7 signs you’re mentally tougher than the average person

We often admire those who seem to stride through life’s ups and downs with unwavering determination and resilience. You know, those people who face adversity head on, while the rest of us mere mortals might crumble.

Well, guess what?

You might be one of those people.

No, seriously. You might be mentally tougher than the average person and not even realize it.

You might be thinking “Nah, not me. I’m just getting by like everyone else.” And that’s fair enough. But it’s worth taking a closer look because mental toughness isn’t always about being the loudest in the room or the most outwardly confident.

In fact, it often shows up in subtle ways.

So, if you’re curious to know whether you’ve got more grit than you give yourself credit for, let’s dive into seven signs that could indicate you’re mentally tougher than the average person.

Remember, this isn’t about comparing yourself to others or trying to be perfect. It’s about recognizing your strengths and understanding how they help you navigate life’s challenges. So let’s get started!

1) You embrace change

Change can be downright scary for many. It’s often seen as an unwelcome disruptor, something that jolts us out of our comfortable routines and into the unknown.

But for you?

You look at change differently. Sure, it’s not always comfortable. But you understand that change is inevitable. It’s a part of life. And rather than resisting it, you embrace it.

You see, mental toughness is not just about being able to withstand adversity. It’s about being adaptable. It’s about accepting that the only constant in life is change, and rather than fearing it, you see it as an opportunity to grow and learn.

So, if you’re someone who tends to say “bring it on” when faced with change, rather than “why me?”, that’s a sign that you’re mentally tougher than the average person.

2) You bounce back quickly from setbacks

I remember a time when I was working on a big project at work. I had poured my heart into it, only for it to fall through at the last moment due to circumstances beyond my control.

I was crushed. I felt like all my hard work had gone to waste.

But then, something surprising happened.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I found myself picking up the pieces and getting back on track faster than I thought possible. I realized that while the setback was disappointing, it wasn’t the end of the world.

This is a surefire sign of mental toughness. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, to pick yourself up and keep going even when things don’t go according to plan.

You see, everyone faces setbacks. But it’s how we respond to these setbacks that truly defines us. And if you’re someone who bounces back quickly, who sees every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow, then you’re definitely mentally tougher than the average person.

3) You’re okay with not being liked by everyone

Let’s face it. We human beings have this innate desire to be liked and accepted by everyone around us. It’s a universal trait, deeply ingrained in our DNA.

But here’s the thing.

Not everyone is going to like you. And that’s okay.

It took me a while to come to terms with this fact. I used to bend over backwards trying to please everyone, often at the expense of my own happiness.

But over time, I realized something crucial. In trying to be everything to everyone, I was losing sight of who I really was.

So, I made a conscious decision. I chose authenticity over approval. I chose to be true to myself, even if it meant not being liked by everyone.

And guess what?

It was incredibly freeing.

Being mentally tough means understanding that your self-worth is not determined by others’ opinions of you. It means being comfortable with the fact that you can’t please everyone and choosing authenticity over approval.

4) You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable

Comfort zones are, well, comfortable. They’re safe, predictable, and familiar. But they can also hold us back from personal growth and new experiences.

Have you ever noticed how the most significant growth often comes from situations that push us out of our comfort zones?

I’ve found this to be true in my own life.

Once, I was offered an opportunity to give a presentation to a large audience. The catch? Public speaking was one of my greatest fears. But I decided to take the leap.

And yes, it was uncomfortable. I was nervous, I stumbled over my words a few times, and I even forgot a part of my speech. But at the end of it all, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Being mentally tough means being comfortable with being uncomfortable. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears head-on.

If you’re someone who’s not afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone, then that’s a strong sign of mental toughness.

5) You take responsibility for your actions

Did you know that taking responsibility for your actions is actually a psychological principle known as locus of control? Those with an internal locus of control believe they have the power to influence their circumstances, while those with an external locus of control believe that external factors determine their fate.

Let me tell you, taking responsibility for your actions is a game changer.

Why?

Because it puts you in the driver’s seat of your own life. Instead of blaming circumstances or other people for your problems, you recognize that your decisions and actions shape your destiny.

Living by this principle has made a significant difference in my own life. I’ve learned that while I can’t control everything that happens to me, I can control how I react to it.

This isn’t always easy, of course. But it’s a critical component of mental toughness. 

6) You lend a hand to others, even when you’re struggling yourself

There’s something incredibly powerful about helping others, especially when you’re going through a tough time yourself. It’s like a beacon of light that breaks through the darkness, reminding us of our shared humanity.

I remember a time when I was going through a particularly stressful period in my life. I was feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

One day, I ran into a friend who was going through a tough time herself. We sat down for a coffee, and for the next hour, I listened as she poured her heart out.

In that moment, despite my own struggles, I found myself offering comfort and advice. And you know what? By the end of our conversation, we both felt lighter.

Being mentally tough doesn’t mean you have to be stoic or indifferent to the struggles of others. In fact, it’s often quite the opposite.

7) You practice self-care regularly

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about making time to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people neglect this crucial aspect of well-being.

From my experience, self-care is the cornerstone of mental toughness. It’s about recognizing when you need to rest and recharge. It’s about setting boundaries and not overextending yourself.

Remember, being mentally tough doesn’t mean you’re invincible. It means you understand your limits and take steps to protect your well-being. Because at the end of the day, taking care of yourself is the most important job you have.

The final take

If you’ve identified with these signs, it’s likely you’re mentally tougher than you give yourself credit for. Remember, mental toughness isn’t about being the “strongest” or “toughest” in the conventional sense. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and authenticity.

But here’s what’s truly important – this mental toughness does not mean you’re impervious to life’s trials. It means you have the capacity to face them head-on, learn from them, and come out stronger on the other side.

Start by acknowledging your strength. Take a moment to appreciate your resilience and adaptability. Recognize your authenticity and how it contributes to your mental toughness.

Then, continue to nurture these traits. Embrace change when it comes, bounce back from setbacks, be okay with not being liked by everyone, step out of your comfort zone, take responsibility for your actions, lend a helping hand even when you’re struggling, and most importantly – practice self-care regularly.

These aren’t just signs of mental toughness. They’re signs of a well-rounded individual who understands that life is a journey of constant learning and growth.

Remember this – each challenge you face is not a stumbling block but a stepping stone towards becoming a stronger version of yourself.

So as you continue on this journey, be gentle with yourself. Celebrate your progress, however small. And always remember – mental toughness is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.