Life is a rollercoaster of experiences, some that challenge us and some that motivate us.

The tough times, though, can be particularly impactful. They test our mental strength and resilience, pushing us beyond our limits.

But here’s the thing: if you’ve faced certain challenges in life and come out on the other side, you’re likely mentally stronger than most people.

In this piece, we will explore seven experiences that signal this strength. And if you’ve lived through these, give yourself a pat on the back – you’re a mental warrior.

Let’s get started. 

1) Overcoming adversity

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect it. Adversities and challenges big or small can disrupt our lives and make everything seem like an uphill battle.

But if you’ve faced these adversities and not only survived but thrived, you have mental strength that many lack.

Overcoming adversity requires a level of tenacity, resilience, and emotional intelligence that not everyone possesses. It involves facing the problem head-on, accepting it, and devising ways to work through it.

This isn’t about ignoring the pain or pretending everything is okay. It’s about acknowledging the situation, feeling the pain, and then deciding to move forward in spite of it.

If you’ve lived through adversity and have come out stronger on the other side, consider yourself mentally tough. The experience has equipped you with the ability to handle future challenges with a level of grit and resilience that most people simply don’t have.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And in your case, it’s made you mentally stronger than most.

2) Failure and rejection

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that failure and rejection can be the greatest teachers.

I remember when I first started writing, my work was rejected over and over again. It was disheartening and at times, I questioned whether I should continue.

But then, I realized that each rejection was an opportunity to learn and improve my craft. I started to view failure not as a dead-end, but rather a detour to a better path.

The ability to bounce back from failure and rejection is a sign of incredible mental strength. It takes guts to face your shortcomings, learn from them, and then get back into the game with renewed determination.

If you’ve experienced failure and rejection, and have used it as a stepping stone towards success, you’ve got the mental toughness that sets you apart from the crowd. You’ve learned that failure isn’t the end, but rather a part of the journey towards achieving your goals.

3) Embracing change

Change is the only constant in life. Yet, many of us resist it because it pushes us out of our comfort zones.

However, embracing change is a potent sign of mental strength. It requires adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to venture into the unknown.

Interestingly, a study by the American Psychological Association showed that people who are more flexible in their daily routines tend to be better at coping with unexpected changes. They are also more likely to have positive emotions and lower levels of depression and anxiety.

If you’re someone who welcomes change, adapting to new situations and finding opportunities in unfamiliar circumstances, you possess a level of mental strength that many lack. This ability to flow with life’s ebbs and flows shows a resilience that sets you apart.

4) Persistent in the face of obstacles

Life is full of obstacles. They can knock us down, push us back, and sometimes make us question our abilities. But it’s how we respond to these obstacles that truly defines our mental strength.

If you’ve faced obstacles and instead of giving up, you’ve doubled down on your efforts, you’re a testament to mental resilience. Persistence in the face of challenges shows an indomitable spirit and a refusal to be defeated.

Staying committed to your goals despite the hurdles requires mental fortitude and an unwavering belief in your abilities. So if you’ve trudged through rough terrains and still emerged victorious, you’re mentally stronger than most people. You’ve shown that no matter how big the obstacle, your spirit is bigger.

5) Learning to let go

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that not everything is within my control. There were moments when I tried to hold on to situations, people, and outcomes, only to realize that letting go was the healthier option.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means understanding that some things are beyond our control and it’s okay. It’s about accepting that we can’t change everything and everyone around us.

This lesson wasn’t easy. It meant facing painful truths and dealing with feelings of loss and disappointment. But in the end, learning to let go made me stronger.

If you’ve learned this lesson too, it’s a testament to your mental strength. Understanding when to fight and when to surrender is a powerful skill that sets you apart from most people.

6) Embracing solitude

In today’s hyper-connected world, solitude is often undervalued. Many people fear being alone, equating it with loneliness. But there’s a significant difference between the two.

Embracing solitude means enjoying your own company and using that time for self-reflection and growth. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and not needing constant external validation.

If you’ve learned to appreciate solitude and use it to your advantage, it’s a sign of mental strength. It shows that you’re self-sufficient and capable of introspection. This ability to be alone without feeling lonely is a powerful trait that not everyone possesses.

If you’re someone who enjoys their own company, you’re mentally stronger than most people. You’ve realized that solitude can be a source of strength and personal growth.

7) Practicing gratitude

One of the most powerful habits that signal mental strength is practicing gratitude. It’s about appreciating what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack.

Gratitude can shift your mindset, help you overcome adversity, and enhance your well-being. It’s about acknowledging the good in your life, even in the midst of difficulties.

If you’ve made a habit of counting your blessings, it’s a testament to your mental strength. It shows that you choose positivity over negativity, hope over despair, and appreciation over dissatisfaction.

Practicing gratitude is not just about being happy; it’s about being strong. It’s about finding the silver lining in every cloud and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Final reflection: Strength within

The journey of life is a complex tapestry woven with threads of experiences. These experiences shape us, mould us, and forge us into stronger individuals.

These seven experiences are milestones on the path to mental strength. They are testaments to resilience, adaptability, and tenacity.

If you’ve lived through these, you’ve honed your mental fortitude in the crucible of life. You’ve weathered storms and emerged stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

Mental strength isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising each time you fall. It’s about embracing change, overcoming adversity, persisting through obstacles, and appreciating solitude. It’s about learning to let go and practicing gratitude.

As psychologist Carl Jung once said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” If you’ve experienced these seven things in life, you’ve chosen to become mentally stronger than most people.

Remember, mental strength isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s not a trait we’re born with but one that we cultivate over time.

Keep nurturing this strength within you. After all, it’s the challenges we face that make us stronger.