Resilience is a trait that’s not as easy to define as you might think.

It’s about more than just bouncing back from difficulties or setbacks – it’s about seeing those challenges as opportunities for growth.

As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, I’ve come to recognize certain signs that hint at a person’s resilience.

These are the signs that show you’re the kind of person who doesn’t just survive tough times, but thrives in them.

If you recognize these 8 signs in yourself, then congratulations – you’re more resilient than most people.

1) Embracing change

Resilience is all about adaptability.

It’s about accepting the inevitability of change and learning to roll with the punches.

As someone who practices mindfulness and Buddhism, I can tell you that one of the biggest hurdles to happiness and peace is resistance to change.

And this resistance is something we all have to a certain extent.

But those who are more resilient than most have a different approach.

They understand that change is a part of life, not an enemy to be battled against.

Instead of bracing for impact when they see a change on the horizon, resilient people welcome it.

They see it as an opportunity, a chance to learn and grow.

This acceptance allows them to navigate through life’s ups and downs with grace and dignity, instead of being tossed around by the waves of change.

2) Viewing difficulties as lessons

Another sign of resilience is the ability to view difficulties not as setbacks, but as stepping stones to growth.

I’ve had my own share of challenges and I’ve learned over time how to shift my perspective.

It wasn’t easy, but it’s a change that has made a world of difference.

The idea is beautifully encapsulated in a quote from Pema Chödrön, a renowned Buddhist nun and author.

She said, “Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.”

This ability to extract a lesson from every obstacle is a hallmark of resilience.

It’s not about ignoring the pain or pretending everything is fine.

It’s about acknowledging the struggle, but then looking beyond it to see what it can teach you.

So the next time you face a challenge, ask yourself: “What can this experience teach me? How can I grow from this?”

If you’re able to do that, then you’re showcasing a remarkable level of resilience.

3) Acceptance of imperfection

Buddhism teaches us the concept of “Wabi-sabi,” a worldview centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.

It’s about finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.

Resilient people understand this concept, even if they’ve never heard of wabi-sabi.

They know that life is not perfect, and neither are they.

And rather than fight against this reality, they accept it.

Accepting imperfection doesn’t mean giving up or settling for less.

It means acknowledging that perfection is an unrealistic standard.

It means understanding that failure and mistakes are not just inevitable, but necessary parts of growth.

If you’re someone who accepts imperfection – in yourself, in others, in life – then you’re demonstrating a level of resilience that many people never attain.

You’re acknowledging the raw and honest truth that life is messy, and that’s okay.

It’s more than okay, actually; it’s beautiful, in its own imperfect way.

4) Presence in the moment

Mindfulness is all about being fully present in the moment.

It’s about experiencing life as it happens, without getting lost in regrets about the past or worries about the future.

Resilient people have a knack for this.

They understand that life unfolds in the present moment, and that’s where they choose to focus their attention.

This doesn’t mean they ignore the past or the future.

Instead, they learn from the past and plan for the future, but they don’t let these things steal away their present.

Being present allows them to fully engage with their life, to appreciate the good and navigate the bad with a clear mind and steady heart.

If you’re someone who practices mindfulness, who lives in the present moment rather than getting lost in thoughts of the past or future, then you’re showing another sign of resilience.

You’re showing that you understand life is happening right now.

And that no matter what life throws at you, you’re ready to meet it head on, right here, right now.

5) Letting go of ego

The ego can be a tricky thing to handle.

It’s that voice in your head that insists on being right, that takes things personally, that creates conflict where there doesn’t need to be any.

As I explore in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, letting go of the ego is a key aspect of both Buddhism and resilience.

Resilient people understand that the ego often gets in the way of growth and learning.

They’ve learned to step back and observe their ego, rather than let it control them.

They know that their worth isn’t determined by how right they are or how much they achieve.

Letting go of the ego doesn’t mean becoming a doormat or losing your sense of self.

It means finding your self-worth within, rather than seeking it from external validation.

6) Embodying compassion

Compassion is a cornerstone of both Buddhism and mindfulness.

It’s about more than just feeling pity or sympathy for others; it’s about truly understanding their struggles and desiring to alleviate their suffering.

Resilient people are often deeply compassionate.

They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles, and they strive to lend a helping hand rather than judge or criticize.

But this compassion isn’t just extended to others.

It’s also directed inward.

Resilient people practice self-compassion, treating themselves with kindness and understanding during tough times.

Compassion isn’t about being a pushover or ignoring your own needs.

It’s about recognizing the shared human experience of struggle and responding with love and support.

And that kind of resilience is truly something special.

7) Detachment from outcomes

Perhaps one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of resilience is the ability to detach from outcomes.

This doesn’t mean not caring about the results of your actions, but rather not letting these results dictate your happiness or self-worth.

This concept is echoed in a quote from Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, who said, “Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.”

Resilient people understand that while they can control their actions and efforts, they can’t always control the outcomes.

And that’s okay.

They find satisfaction in knowing they’ve done their best and they let go of the rest.

8) Welcoming discomfort

This one might seem counterintuitive.

After all, who in their right mind would welcome discomfort?

But that’s exactly what resilient people do.

In the practice of mindfulness, discomfort is seen as a teacher.

It’s something that can help us grow, evolve, and become more aware.

Resilient people understand this.

They don’t shy away from uncomfortable situations, feelings or thoughts.

Instead, they lean into them.

They see them as opportunities to learn more about themselves and the world around them.

So if you’re someone who welcomes discomfort, who sees it not as something to be avoided but as something to be explored, then you’re showing the final sign of resilience.

You’re proving that you’re not just surviving in this world, but thriving.

And that’s a testament to your incredible resilience.

Last words

So there you have it.

The 8 signs that show that you’re more resilient than most people.

If you recognize these traits in yourself, be proud. You have a strength that will serve you well in every aspect of life.

But remember, resilience isn’t a fixed trait.

It can be developed and nurtured.

So if you don’t see all of these signs in yourself yet, don’t worry.

You can cultivate them.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into these traits further and share practical tips on how to cultivate them.

Resilience is not just about surviving life’s storms, but about learning how to dance in the rain.

And I believe that with mindfulness and a deeper understanding of Buddhist wisdom, we can all learn to dance a little better.