8 unique traits of people who have been through a lot of hardship but still remain positive

Life has a way of testing our limits, and for some, hardship becomes a constant companion.

Yet, despite the challenges, some individuals seem to emerge from adversity not only unbroken but with an incredible sense of positivity.

Their ability to remain optimistic, even after facing significant struggles, is both inspiring and unique.

In this article, we’ll explore eight traits that set apart those who have endured hardship yet continue to radiate hope and resilience:

1) Resilience

Life is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs.

For those who’ve been through a lot yet remain positive, the ride is even more thrilling.

They’ve experienced the lows, the sharp turns, and the sudden drops—and yet, they keep on going.

That’s because they’re resilient; they understand that the ride isn’t always smooth, but they hold on tight, brace themselves for the bumps, and focus on the joy of the journey rather than the discomfort of the hurdles.

Resilience is more than just bouncing back from adversity; it’s about pushing through with unwavering positivity and an undying spirit—seeing the silver lining in every cloud and using setbacks as stepping stones to greater things.

2) Gratitude

As someone who’s experienced my fair share of trials, I’ve come to realize that gratitude is a game-changer.

I remember a particularly challenging period in my life when everything seemed to be going wrong.

I got laid off from my job, was dealing with health issues, and was struggling to keep my spirits up.

But each night, before I went to sleep, I made it a point to list down three things I was thankful for that day.

Even on my worst days, I found something to be grateful for—be it the kindness of a stranger, a comforting phone call from a friend, or even the simple pleasure of a warm cup of coffee on a cold day.

This habit didn’t magically solve my problems, but it helped me maintain a positive perspective amidst the chaos.

It reminded me that even in the darkest times, there are still sparks of light to be found.

3) Optimism

Optimism is a trait that’s often found in those who’ve faced a lot of hardship yet remain positive. It’s more than just hoping for the best, it’s about maintaining a positive outlook irrespective of the circumstances.

Interestingly, research has shown that optimism can actually boost your physical health.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that optimists have a significantly reduced risk of dying from several major causes of death.

Optimism isn’t just helping these individuals keep their spirits up, it’s potentially adding years to their life too.

4) Adaptability

The winds of life can be unpredictable, blowing us in directions we never anticipated—it can be disorienting, even terrifying at times.

But those who’ve weathered many storms yet remain positive have a special trait: adaptability.

Adaptability is about being flexible in the face of change, being willing to adjust your sails according to the shifting winds.

It’s about understanding that change is a constant part of life and embracing it instead of resisting it.

For these individuals, adversity isn’t a roadblock; it’s a detour.

They don’t let unexpected changes derail them—instead, they adjust their route and keep moving forward.

Adaptability doesn’t mean they don’t feel the stress or anxiety that comes with change.

They don’t let these feelings paralyze them—they accept them, adapt, and keep going.

In the face of hardship, adaptability is their compass, guiding them through uncharted territory with positivity and grace.

5) Self-belief

Let me tell you, self-belief is a powerful thing; it’s a trait that I’ve noticed is often harbored by those who’ve endured a lot but still remain positive.

Self-belief, to me, is about trusting oneself, even when the odds seem stacked against you—believing that you have what it takes to overcome whatever life throws at you.

I remember a time when I was faced with a situation that seemed insurmountable.

Doubt crept in and I found myself questioning my abilities.

But then, I took a step back and reminded myself of all the hurdles I had already overcome.

I realized that every challenge I had faced and conquered was proof of my strength and resilience.

This self-belief ignited a spark within me, helping me to face the situation head-on with positivity and determination.

6) Acceptance

Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation or giving up. It’s about acknowledging the reality of the situation, embracing it without judgment or resistance.

By accepting their circumstances, these individuals are able to free themselves from the stress of ‘what ifs’ and ‘should haves’.

They focus on what is, not on what could have been or should have been.

This allows them to see their situation more clearly, assess their options, and take positive action.

Instead of spending energy on futile resistance, they channel it into constructive responses.

7) Perseverance

Perseverance is a key trait in those who’ve experienced substantial hardship yet remain positive.

It’s the dogged determination to keep going, no matter how tough the road gets.

Perseverance is not about never falling down, but about always getting back up—facing setbacks head-on, learning from them, and using them as fuel to push forward.

This trait is particularly important in times of adversity.

When things get tough, it’s easy to feel discouraged and want to give up, but those who persevere see every stumble as a stepping stone, every failure as a lesson.

8) Hope

At the heart of it all, the most crucial trait that those who’ve been through a lot yet remain positive hold is hope.

It’s an unwavering belief in better days, an innate sense that no matter how dark the night, dawn will break.

Hope is a beacon of light in the darkness, a guiding star that keeps them moving forward even when their path is obscured.

It’s a quiet whisper in their heart that says, “Hold on, brighter days are coming.”

While it’s not always easy to hold onto hope amidst adversity, it’s this very trait that fuels their positivity and resilience.

Because when someone has hope, then they have everything.

Reflection

As we come to the end of this exploration, I invite you to reflect on these traits and their presence in your own life journey.

Experiencing hardship is a part of being human, but maintaining positivity through it all is an art—an art that’s painted with the colors of resilience, gratitude, optimism, adaptability, self-belief, acceptance, perseverance, and hope.

Remember that positivity is about acknowledging the storm and then choosing to dance in the rain.

As Robert H. Schuller puts it, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”

If you’ve been through a lot yet remain positive, you’re one tough individual—and that’s something truly remarkable.

Take a moment to appreciate your journey, your strength, and the unique traits that have helped you remain positive through it all.

Know that your journey is an inspiration, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Embrace these traits, nurture them, and carry them with you as you continue your journey.

With them by your side, no matter how hard the winds of life blow, you’ll always find a way to keep your sails set towards positivity!

Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair is a former competitive athlete who transitioned into the world of wellness and mindfulness. Her journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports has given her a unique perspective on resilience and mental toughness. Ava’s writing reflects her belief in the power of small, daily habits to create lasting change.

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