9 signs you’re mentally stronger than most people, even if you don’t realize it

There’s a striking difference between believing you’re mentally strong and actually being mentally strong. The difference is often subtle, and you might not even realize that you fall into the latter category.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a passionate advocate for mindfulness. In my experience, mental strength isn’t about flaunting your toughness. It’s about being resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity.

Mental strength is something that quietly thrives within you. It’s not always noticeable, especially to the person possessing it. S

In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 signs that suggest you’re mentally stronger than most people, even if you don’t realize it yet.

Let’s get started. 

1) You embrace change

Change is the only constant in life, as the saying goes. Most people resist this universal truth and find comfort in routine and predictability. But not you.

If you’re mentally stronger than most people, even if you don’t realize it, you tend to embrace change. You see it as an opportunity for growth and learning, not a threat to your comfort zone.

Mentally strong people understand that change is inevitable. They’re adaptable and flexible, and can adjust their plans or their thinking in response to new circumstances or information.

Rather than fearing change, you might even look forward to it, seeing it as a chance to challenge yourself and develop new skills. If this sounds like you, then it’s a good sign of mental strength.

However, embracing change doesn’t mean being reckless or haphazard. You still make thoughtful decisions and consider the potential consequences. But unlike many people, you don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back from pursuing new opportunities or paths.

Being mentally strong isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being able to face fears and uncertainties head-on, with courage and resilience. If you can do this, it’s a clear sign that you’re mentally stronger than most people.

2) You don’t dwell on past mistakes

We all make mistakes—it’s part of being human. But how we react to those mistakes can say a lot about our mental strength.

If you’re like me, you might have made some errors in judgment in the past. I remember a time when I decided to invest in a business idea without doing thorough research. It backfired, and I ended up losing a good chunk of my savings.

But instead of dwelling on that mistake, I chose to learn from it. I took responsibility and used it as an opportunity to grow. This is a trait of mental strength that many people overlook.

Mentally strong individuals don’t waste time beating themselves up over past mistakes. Instead, they acknowledge their errors, learn from them, and move forward.

If you’re able to look back at your past mistakes without getting stuck in regret or self-blame, but use them as stepping stones to improve and grow, then you’re showing signs of being mentally stronger than most people.

3) You practice self-care

Maintaining mental strength isn’t just about how you think and behave—it also involves taking care of your physical and emotional health.

People with high levels of mental strength understand the importance of self-care. They make time for activities that nourish their mind, body, and soul, whether it’s exercising, meditating, or simply taking a quiet moment to relax and unwind.

In a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, it was found that people who regularly engage in self-care activities have lower stress levels and better mental health outcomes compared to those who don’t prioritize self-care.

If you’re someone who prioritizes your well-being and understands the importance of balancing work with rest, it’s a strong sign of mental strength. Because being mentally strong isn’t about pushing yourself to the limit constantly—it’s about knowing when to take a step back and recharge.

Taking care of your physical health is crucial for maintaining your mental strength. So make sure to incorporate regular self-care into your routine—it can do wonders for your overall mental resilience.

4) You practice mindfulness

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in our thoughts and worries. But if you’re mentally stronger than most people, you likely have a knack for staying present and mindful.

Buddhism teaches us about the importance of mindfulness, of being in the here and now. It’s about focusing on the present moment, rather than getting stuck in past regrets or future anxieties.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the principles of Buddhism that can help us lead a more mindful life.

Mindfulness allows us to engage fully with our experiences, to live our lives more fully, and to respond to challenges with a clear mind. It’s an essential practice for anyone wanting to build mental strength.

If you find yourself practicing mindfulness—whether it’s through meditation, mindful eating, or simply being fully engaged in the task at hand—it’s a sign that you’re mentally stronger than most people.

Practicing mindfulness doesn’t just improve mental strength. It enhances our overall well-being and quality of life. 

5) You’re not afraid to say “no”

Setting boundaries can be tough, especially when it involves saying “no” to someone. But it’s an essential part of maintaining mental strength.

I recall a time when I was inundated with work, personal commitments, and social engagements. I found myself saying “yes” to everything, trying to please everyone around me. But it took a toll on my mental health and well-being.

The turning point came when I realized the importance of prioritizing my own needs and learned the power of saying “no”. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my mental strength and overall well-being.

If you can assertively say “no” when needed, without feeling guilty or over-explaining yourself, it’s a strong sign of mental strength. It shows that you value your own time and mental health as much as you value others’ needs and expectations.

Saying “no” doesn’t make you selfish or unkind. It’s about understanding your limits and respecting your own needs. And if you can do that, it’s a clear indication that you’re mentally stronger than most people.

6) You’re comfortable with being alone

In a society that places a lot of emphasis on socializing and being ‘connected’, choosing to spend time alone might seem counter-intuitive. But it’s actually a sign of mental strength.

Spending time alone allows you to get to know yourself better, to reflect on your thoughts and feelings without distractions. It gives you the chance to recharge, to clear your mind, and to engage in activities that you truly enjoy.

Mentally strong people understand the value of solitude. They’re comfortable spending time alone and don’t depend on others for happiness or validation.

It’s important to note that being comfortable with solitude doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or that you always prefer to be alone. It simply means that you’re comfortable in your own company and can enjoy your own thoughts and interests.

7) You don’t seek validation from others

It’s natural to want to be liked and appreciated. But if your self-worth depends on the approval of others, it can be a shaky foundation.

Mentally strong individuals understand this. They know their worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions or validation. They are confident in their abilities and values, and they don’t need external affirmation to feel good about themselves.

This doesn’t mean they disregard the opinions of others entirely. Constructive criticism can be valuable for personal growth and development. But they don’t let others’ opinions dictate their self-worth or influence their decisions.

8) You’re persistent in the face of failure

Failure can be tough to deal with. It can bruise our ego and make us question our abilities. But how we respond to failure can reveal a lot about our mental strength.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve had my fair share of failures. Whether it was a business venture not panning out as planned or a personal goal I didn’t meet, failure has been a part of my journey.

However, instead of letting failure discourage me, I use it as fuel to persist and improve. This is a common trait I’ve noticed among mentally strong individuals. They view failure not as the end of the road, but as a learning opportunity.

If you’re someone who persists in the face of failure, who picks yourself up after a fall and keeps going, it’s a strong sign of mental strength. Because mental strength isn’t about never failing—it’s about never giving up.

9) You take responsibility for your actions

At the core of mental strength is personal accountability. It’s about owning your decisions, actions, and their outcomes, whether good or bad.

Mentally strong individuals don’t blame others for their mistakes or failures. They don’t shy away from taking responsibility for their actions. Instead, they acknowledge their role in the situation, learn from it, and use that knowledge to improve.

Taking responsibility isn’t always easy. It requires humility, honesty, and courage. But it’s a crucial part of building mental strength.