As someone who’s seen life’s ups and downs, I can tell you that resilience is not just a skill, it’s a necessity. It’s not the absence of adversity but how we react to it that defines us.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, and I’ve often wondered why some people bounce back from setbacks stronger than ever while others struggle.

Turns out, those who remain resilient even after facing adversity often display certain unique strengths.

In this piece, we’re going to explore these nine unique strengths that resilient people seem to have. These aren’t superhuman abilities, but rather simple traits that anyone can develop.

So if you’ve ever been knocked down and want to know how to get back up stronger, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.

1) Embracing change

Life can be unpredictable, throwing curveballs when we least expect them.

Those who remain resilient after facing adversity, however, have a unique strength: they embrace change.

Instead of resisting the unexpected, they see it as an opportunity for growth. They understand that change is a part of life and that the only constant is, in fact, change itself.

This doesn’t mean they enjoy upheaval or seek out chaos. It simply means they accept change when it comes, knowing that their response to it will shape their path forward.

By embracing change instead of fearing it, resilient individuals are able to adapt, evolve and grow stronger from their experiences.

So next time life throws you a curveball, take a leaf out of the resilient person’s book: Embrace the change, and see where it leads you.

After all, as the saying goes: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

2) Practicing mindfulness

Buddhism has always been a significant influence in my life. As an expert in Buddhism and eastern philosophy, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring its teachings and the practices it promotes.

One such practice that I’ve found to be crucial for resilience is mindfulness.

Resilient individuals often display a deep sense of mindfulness. This isn’t surprising because mindfulness – a core teaching in Buddhism – allows us to be fully present in our experiences, without judgment or resistance.

Mindfulness allows us to face adversities head-on, acknowledging the situation without letting it overwhelm us. It helps us to maintain a balanced perspective even during tough times.

By practicing mindfulness, we learn to accept our feelings and thoughts, no matter how uncomfortable, instead of suppressing or fighting them.

So if you’re looking to build your resilience, consider incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. It’s not just for monks, it’s for anyone wanting to navigate life with a little more grace and ease.

3) Nurturing a positive outlook

I’ve always been a ‘glass half full’ kind of guy. I believe that no matter how dark the clouds, there’s a silver lining somewhere. And this, as it turns out, is a common trait among resilient individuals.

Maintaining a positive outlook doesn’t mean ignoring life’s difficulties. Instead, it’s about keeping an optimistic perspective even when times are tough.

Resilient people understand that adversity is temporary and that better days are on the horizon. They see setbacks not as insurmountable obstacles but as challenges to be overcome.

This hopeful perspective allows them to persist and keep pushing forward despite the odds.

Remember, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain. So next time you’re faced with adversity, try to find that silver lining. It might just make all the difference.

Keep your chin up and your spirit high; after all, a positive mindset can often be the first step towards resilience.

4) Embodying compassion

Buddhism teaches us that compassion is not just a virtue, but a way of life. It’s about understanding the suffering of others and wanting to alleviate it.

Resilient individuals often embody this principle of compassion, not just towards others but also towards themselves.

When they face adversity, they treat themselves with kindness and understanding, rather than criticism. This self-compassion enables them to rebound from setbacks without getting stuck in a cycle of self-blame or negativity.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the significance of compassion in Buddhism and how it can transform our lives. If you’re interested, you can find my book on Amazon here.

By practicing self-compassion, we give ourselves the permission to be human, to make mistakes, and to learn from them.

This approach builds resilience since it encourages us to keep going despite the bumps along the road.

5) Accepting vulnerability

One might think that resilience is all about being invulnerable, but that’s not necessarily the case. Resilient individuals often display a unique strength: the acceptance of their own vulnerability.

This might seem counterintuitive, but let me explain. Accepting vulnerability doesn’t mean resigning to weakness. It’s about acknowledging that we’re human and that it’s okay to not have all the answers or to feel overwhelmed sometimes.

By accepting their vulnerability, resilient individuals allow themselves to experience and express their emotions fully, without judgment or resistance. 

In fact, it’s often through facing our vulnerabilities that we discover our greatest strengths.

So don’t shy away from your vulnerability; embrace it. It’s a part of who you are, and it might just be the key to your resilience.

6) Living in the present

Buddhism places a great emphasis on the power of the present moment. It teaches us to live in the ‘now’, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Those who remain resilient after facing adversity often embody this principle. They understand that the past is behind them and the future is uncertain, but they have control over what they do in the present.

By living in the present, they focus their energy on what can be done right now, rather than ruminating over what could have been or might be.

This doesn’t mean they don’t plan for the future or learn from their past. Rather, they don’t let these things distract them from taking action in the present moment.

So if you want to boost your resilience, try to cultivate a greater awareness of the present. After all, as Buddhism teaches us, the present moment is all we truly have.

7) Embracing a growth mindset

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that our mindset plays a critical role in how we handle life’s challenges.

People who remain resilient often embrace what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a ‘growth mindset.’ They understand that skills and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, they see them as opportunities for growth and learning. They don’t shy away from challenges but welcome them as chances to improve and evolve.

This growth mindset fuels their resilience, enabling them to bounce back from adversity stronger than before.

8) Seeking support

We often think of resilience as a solo act, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, resilient individuals understand the importance of seeking support when needed.

This might seem counterintuitive. After all, doesn’t resilience mean standing strong on your own?

While it’s true that resilience involves personal inner strength, it’s also about recognizing when you need help. Resilient people aren’t afraid to lean on their support network during tough times.

Whether it’s confiding in a trusted friend, seeking professional help, or joining a support group, reaching out to others when you’re struggling can be a sign of strength, not weakness.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to face adversity alone. In fact, seeking support can often be the key to bouncing back stronger than before.

9) Cultivating gratitude

In Buddhism, gratitude is more than just a polite thank you. It’s a fundamental aspect of mindfulness and a powerful tool for transforming our perspective on life.

Resilient individuals often display this profound sense of gratitude. Even in the face of adversity, they’re able to acknowledge and appreciate the good in their lives.

This doesn’t mean they ignore their struggles. Rather, they choose to focus on what they have rather than what they lack. This attitude of gratitude helps them maintain a positive outlook, fueling their resilience.

Cultivating a grateful mindset can transform the way we view our challenges, shifting our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in our lives.

So next time you face adversity, try to find something – no matter how small – to be grateful for. It might just give you the strength to keep going.

Final thoughts

In life, it’s not the adversity itself but how we respond to it that truly defines us. Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges but about facing them head-on with grace and strength.

These nine unique strengths of resilient individuals are not exclusive; they can be cultivated by anyone willing to put in the effort.

If you’re interested in learning more about resilience and how Buddhist principles can help you live with maximum impact and minimum ego, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.