’s a skill that can be learned and developed.

So, if you’re facing struggles, remember that your mindset can make all the difference. Embrace the challenge, and let it spur you on to become stronger. After all, as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

This is just the first change experienced by those who survive months of struggles. Let’s move on to the next one.

2) They learn to prioritize self-care

I can vouch for this one through personal experience. During a particularly challenging time in my life, I realized that, more than anything, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Life got tough. Work was hectic. My personal life was a whirlwind. The stress was mounting and I was spiraling. That’s when it dawned on me – I had stopped taking care of myself.

I wasn’t eating right. Exercise was a distant memory. Sleep? Who has time for that! I was putting everything else before my own wellbeing. And that’s when I decided to make a change.

I started with small steps – eating healthier, taking short walks, ensuring I got enough rest. I learned to say no when I needed to and set boundaries. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

The difference was remarkable. Not only did I feel better physically, but my mental health improved significantly as well. I felt stronger and more capable of handling the challenges that came my way.

Self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent—it’s one of the key factors in maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health and resilience. It’s also one of the changes you’ll see in those who survive months of struggles and come out stronger.

So remember, take care of yourself – you can’t pour from an empty cup.

3) They become more adaptable

When faced with months of struggle, the need for adaptability becomes clear. Those who come out stronger are those who’ve learned to adjust their sails according to the wind, so to speak.

In fact, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution doesn’t state that the strongest or the most intelligent species survive, but rather those most responsive to change. This applies just as much to individuals facing personal struggles.

Life is unpredictable and change is inevitable. The more adaptable we are, the better we can navigate these changes and turn them to our advantage.

Adaptability doesn’t mean giving up or compromising on our goals. It means being flexible in our approach, finding new ways to overcome obstacles, and making the most of the resources we have at hand.

In essence, adaptability is a survival skill – one that plays a crucial role in coming out stronger from struggles.

4) They cultivate gratitude

It might sound counterintuitive, but people who’ve weathered tough times and emerged stronger often have a deep sense of gratitude.

Gratitude, in the face of adversity? Yes, indeed.

They aren’t thankful for the struggle itself, but they appreciate the lessons it taught them. They value the growth it spurred and the strength it instilled in them.

They learn to see the silver lining in every cloud and appreciate even the small things in life. They understand that every day is a gift and every moment is precious.

Cultivating gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the negatives. It means acknowledging them, but choosing to focus on the positives.

This shift in perspective can make a world of difference. It can turn a bitter experience into a valuable lesson, a setback into a setup for a comeback.

In essence, gratitude can be a powerful tool for resilience and personal growth.

5) They learn to ask for help

I’ve always been fiercely independent. Asking for help felt like admitting defeat. But during a particularly difficult phase in my life, I hit a wall. I was struggling, and my usual strategy of ‘doing it all on my own’ wasn’t working.

I had to swallow my pride and reach out. And you know what? The world didn’t collapse. Instead, I found support, understanding, and assistance that I hadn’t anticipated.

People were willing to help, be it with practical solutions or a listening ear. It made me realize that everyone needs help at some point. It’s not a sign of weakness, but of strength to acknowledge that you can’t do everything alone.

Asking for help doesn’t make you less competent or capable. In fact, it’s a sign of wisdom to recognize when you need assistance and seek it out.

This is one of the key changes experienced by those who survive months of struggles and come out stronger – they understand the value of reaching out and are not afraid to do so.

6) They embrace failure

Struggles and failures often go hand in hand. But those who come out stronger after months of hardship have a unique perspective on failure. They don’t see it as the end, but as a stepping stone.

They understand that failure is not a reflection of their worth, but a part of the learning process. It’s an opportunity to grow, to improve, to try again with more insight and knowledge.

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 is a signature trait of those who survive struggles and come out stronger.

They embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as a catalyst for growth. So next time you face a setback, remember – it’s not a dead-end, but a detour to a potentially better path.

7) They nurture their relationships

If there’s one thing that’s truly vital to weathering struggles and coming out stronger, it’s the people in our lives.

Our relationships – be it with family, friends, or supportive communities – play an integral role in our resilience. They provide emotional support, lend a helping hand, and often offer a different perspective that can be invaluable when we’re facing hardships.

Nurturing these relationships means investing time and effort into them, being there for others just as they are for us, and not taking them for granted.

Strong bonds of love and friendship can be a powerful force, providing the strength and courage needed to face even the toughest of times. This is a key change experienced by those who endure struggles and emerge stronger. So hold your loved ones close – they’re your greatest allies in the battle of life.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

The road to resilience is not a straight one. It’s filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, victories and setbacks. But these 7 changes that people who survive months of struggles and come out stronger usually experience are like guideposts on this journey.

Remember, it’s not about how fast you travel or how smoothly you navigate. It’s about moving forward, one step at a time. It’s about embracing the journey with all its challenges and changes.

The Japanese have a concept called “Kintsugi” or “golden repair”. It is the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold. The philosophy behind it is that the breakage and repair are part of the history of an object, rather than something to hide.

Just like the Kintsugi, our struggles and how we overcome them make us who we are. They don’t diminish us, but add to our beauty and strength.

So, as you navigate your own journey, remember that each struggle, each change is adding to your golden repair. It’s making you stronger, more resilient, more beautiful.

Embrace it. Learn from it. Grow from it. Because in the end, it’s not just about surviving struggles – it’s about coming out stronger.