Ever felt like you’re walking a tightrope between merely surviving and thriving despite the storm? Well, that rope is called resilience.

It’s not about slapping on a fake smile or pretending life’s a breeze when it’s actually a hurricane.

No, resilience is all about taking the hits, shaking off the dust, and soldiering on, even when it feels like you’re knee-deep in quicksand.

And in this article, let’s chat about 10 telltale signs that you’re a lot more resilient than you give yourself credit for. 

1) You’re able to bounce back

Resilience? It’s like bouncing back from a fall. When life throws you a curveball, do you crumble under the weight, or do you shake it off and keep moving forward?

Now, here’s the scoop: Resilience isn’t about plastering on a fake grin when you’re feeling crushed inside. No, it’s about letting yourself feel all the feels and then picking yourself up and dusting off the dirt.

That ability to bounce back? It’s a telltale sign of resilience. It proves that even when the going gets tough, you’ve got what it takes to bounce right back into action.

2) You embrace change

Resilience also shines through in how you handle change. While some folks might feel anxious or fearful about change, resilient individuals see it as a chance to grow.

Let me give you a personal example. A few years back, I was let go from a job I adored due to unexpected circumstances. It hit me like a ton of bricks – all that loss and uncertainty.

But instead of letting fear take over, I saw it as my ticket to reevaluate my career path and explore fresh avenues. Sure, it wasn’t a walk in the park – I had my doubts along the way.

Yet, by embracing the change and seeing it as an opportunity to level up, I landed a gig that brought even more fulfillment and room for growth than before.

So, when change comes knocking, do you resist or rise to the occasion? How you react might just reveal your resilience.

3) You practice self-care

Resilient folks get that keeping up with their physical and mental well-being is key. They know they need to be firing on all cylinders to tackle life’s hurdles.

But hey, it’s not about going full-on gym rat or turning into a meditation guru overnight. It’s about making smart choices – like getting enough shut-eye, fueling up with good grub, staying active, and carving out chill time for themselves.

According to researchers, regular physical activity can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and elevate mood due to the release of endorphins, often known as ‘feel-good’ hormones.

So taking care of your body can actually have a direct positive impact on your mental state, enhancing your ability to cope with stress and bounce back from adversity.

4) You don’t let failure define you

Everyone experiences failures and setbacks. But resilient individuals don’t let these moments define them or their self-worth. Instead, they view failure as a learning opportunity, a stepping stone to success.

When faced with failure, it’s natural to feel disappointed or discouraged. But it’s what you do next that truly counts.

Do you wallow in self-pity, or do you analyse what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and then get back up and try again?

Resilient people choose the latter. They refuse to let failure stop them from pursuing their goals. They are able to detach their self-worth from outcomes and instead focus on their effort and growth.

5) You maintain a positive outlook

 Life throws curveballs, but resilient folks are the eternal optimists.

This doesn’t mean they’re always happy or that they ignore their problems. Rather, it means they choose to focus on the good whenever possible. They understand that dwelling on negative thoughts doesn’t change the situation; it only amplifies stress and fear.

Instead, they consciously shift their focus to what’s going well, what they’re grateful for, and what they can do to improve their situation. They see problems as temporary hurdles rather than permanent roadblocks.

6) You lean on your support network

One of the most beautiful things about being human is our ability to connect with others. We all need support sometimes, and resilient people understand the value of reaching out to others for help and encouragement.

Whether it’s leaning on a close friend during a tough time, seeking advice from a mentor, or simply sharing a laugh with loved ones to relieve stress, resilient individuals aren’t afraid to ask for support when they need it.

It takes courage to open up and let others in, especially during difficult times. But it’s often through these shared experiences that we find the strength to persevere.

7) You’re comfortable with discomfort

Resilience involves stepping out of your comfort zone and being okay with discomfort. It’s about facing your fears and challenging yourself to grow.

I remember when I was asked to give a presentation to a large audience for the first time. Public speaking was something that always made me nervous. My initial reaction was to decline the opportunity. But then, I realized that this was a chance for me to grow and overcome my fear.

So I accepted the challenge, prepared extensively, and stood on that stage. Yes, it was uncomfortable, and yes, I was nervous. But I did it, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

8) You know when to step back

While it’s true that resilience often means pushing forward in the face of adversity, it’s equally important to know when to step back and take a breather. Sometimes, the most resilient thing you can do is to give yourself permission to rest and recharge.

This might seem like giving up, but it’s not. It’s about recognizing your limits and giving yourself the care you need. It’s about understanding that taking a break can actually increase your productivity and creativity in the long run.

If you’re someone who knows when to pause, reflect, and recharge, rather than relentlessly pushing yourself to the point of burnout, that’s a strong indicator of resilience. 

9) You’re adaptable

Life is unpredictable. Plans change, people come and go, and unexpected events turn our world upside down. But resilient individuals are adaptable. 

Being adaptable doesn’t mean you’re indecisive or lack goals. It means you’re flexible in your approach to achieving those goals. You keep in mind that there are often multiple pathways to success.

If you’re someone who can adapt to new circumstances, pivot when necessary, and keep moving forward, you’re demonstrating strong resilience.  

10) You keep going

At the heart of resilience lies a simple, powerful truth: You keep going. Even when things are hard, even when you’re tired, even when you’re not sure if you can, you push forward.

Resilient people understand that progress isn’t always linear. There are setbacks and detours and days when it feels like you’re stuck in place. But through it all, you don’t give up.

This tenacity, this refusal to be beaten down by life’s challenges, is perhaps the most telling sign of resilience. So if you’re someone who keeps putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what, know that you are stronger and more resilient than you think.

Final reflection: Resilience is a journey

Delving into the realm of resilience, it’s clear that it’s not a singular trait, but a complex interplay of behaviors, thoughts and actions.

Resilience isn’t about being untouched by life’s struggles. It’s about facing them head-on and coming out stronger on the other side. It’s about learning from failures, embracing change, leaning on support networks, and having the courage to keep going, even when the going gets tough.

Recognizing these signs of resilience within yourself isn’t just an exercise in self-awareness. It’s an opportunity for empowerment. It’s a reminder that you have faced challenges before and emerged victorious.

And most importantly, it’s a testament to your strength and your ability to not just survive, but thrive in the face of adversity.