Life can be a roller coaster of experiences, some easy and some incredibly challenging. And guess what? The challenging ones tend to make us stronger.

If you’ve faced certain situations and come out the other end, there’s a good chance you’re mentally tougher than the average person.

In this article, I’m going to outline these 8 life experiences that are a testament to your mental strength. And if you’ve been through them, it’s safe to say you’re a lot stronger than you think.

Let’s dive into the journey that has honed your mental resilience.

1) Surviving a major setback

Life isn’t always a bed of roses. Sometimes it throws curveballs at us, and it’s how we handle these challenges that determines our mental toughness.

Perhaps you’ve lost a job, gone through a tough breakup, or faced a serious illness. These are major setbacks that can shake anyone to their core.

If you’ve lived through such an experience and have come out the other side stronger, congratulations – you’re mentally tougher than the average person.

Living through a major setback not only tests our resilience but also teaches us critical life lessons. It forces us to adapt, to find new ways of doing things, and most importantly, to keep moving forward no matter what.

2) Stepping outside your comfort zone

Let me share a personal story with you. I’ve always been a bit of an introvert, preferring to stay in the background rather than be the center of attention. Public speaking? That was my worst nightmare.

But a few years back, I found myself in a situation where I had no choice but to face this fear. I was offered a promotion at work, but it came with a catch – I would have to present at conferences and lead team meetings.

I was terrified, but I decided to take the plunge. And guess what? It wasn’t easy. The first few presentations were nerve-wracking, but with each one, I got better and more confident.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is never easy. It’s unsettling and scary. But every time you do it, you’re building mental strength. You’re proving to yourself that you can handle new situations and challenges.

3) Overcoming failure

Failure is a part of life that we’d all love to avoid. But it’s through failure that we learn some of our most valuable lessons.

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

Just like Edison, if you’ve experienced failure and used it as a stepping stone towards success, you’re showing mental strength. It’s not about how many times you fall but how many times you get back up.

Overcoming failure not only builds resilience but also fosters a growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

If you’ve encountered failures and used them as tools for growth rather than signs of defeat, give yourself credit for your mental strength!

4) Accepting change

Change is inevitable. It’s a part of life that we simply cannot avoid. But accepting and adapting to change? That’s something not everyone can do.

Whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a new job, or adjusting to life after a significant event, change can be daunting. It disrupts our routine, pushes us into the unknown, and tests our adaptability.

But if you’ve faced change head-on and embraced it as a part of your journey, then you’re showing true mental strength. Accepting change means accepting the uncertainty that comes with it – and that takes courage.

You’re adaptable, resilient, and ready to face whatever life throws your way.

5) Enduring loss

Few things in life test our mental strength as profoundly as enduring loss. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a dream, these experiences can leave us feeling shattered and alone.

Enduring loss is more than just surviving. It’s about learning to live again, to find joy and purpose even when it seems impossible. It’s about acknowledging the pain but choosing to keep going, choosing hope over despair.

If you’ve loved deeply and lost, if you’ve mourned and grieved, yet found the strength to continue your journey with grace and resilience, then know this – you’re stronger than you think. You have a mental toughness that many never discover.

Take a moment to recognize your strength. These losses have shaped you, but they haven’t defined you. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving – and that’s the real testament to your mental strength.

6) Having the courage to say no

A few years back, I found myself in a situation where I was constantly saying yes. Yes to extra hours at work, yes to every social event, yes to favors that were more draining than rewarding. I feared saying no would make me seem selfish or unkind.

But one day, I realized that by constantly saying yes, I was saying no to myself. My health was suffering, my personal time was non-existent and I wasn’t happy.

Saying no takes courage. It means standing up for yourself and setting boundaries. It means risking disappointment or disapproval from others. But it also means respecting your own time and well-being.

If you’ve had the courage to say no, to prioritize your own needs over pleasing others, then you possess a level of mental strength that many people struggle to achieve. So here’s to you, for having the courage to put yourself first when necessary.

7) Embracing solitude

In a world that’s constantly buzzing with activity, embracing solitude can be a challenge. But it’s often in the quiet moments alone that we learn the most about ourselves.

If you’ve learned to appreciate solitude, to enjoy your own company, and use this time for self-reflection, then you’re showing a level of mental strength that many people don’t possess.

Being comfortable with solitude means you’re not dependent on others for your happiness. You understand the importance of introspection and personal growth.

It shows your confidence in who you are and your ability to grow from within.

8) Persevering when things get tough

The true test of mental strength isn’t how you act in your best moments, but how you respond when times are tough.

Perseverance is the key. If you’ve faced adversity and chosen to keep going, to keep fighting, even when everything seems against you, then you’re demonstrating an incredible level of mental strength.

Remember, it’s not about how fast you reach your destination, but the journey you take to get there. The hurdles you overcome along the way are what build your strength and character.

If you’ve persevered in the face of adversity, take a moment to appreciate your mental toughness. You’re stronger than you think.

Embracing your strength

Life is a journey of constant learning and evolving. As we navigate through the twists and turns, the highs and lows, we uncover aspects of ourselves that we may never have known existed.

The experiences you’ve lived through, the setbacks, the changes, the losses, and the triumphs, are all integral to shaping your mental strength. They are not just events in your life, but chapters in your story of resilience.

As the famous American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “I learned the value of hard work by working hard.” The same principle applies to mental strength. It’s not something that’s handed to us; it’s something we cultivate over time through our experiences.

So if you’ve lived through these 8 experiences and stand tall today, take a moment to appreciate your mental strength. Embrace it as a testament of your resilience and growth. You’re stronger than you think. This strength is not defined by what happens to you, but how you respond to what happens.

Remember, it’s not just about surviving these experiences – it’s about thriving despite them. Isn’t that a powerful thought?