We all face hardships, but some of us manage to preserve our strength even when the winds of life howl violently against our sails.

You might peer into the abyss of adversity and wonder how some people manage to stay unbroken, or question if you too could display such unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.

How do you identify the psychological habits that allow some to remain strong, despite life’s inevitable obstacles?

To help you out, I have identified 7 key habits that seem to be common among those who remain strong even when life gets hard.

If these resonate with you, they might just be the key to unlocking your own inner strength.

1) Embracing adversity

The first psychological habit of those who stay strong in the face of difficulty is their unique ability to embrace adversity.

While it’s instinctual for many of us to shy away from or even fear the trials and tribulations life throws our way, these individuals see them as opportunities for growth and learning.

They don’t merely tolerate hardship; they welcome it with open arms, understanding that it is a fundamental part of life’s journey. They believe that it is in our darkest hours that we discover our true strength and potential.

This doesn’t mean they are immune to fear or pain. On the contrary, they experience these emotions as acutely as anyone else. But instead of letting these feelings paralyze them, they use them as fuel to propel themselves forward.

To embrace adversity is not about denying or suppressing your emotions. It is about acknowledging them, allowing yourself to feel them fully, and then using them as a catalyst for personal growth.

If you can master this habit, you’ll find that you become not just resilient, but invincible in the face of life’s challenges.

The journey from embracing adversity leads naturally to seeking authenticity.

Once we learn to accept life’s challenges, we naturally gravitate towards being our true selves, shedding societal expectations in favor of a life aligned with our core values…

2) Seeking authenticity

This habit may come as a surprise, but it’s crucial to maintaining inner strength: seeking authenticity.

Those who remain firm when life gets tough don’t waste energy on pretenses or facades. They understand the importance of being true to themselves, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.

They know that trying to fit into societal molds or expectations often leads to a sense of disconnection from their own values and desires. This dissonance can be draining and, ultimately, crippling when facing adversity.

In contrast, being authentic means aligning their actions with their beliefs and values, even if it means going against the grain. They confront the tough questions and make hard decisions, owning their choices and standing by them.

By embracing their unique selves and rejecting the need for external approval, they conserve mental energy for the trials that truly matter. After all, when you’re true to yourself, you are stronger and more resilient than any storm life can throw at you.

Being true to oneself often means acknowledging and expressing our fears and doubts, an act that requires immense courage and strength…

3) Welcoming vulnerability

In a world that often equates strength with stoicism and impassivity, the third habit may seem counterintuitive: welcoming vulnerability.

Those who remain strong when life gets hard understand that showing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather an indication of courage and authenticity.

They realize that being open about their fears, insecurities, and defeats doesn’t make them any less resilient. In fact, it’s precisely this emotional openness that allows them to connect deeply with others, fostering a sense of shared humanity that can be incredibly strengthening in difficult times.

Being vulnerable also means being honest with oneself, acknowledging personal limitations and seeking help when needed. It’s about understanding that we can’t always go it alone, and there’s no shame in reaching out for support.

By welcoming vulnerability, these individuals cultivate resilience and reinforce their psychological fortitude. After all, it’s only when we expose our weaknesses that we truly discover our strengths.

But that’s not all! The act of welcoming vulnerability paves the way for nurturing connections. By showing our true selves, we build deeper, more meaningful relationships that provide support and strength in tough times…

4) Nurturing connections

People who remain resilient amidst life’s adversities understand the power of positive relationships and the strength that can be drawn from them.

They invest time and energy into maintaining strong bonds with their loved ones, knowing that these relationships provide a solid support system when times get tough. They aren’t afraid to lean on others for emotional support, advice, or simply a listening ear.

Moreover, they realize that nurturing connections goes beyond their personal circles. They understand the value of empathy, compassion, and kindness towards every individual they encounter.

They recognize that everyone is fighting their own battles, and a small act of kindness can make a world of difference.

By fostering a sense of community and connection, they not only strengthen their own resilience but also contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world. After all, we are all interconnected in this journey of life.

Nurturing connections helps us appreciate the people and positive aspects of our life, leading us to practice gratitude…

5) Practicing gratitude

The fifth habit may seem simple, but it holds profound transformative power: practicing gratitude. Those who remain strong during tough times have a knack for finding silver linings, even in the most challenging situations.

They understand that focusing on the negative aspects of life can be draining and detrimental to their mental health. Instead, they choose to actively seek out and appreciate what’s going well, no matter how small or insignificant these things may seem.

This isn’t about ignoring the difficulties they face or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging the good amidst the bad, which helps to maintain a balanced perspective and fosters resilience.

By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, they’re able to reinforce their emotional buoyancy, making it easier to bounce back from setbacks. After all, it’s much harder to feel defeated when you’re keenly aware of the blessings that still abound in your life.

The benefits of a regular practice of gratitude don’t end here, though. A grateful mindset encourages us to take better care of our bodies, understanding that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected…

6) Maintaining physical health

Our sixth habit may seem more physiological than psychological, but the two are inextricably intertwined: maintaining physical health.

Those who stay strong despite life’s hardships know that a healthy body contributes significantly to a healthy mind.

It’s no secret that regular exercise releases endorphins, our body’s natural mood-boosters. These individuals harness the power of physical activity not just to keep their bodies fit, but also to ensure their minds stay resilient.

Similarly, a balanced diet and adequate sleep are non-negotiable for these individuals. They understand that poor nutrition and sleep deprivation can lead to both physical fatigue and mental fog, neither of which are conducive to overcoming life’s challenges.

By prioritizing their physical well-being, they are better equipped to handle stress, think clearly, make sound decisions, and keep their spirits high, even in the face of adversity. After all, a strong mind resides in a strong body.

That’s why, as we take care of our bodies, we become more adaptable and resilient, ready to face life’s constant evolutions…

7) Embracing change

The final habit on this list flies in the face of our natural inclination to seek stability and predictability: embracing change. People who stay strong, even when life gets hard, don’t just cope with change – they actively embrace it.

They understand that life is in a constant state of flux and that trying to hold onto the familiar often leads to disappointment and frustration. Instead of resisting the inevitable, they choose to adapt, evolve, and grow with the changing tides.

Change, despite its uncertainty, brings opportunities for growth, learning, and personal development. These individuals grasp this concept wholeheartedly.

They understand that it is often through change that we come face-to-face with our strengths and capacities that we never knew we had.

By embracing change rather than fighting it, they position themselves to make the most of life’s unpredictable twists and turns. After all, it’s not the strongest species that survive, but the most adaptable.

Developing resilience: A lifelong journey

The journey to becoming a person who remains strong, even when life gets hard, is not a quick or easy one.

It involves a deep level of self-awareness, a willingness to confront and embrace discomfort, and the courage to let go of control and accept life as it comes.

These seven habits we’ve discussed – embracing adversity, welcoming vulnerability, practicing gratitude, maintaining physical health, seeking authenticity, embracing change, and nurturing connections – are not quick fixes.

They cannot be adopted overnight or used as band-aids for temporary relief. They are long-term commitments that require consistent effort and dedication.

Each habit is like a muscle that needs regular exercise to grow stronger. The more we practice these habits, the more natural they become and the stronger we become in facing life’s challenges.

They act as intertwined threads in the fabric of our resilience, each one strengthening the other.

It’s also important to remember that these habits are not about avoiding or denying the pain and difficulties of life.

Life is, by its very nature, full of ups and downs. These habits are about learning to navigate these ups and downs with grace and fortitude, transforming our challenges into opportunities for personal growth.

Moreover, these habits encourage us to look beyond ourselves. They inspire us to connect with others on a deeper level, to show empathy and kindness even when we ourselves are hurting. They remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles and that we can draw strength from our shared humanity.

Developing resilience is a personal journey unique to each individual. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s crucial to explore different strategies, reflect on your experiences, and find what resonates with you.

Remember that it’s okay to stumble along the way. The road to resilience is often bumpy and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Each stumble is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger.

After all, it’s not about how many times we fall, but how many times we get back up.

So be patient with yourself, trust the process, and keep moving forward. The road may be long and arduous, but the reward – a life full of strength, resilience, and fulfillment – is well worth the journey.

Embracing self-love: The cornerstone of strength

As we journey through these seven habits, there is a fundamental principle that underscores them all. It’s the concept of self-love.

I cannot stress enough the importance of embracing self-love not just in this current situation, but as a fundamental principle for everything that happens in your life.

Self-love is not about vanity or self-absorption. It’s about recognizing your worth and treating yourself with the same kindness and respect you would offer to others.

It’s about acknowledging your strengths, accepting your flaws, and understanding that you are enough just as you are.

In times of hardship, we often become our own harshest critics. We blame ourselves for our misfortunes and berate ourselves for our perceived failures. But this self-flagellation only serves to drain our energy and diminish our resilience.

Instead, imagine if we could offer ourselves compassion in our moments of struggle. If we could remind ourselves that it’s okay to falter, that it’s okay to feel pain, that it’s okay to be human.

Imagine the strength that could come from loving ourselves unconditionally, even – and especially – when life gets hard.

Self-love also means setting healthy boundaries and prioritising our wellbeing. It means taking care of our physical health, nurturing our mental and emotional wellbeing, and nourishing our souls with activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

When we love ourselves, we empower ourselves to face life’s adversities head-on. We become more resilient, more compassionate, and more grounded. We become the person who stays strong, even when life gets hard.

So as you embark on this journey towards greater resilience, remember to make self-love a priority. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.

Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. And most importantly, remember that you are worthy of love – from others and, most importantly, from yourself.

After all, the journey towards resilience is not just about learning to weather life’s storms – it’s about learning to love the person you become in the process.