People who go through tough times but keep their head held high usually have these 7 unique strengths

My granddad always used to say, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”

And you know what? He was onto something.

Life has a knack for throwing curveballs when you least expect it. The unexpected layoffs, the heartbreaks, the health scares – they can knock the wind out of anyone.

But then, there are those folks who seem to weather the storm with an uncanny grace. They keep their heads high, regardless of what life throws at them.

You might be wondering, “How do they do it?”

Well, it’s not some secret sauce or magic spell. Instead, these resilient individuals possess certain unique strengths that help them face adversities head-on.

Curious to know what these strengths are?

In this article, we’re going to explore the seven unique strengths that people who go through tough times but keep their head held high usually possess.

So if you’re going through a rough patch and need a little inspiration, stick around. You might just find the resilience you need in the lines that follow.

1) Resilience

Resilience is all about bouncing back, and let me tell you, it’s a bit of a superpower.

Think about a rubber band. You stretch it, and it snaps right back into place, unbroken. That’s resilience in a nutshell – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

Now, this doesn’t mean resilient people are immune to life’s hard knocks.

They feel the pain, the stress, the disappointments just like anyone else. But here’s what sets them apart: they don’t let these hardships define them.

Instead of dwelling on the problem, they focus on solutions. They take setbacks as learning opportunities and use them as stepping stones to move forward.

Resilient folks dust themselves off after a fall and keep going because they know that tough times are temporary.

So next time life throws you a curveball, channel your inner resilience. Remember that it’s okay to fall, but it’s crucial to get back up and keep moving forward.

2) Optimism

Ah, optimism, the art of seeing the glass half full. Now, this isn’t about living in denial or ignoring life’s problems. It’s about maintaining a positive outlook even when the chips are down.

Let me share a personal example.

A few years ago, I lost my job.

It was an unexpected blow that left me reeling. I had bills to pay, a family to support, and suddenly no income.

It was a dark time, and I won’t lie, there were moments of despair.

But amidst all that, I clung to optimism. I believed that better days were ahead. Instead of wallowing in worry, I channelled my energy into job hunting and improving my skills. Some days were harder than others, but my optimism kept me going.

Eventually, I landed a job that was better than the one I’d lost.

The point is, optimism gives you the strength to keep going in tough times. It fuels your resilience and allows you to see beyond your current circumstances to a brighter future.

So even when clouds are grey, remember there’s always a silver lining. That’s optimism for you.

3) Empathy

Empathy, in my humble opinion, is one of the most beautiful human traits. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

And I’ve noticed, it’s a trait often found in those who’ve weathered life’s storms.

Why, you ask?

Well, experiencing hardship provides a unique perspective. It makes you more aware of the struggles of those around you. You understand what it feels like to be down and out because you’ve been there yourself.

Let’s paint a picture.

Imagine walking past a homeless person on the street on a chilly winter night.

Most people might not give it a second thought, but if you’ve ever been through tough times yourself, your heart might ache a little more.

That’s empathy.

And it doesn’t stop at feeling for others; it moves you to act. To help. To comfort. To uplift. That kind of strength doesn’t just come from muscle or willpower; it comes from the heart.

So if you’ve been through hardships and find yourself feeling deeply for others, embrace it. It’s not a weakness; it’s a strength that makes you uniquely human.

4) Adaptability

There’s a saying, “The only constant in life is change.” And those who can adapt to change, thrive.

Adaptability is all about being flexible in the face of change or adversity. It’s about learning to roll with the punches and adjust your sails when the wind changes direction.

Think about it.

Life’s tough times are often periods of great change, right?

A job loss, a breakup, a move to a new city – these are all major changes that can turn your world upside down.

But if you’re adaptable, you’re more likely to navigate through these changes successfully. You see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.

You might need to:

• Learn new skills
• Adopt new mindsets
• Form new habits

It might be uncomfortable, even painful at times. But remember: growth often happens outside our comfort zones.

So next time you’re faced with a big change or challenge, take a deep breath and adapt. You’re stronger than you think.

5) Gratitude

Now, you might be wondering, “What does gratitude have to do with tough times?” Well, quite a lot actually.

Here’s an interesting thing about gratitude.

Research shows that practicing gratitude can actually increase our happiness levels and reduce stress. Not just that, it can also improve our health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

So how does this work?

Well, when we’re going through a rough patch, it’s easy to focus on everything that’s going wrong.

But when we practice gratitude, we shift our attention to the things that are going right.

It could be the smallest of things like:

• A good cup of coffee
• A call from a friend
• A sunny day

These tiny moments of joy can make a big difference in our outlook on life.

The reality is, even in the hardest times, there are always things to be grateful for. And people who remember this tend to weather life’s storms with their heads held high.

So, count your blessings. It’s a strength that can transform tough times into a journey of growth and self-discovery.

6) Self-care

When life gets tough, it’s easy to get caught up in the turmoil and forget about taking care of ourselves. But let me tell you, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

And no, self-care is not just about bubble baths and spa days (though those are nice too). It’s about doing things that nourish your body, mind, and soul.

It could be as simple as:

• Making sure you get enough sleep
• Eating nutritious meals
• Taking a walk in the park

It could be saying no to extra responsibilities when you’re overwhelmed or taking a few minutes each day to meditate or journal.

The thing is, when we’re going through tough times, taking care of ourselves gives us the strength to cope better with challenges. It equips us to handle stress and prevents burnout.

So if you’re in the midst of a storm right now, remember to take care of yourself. You’re important. And it’s okay to put your needs first sometimes. In fact, it’s essential. 

7) Courage

At its core, courage is about facing your fears and stepping into the unknown. And let’s be honest, tough times often feel like a journey into the unknown.

During these moments, it’s natural to feel fear. You might fear failure, rejection, or even the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

But courage isn’t about not having fears. It’s about acknowledging those fears and choosing to move forward anyway.

It’s about standing up each day and saying, “I don’t know what today will bring, but I’m ready to face it.” It’s about taking one step at a time, even when you can’t see the whole path.

Remember, courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, “I will try again tomorrow.”

That’s the kind of strength that carries people through tough times and helps them keep their heads held high.

So summon your courage, face your fears and keep moving forward. Because in the end, it’s not just about surviving tough times; it’s about growing through them.

The final reflection

If you’ve found resonance with these traits, it’s likely you’ve weathered some storms in your life. These unique strengths are not just badges of honor; they’re the powerful tools you’ve honed to navigate life’s challenges.

Here’s the thing, these strengths aren’t exclusive; they’re not reserved for a select few. They’re attributes that can be cultivated, nurtured, and grown within all of us.

So, if you’re currently facing a tough time, remember this – you have within you the seeds of resilience, optimism, empathy, adaptability, gratitude, self-care, and courage. Water them with self-belief and patience. Feed them with hope and perseverance.

It’s not about escaping hard times; it’s about growing through them. It’s about learning to dance in the rain while waiting for the storm to pass.