Because your competent? doctor gave you no path towards 100% recovery you are going to need a lot of mental strength to deal with your disabilities, loss of social connections and cognitive decline. You are on your own post stroke.
I do pretty well on all of these
8 signs you have greater mental strength than 98% of people
Understanding your own mental strength isn’t always straightforward. It’s not like measuring your physical strength where you can simply see how much weight you can lift.
Mental strength is the art of being resilience, control, and self-awareness. It shows how well you can handle stress, face adversity, and bounce back from failures.
If you ever wonder whether you have exceptional mental strength, there are certain signs you can look out for.
Here are 8 telltale signs suggesting that your mental strength may be greater than 98% of people. This is not a definitive guide, but these signs might give you a better understanding of your mental fortitude.
1) You embrace challenges
Mental strength isn’t about avoiding difficulties, it’s facing them head on.
Those with exceptional mental strength see challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and learning. They understand that success is not always easy and that failure is often a part of the journey.
In fact, they often seek out challenges because they know that’s how they grow stronger. They don’t shy away from the hard things in life, they meet them with determination and resolve.
And when the going gets tough, they get tougher. They’re not easily swayed by setbacks or defeat. Instead, they find ways to persevere, learn from their experiences, and come back stronger than before.
This doesn’t mean they don’t feel fear or doubt – they do. But they don’t let these feelings control them or stop them from moving forward.
2) You’re in control of your emotions
Being able to manage your emotions is another key sign of mental strength. We all experience a wide range of emotions, from joy to anger, sadness to excitement. But it’s how we handle these emotions that really sets us apart.
Let me share a personal example. I remember a time when I was given some particularly harsh feedback at work. Initially, I felt hurt and angry. My first instinct was to react defensively and lash out. But I knew that wouldn’t be helpful or productive.
Instead, I took a step back and allowed myself to process the feedback calmly. I recognized my emotional response, but didn’t let it dictate my actions. Instead, I chose to use the feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
This doesn’t mean suppressing your emotions – it’s actually about understanding them, managing them and not letting them control your actions or decisions.
3) You’re comfortable with alone time
In today’s hyper-connected world, being alone can sometimes feel uncomfortable. But for those with great mental strength, solitude is often embraced.
Alone time is when we can reflect, recharge, and plan. It allows us to get in touch with our thoughts and feelings without the distractions of everyday life.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people who are comfortable being alone tend to be more creative. They have the mental space to think deeply, explore ideas and come up with innovative solutions.
So if you’re someone who enjoys their own company and uses that time constructively, it’s a good sign that you possess an enviable level of mental strength.
4) You’re resilient
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Life is full of ups and downs, but those with mental strength don’t let the hard times keep them down.
Instead, they use these moments as opportunities to learn, grow and become stronger. They understand that failure isn’t a reflection of their worth, but rather a stepping stone towards success.
In my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“, I delve deeper into how resilience plays a key role in mental strength. I discuss practical strategies on how to build and nurture resilience, even in the face of life’s most challenging moments.
So if you’re someone who can pick themselves up after a fall and keep going, it’s a strong indication that your mental strength is above average. Resilience is a key component of mental toughness, and it’s something that can be developed and strengthened over time.
5) You don’t strive for perfection
Perfection is an illusion, a mirage that keeps shifting the more you try to reach it. I used to be one of those people who chased after perfection in everything. Whether it was a work project, a personal goal, or even simple tasks around the house, I would stress and push myself to achieve an impossible standard.
Over time, I realized that this pursuit was not only exhausting but also counterproductive. Instead of striving for perfection, I learned to aim for progress. I learned to appreciate the journey and celebrate small victories along the way.
Those with great mental strength understand this. They know that it’s more important to learn, grow and improve than to attain a flawless outcome. They see their mistakes and shortcomings not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and improvement.
6) You ask for help when needed
It may seem counter-intuitive, but asking for help is actually a sign of mental strength. Many people see it as a sign of weakness, thinking that strong individuals should be able to handle everything on their own.
In reality, those with great mental strength understand that they can’t do everything by themselves. They recognize their limitations and aren’t afraid to seek assistance when needed.
They also understand that asking for help isn’t just about getting a task done, but learning from others, building relationships, and fostering a sense of community.
7) You keep things in perspective
Life is full of ups and downs. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, especially when things aren’t going our way. But those with significant mental strength have a knack for keeping things in perspective.
They understand that a single failure, setback, or negative event doesn’t define their entire life. They don’t let small issues turn into big catastrophes in their mind.
Instead, they view obstacles as temporary hurdles and maintain an optimistic outlook on life. They see the big picture and don’t let momentary setbacks cloud their overall view of life.
8) You practice self-care
Mental strength isn’t about pushing yourself to the limit or neglecting your needs. Quite the opposite. A key sign of mental strength is understanding the importance of self-care.
Those with high mental strength prioritize their mental and physical health. They understand that to be their best self, they need to take care of themselves. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking time to relax and unwind.
They also understand the importance of mental self-care, which might involve practices like meditation, mindfulness, or therapy. They know that taking care of their mind is just as important as taking care of their body.
So if you’re someone who values and practices self-care regularly, it’s not just a sign of self-respect and self-love, but also a testament to your mental strength.
It’s a journey, not a destination
Mental strength isn’t something that you either have or you don’t. It’s not a fixed trait, but rather, it’s something that can be developed and nurtured over time.Each one of us possesses the potential to become mentally stronger. It just requires consistent practice, self-awareness, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones.
In my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“, I delve deeper into practical strategies and insights on how to foster mental fortitude. It’s a journey that can be transformative and empowering.
Always, these signs are not definitive proof of mental strength. They’re indications of a mindset and behavior that contribute to it.
So whether you identify with all 8 signs, or just a few, know that you are on your unique path towards greater mental strength. Keep going, keep growing, and remember – it’s the journey that matters, not the destination.
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