8 signs someone is a mentally very strong person, according to psychology

Psychological strength isn’t about power-lifting mental weights. It’s about resilience, determination, and emotional intelligence.

We often look to outward signs of strength – physical prowess or intellectual capability. But what about the silent strength that lies within? The mental fortitude that allows some people to overcome adversity and thrive under pressure?

According to psychology, there are clear indicators that identify those with an iron mind. These are the mentally strong individuals who can stay calm in a crisis, bounce back from failure, and march on when others would falter.

Let’s get started.

1) Embracing change

Mentally strong people aren’t afraid of change. In fact, they welcome it.

In life, change is the only constant. Whether it’s a job switch, a breakup, or a cross-country move, life throws curveballs at us all the time.

Those with robust psychological strength don’t let these changes unseat them. Instead, they see them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Change can be scary. It’s human nature to cling to what’s familiar and comfortable. But mentally strong individuals adapt and adjust, embracing the uncertainty that comes with change.

They’re willing to step outside their comfort zone and take on new challenges because they understand that change is an inevitable part of life.

2) Maintaining a positive mindset

Stay positive. Sounds simple, right? But maintaining a positive mindset is much more than a cliché – it’s a sign of mental strength.

We all have our fair share of bad days. I remember one particular period in my life where it seemed like everything was going wrong. My job was demanding, my personal relationships were strained, and I was constantly under stress.

But I learned something important during that time. I learned that while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our response to them.

I made a conscious effort to keep a positive mindset, no matter how tough things got. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, I focused on the positives – the things I could change, the lessons I could learn.

This shift in mindset didn’t solve all my problems overnight. But it certainly made them more manageable and helped me navigate through that challenging period.

Mentally strong people understand this. They know that life isn’t always fair or easy. But they also know that staying positive and optimistic can make all the difference.

That’s why they choose to focus on the good, even when faced with adversity.

3) Practicing emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand, and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others. It’s a critical skill that allows us to navigate our way through life effectively.

The fascinating thing about emotional intelligence is that it’s not innate. It’s something that we can learn and develop over time.

Mentally strong people have high emotional intelligence. They’re able to recognize their own emotional reactions and understand why they’re feeling a certain way. They can read others’ emotions accurately, empathize with their feelings, and manage their emotional responses effectively.

In a study conducted by TalentSmart, it was found that 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence. This makes it a key characteristic of not just mental resilience but also professional success.

Mentally strong individuals understand the importance of emotional intelligence in their personal and professional lives. They work on developing this skill, understanding that it’s not just about being smart or talented, but also about handling emotions effectively.

4) Living in the present

Mentally strong individuals have a unique ability to live in the present moment, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism.

Buddhism emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, or being fully engaged and present in whatever you’re doing. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, it encourages us to focus on the here and now.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into this concept. I explore how living in the present can help us lead more fulfilling lives, free from unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Mentally strong people have mastered this art of mindfulness. They understand that the past can’t be changed and the future is still out of reach. What they can control is their present – their actions, their attitudes, their responses to situations.

By focusing on the present moment, they’re able to make better decisions, handle stress more effectively, and enjoy life more fully. This ability to live in the now is a clear sign of mental strength and resilience

5) Regularly stepping out of their comfort zone

The comfort zone. It’s a lovely place, isn’t it? Familiar, safe, predictable. But nothing ever grows there.

I’ll be honest, I used to be a creature of habit. I loved my routines and rarely strayed from them. But one day, I realized that this comfortable bubble was stunting my growth.

So, I decided to challenge myself. I started small – tried a new dish at my favorite restaurant, took a different route home, read books from genres I usually didn’t explore. Then I moved on to bigger challenges – took up a public speaking class, decided to learn a new language, even went skydiving!

Each time I stepped out of my comfort zone, it was terrifying. But it was also exhilarating and rewarding in ways I hadn’t imagined.

Mentally strong individuals understand this. They know that growth and comfort don’t coexist. They’re willing to take risks, face their fears, and push their boundaries because they know that’s where real growth happens.

6) Embracing failure

Imagine this: You set a goal, work hard towards it, give it your all, and then… you fail. It’s disappointing, isn’t it?

Most of us see failure as a negative thing. We associate it with defeat, with loss. But mentally strong individuals view it differently. They see failure not as a roadblock, but as a stepping stone to success.

It sounds counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? To embrace failure rather than avoid it? But think about it. Every time we fail, we learn something new. We gain insights into what doesn’t work and that guides us towards what will.

Mentally strong people understand this. They aren’t afraid to fail because they know that each failure brings them one step closer to success. They view each setback as an opportunity for growth and learning.

They don’t let failure define them. Instead, they use it as a tool for self-improvement and progress.

7) Setting healthy boundaries

In a world that’s always on, where demands on our time and attention are constant, setting healthy boundaries is essential. It’s about knowing your limits and making sure others respect them.

Mentally strong people are pros at this. They understand that their time, energy, and emotional well-being are valuable. They’re not afraid to say no when needed and prioritize their own needs.

This doesn’t mean they’re selfish or uncaring. Quite the opposite. By setting these boundaries, they’re able to be more present and effective in their interactions with others.

They know that saying yes to everything isn’t sustainable or healthy. It leads to burnout, resentment, and a decrease in productivity.

So they set boundaries – with work, with friends, with family. They make time for themselves – for rest, for hobbies, for self-care.

If someone is able to set these healthy boundaries and maintain them even under pressure, it’s a sure sign of mental strength.

8) Practicing self-compassion

In the quest for mental strength, one crucial aspect is often overlooked – self-compassion. It’s about being kind to ourselves, treating ourselves with the same care and understanding we would offer to a good friend.

Mentally strong people don’t beat themselves up over mistakes or setbacks. They recognize that everyone stumbles, everyone has flaws. They embrace their imperfections and learn from their mistakes.

Self-compassion fosters resilience. It allows us to recover from setbacks, to keep going when things are tough. It’s a protective factor against stress and burnout.