Lachlan Brown
I’ve always believed that resilience and mental strength aren’t about never struggling—they’re about how you handle life’s challenges when they come your way.
The truth is, most people don’t realize just how strong they really are. We adapt, we push forward, and we grow, even when things feel impossible. But because resilience isn’t always loud or obvious, you might not even recognize it in yourself.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re more mentally tough than you give yourself credit for, there are certain signs to look out for. And if you relate to them, chances are, you’re stronger than most people realize.
1) You embrace change instead of fearing it
Most people resist change because it’s uncomfortable. It’s easier to stick with what’s familiar, even if it’s not working.
But if you’ve learned to adapt and stay open to new situations, that’s a clear sign of resilience. Instead of seeing change as something to fear, you see it as an opportunity for growth.
Life is unpredictable, and mentally strong people understand that resisting change only makes things harder. Instead, they adjust, learn, and move forward—no matter what comes their way.
2) You’ve bounced back from setbacks stronger than before
I used to think that being strong meant never failing. But life has a way of proving you wrong.
A few years ago, I went through a major career setback. I had put everything into a job I loved, only to have it fall apart unexpectedly. At first, I felt completely lost. But after the initial shock, I realized I had two choices: stay stuck in disappointment or use the experience to grow.
So, I picked myself up, learned what I could from the situation, and found a new path—one that ended up being even better for me in the long run. Looking back now, I see that moment as proof of my resilience.
If you’ve ever faced a difficult setback and managed to come out stronger on the other side, then you’re more mentally tough than you might think.
3) You don’t let your emotions control your decisions
When faced with stress or uncertainty, many people react impulsively, letting fear, anger, or frustration dictate their choices. But emotionally resilient people know how to pause, process their feelings, and respond in a way that aligns with their long-term goals.
Studies have shown that emotions like fear and anxiety can actually shrink the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and decision-making. This is why making choices in a highly emotional state often leads to regret.
If you’ve learned to take a step back, acknowledge your emotions, and make decisions with a clear mind, you’re demonstrating a level of mental strength that not everyone has.
4) You detach from what you can’t control
One of the core teachings of Buddhism is the idea of non-attachment—understanding that clinging to things outside of your control only leads to suffering. Mentally strong people live by this principle, focusing their energy on what they can change instead of stressing over what they can’t.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how Buddhist wisdom can help us navigate life’s challenges with more peace and clarity.
Learning to let go—whether it’s past mistakes, other people’s opinions, or the unpredictability of life—frees you from unnecessary stress and helps you move forward with confidence.
If you’ve found yourself accepting things as they are rather than wasting energy resisting them, you’re practicing a powerful form of mental resilience.
5) You’ve learned to sit with discomfort
There was a time when I would do anything to avoid uncomfortable feelings. If something felt painful—whether it was rejection, uncertainty, or failure—I would distract myself, bury the emotion, or try to fix the situation immediately. But over time, I realized that avoiding discomfort only made it worse.
True resilience comes from being able to sit with difficult emotions without letting them consume you. Instead of running from fear, sadness, or frustration, mentally strong people acknowledge these feelings, allow themselves to experience them, and then move forward when they’re ready.
If you’ve ever endured something painful without trying to escape it right away—if you’ve allowed yourself to feel, process, and grow—you’re much stronger than most people realize.
6) You ask for help when you need it
Many people think resilience means handling everything on your own. But the truth is, mentally strong people know when to ask for help.
It might seem counterintuitive, but real strength isn’t about pretending you have it all figured out—it’s about recognizing your limits and seeking support when necessary.
Whether it’s leaning on a friend during tough times, asking for advice, or admitting you don’t have all the answers, knowing when to reach out is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
If you’ve ever put your pride aside and allowed others to support you, that’s proof of your resilience. It takes courage to be vulnerable, and that kind of self-awareness sets truly strong people apart.
7) You don’t waste energy on what others think of you
It’s natural to want to be liked and accepted, but mentally strong people don’t let the opinions of others dictate their actions. They understand that no matter what they do, someone will always have something to say—so why waste energy trying to please everyone?
Instead of seeking validation, they focus on their own values and goals. They trust themselves enough to make decisions based on what feels right, not on what will earn approval.
If you’ve learned to let go of the need for constant validation and live life on your own terms, you’re far more resilient than most people realize.
8) You keep going
At the end of the day, resilience isn’t about never struggling, never failing, or never feeling lost. It’s about one simple thing: you keep going.
No matter how hard things get, no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down, you find a way to stand back up. Even when you don’t have all the answers, even when doubt creeps in, even when it feels impossible—you take the next step.
That’s what makes you stronger than most people realize.
Bottom line: Strength isn’t always obvious
Resilience doesn’t always look like bold confidence or unshakable determination. Sometimes, it’s quiet. It’s the ability to sit with discomfort, to keep moving forward despite uncertainty, to let go of what you can’t control.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how ancient wisdom teaches us to embrace challenges with grace, detach from unnecessary suffering, and find inner strength in unexpected places.
The truth is, resilience isn’t about never struggling—it’s about how you respond when you do.
So if you recognize these signs in yourself, take a moment to appreciate just how strong you really are. Even if no one else notices, even if it doesn’t always feel like it, your ability to adapt, endure, and grow is proof of a deep inner strength that many will never fully understand.
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