Ava Sinclair
Life can have a way of beating us down. Sometimes, it will throw us one curveball too many and we think, “I can’t handle this.”
But guess what?
It’s these very experiences that make up mentally strong.
So, if you feel like life isn’t giving you a break right now, take heart in knowing that these challenging times are making you far more resilient and adaptable than the average person.
Don’t believe me?
According to psychology, there are certain signs that indicate a high level of resilience and adaptability, and I beat you relate to many of them!
Let’s delve into these seven signs that will show you you’re doing a lot better than you think.
1) You embrace change
Most people dread change. It’s uncomfortable, scary, and unknown.
But you?
You’ve got a different perspective.
You see change as an opportunity for growth and learning. You don’t shy away from it. Instead, you welcome it with open arms, ready to adapt and evolve.
That’s a sign of resilience right there.
It shows that you can not only handle change but thrive in it. And that, my friend, is a quality not everyone possesses.
2) You keep going, even when things get tough
I’ll let you in on a little secret about myself.
I remember a time in my life when everything seemed to be going wrong. I’d lost my job, my relationship was falling apart, and the future looked bleak.
But you know what?
I didn’t give up. I kept going, even though every fiber of my being wanted to throw in the towel.
And that’s the thing about resilience. It’s about refusing to give up, no matter how hard things get.
You see, it’s easy to keep going when everything is smooth sailing. But it’s during those tough times that your true resilience shines through.
If you’re the kind of person who keeps pushing, no matter what life throws at you, that’s a clear sign of your resilience and adaptability.
3) You’re not afraid to fail
Let’s get real here.
Failure stings. It bruises our ego and can leave us questioning our worth.
But here’s what sets you apart: you don’t fear failure. You understand that it’s a part of life, a stepping stone to success.
I’ve seen folks who are so terrified of failing that they don’t even try.
But you?
You leap right in, knowing that even if you fall flat on your face, you’ll learn something valuable from the experience.
And when you do fail (because let’s face it, we all do), instead of wallowing in self-pity, you dust yourself off and jump back into the fray.
Because for you, failure isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning.
4) You’re self-aware
Psychology tells us that self-awareness is a hallmark of resilience and adaptability.
Why?
Because it allows you to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and how you react to different situations.
You know that moment when you catch yourself mid-reaction, and you can almost see the gears turning in your head?
That’s self-awareness.
You’re not just going through the motions.
You’re actively analyzing your behavior, learning from your past experiences, and making conscious decisions about how to move forward.
This level of introspection helps you adapt to new situations and bounce back from hardships because you understand what works for you and what doesn’t.
So, if you often find yourself reflecting on your actions and thoughts, take it as a sign: You’re more resilient and adaptable than the average person.
5) You maintain a positive outlook
Ever wonder why some people can stay positive, even in the face of adversity?
It’s not because they’re oblivious to the challenges. It’s because they understand the power of a positive mindset.
Psychologists have found that resilient individuals tend to be more optimistic.
They believe in their ability to overcome obstacles and view setbacks as temporary.
Now, this doesn’t mean they’re always upbeat. They feel the full range of emotions just like everyone else. But they don’t let negative emotions consume them.
Instead, they acknowledge these feelings and then shift their focus towards solutions and the brighter side of things.
6) You offer help to others
There’s something truly wonderful about lending a hand to someone in need, isn’t there?
Resilient and adaptable people often extend their strength to others.
You’re the one others lean on in times of trouble, not because you’re invincible, but because you understand what it’s like to struggle.
You know the value of support because you’ve been there.
You’ve faced challenges, weathered storms, and come out stronger. And now, you want to use your strength to uplift others.
This empathetic nature of yours isn’t just a sign of your kindness.
According to psychologists like Megan Shen Ph.D, it’s an indication of your resilience and adaptability. It shows that you’ve faced adversity and not only survived but thrived.
And now? You’re using that strength to make the world a kinder place. How beautiful is that?
7) You’re proactive, not reactive
This is crucial.
Resilient and adaptable people aren’t just passive receivers of life’s blows. They’re active participants, always ready to face whatever comes their way.
You don’t wait for problems to knock you down. Instead, you anticipate them, you prepare for them, and when they do come, you tackle them head-on.
This proactive approach is what allows you to adapt to new situations and bounce back from setbacks. Because you’re not just reacting to life, you’re shaping it.
The final reflection
If you’re nodding along to these signs, take a moment to recognize your strength.
You’ve got an incredible amount of resilience and adaptability, traits that aren’t as common as you might think.
Acknowledging this resilience can empower you to tackle life’s challenges with more confidence.
It equips you to face uncertainty, adapt to change, and bounce back from setbacks stronger than before.
So next time life knocks you down, remind yourself of the strength and resilience you are building because of it.
