Mental strength takes a long time to develop.
It is the daily practice of pushing yourself to grow stronger, maintaining realistic optimism, and setting healthy boundaries. Mentally strong people don’t do things like waste time feeling sorry for themselves or give away their power to other people.
How do you know where you fall on the spectrum? We asked psychotherapist Amy Morin, the author of “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.”
Morin shared the following 21 signs you’re mentally stronger than average, which we’ve listed here in her words:
“Mentally strong people understand how their emotions can influence their thinking. In an effort to make the best decisions possible, they balance their emotions with logic.”
"While it may be tempting to make excuses, complain about other people, and avoid difficult circumstances, mentally strong people refuse to waste time on unproductive activities."
"Mentally strong people know that although change is uncomfortable, it's tolerable. They focus their energy on adapting to change, rather than resisting it."
"While mentally strong people don't need to conquer fears because they have something to prove to others, they do strive to face the fears that hold them back."
"Mentally strong people don't hide or excuse their mistakes. Instead, they learn from them."
"Mentally strong people accept themselves for who they are, while simultaneously recognizing their need for personal development."
"Mentally strong people cooperate - rather than compete - with those around them. They don't feel as though other people's success somehow diminishes their own achievements."
"Mentally strong people make decisions with relative ease because they understand their priorities and they live according to their values."
"While some people seek validation from others, mentally strong people are less concerned about gaining recognition. Instead, they're intrinsically motivated to become better."
"Mentally strong people are true to themselves. Their words are in line with their behavior."
"Mentally strong people feel good about themselves, whether they win or lose."
"Mentally strong people view their goals as a marathon, not a sprint. They're willing to tolerate short-term pain when it can provide long-term gain."
"Mentally strong people don't needlessly beat themselves up, but they do accept complete responsibility for their actions."
"While hardship causes some people to grow bitter, mentally strong people let adversity make them better."
"Rather than exclaim they need more, mentally strong people acknowledge they have more than they need."
"Mentally strong people are effective and productive in life because they devote their resources to the things they can control."
"Mentally strong people don't view failure as the end of the road. Instead, they use their failed attempts as opportunities to gain knowledge that will increase their chances of success in the future."
"Mentally strong people are able to look for the silver lining and think on the bright side, but they don't allow their optimistic tendencies to blind them to reality."
"While many people work hard to disguise their vulnerabilities, mentally strong people invest their energy into improving their shortcomings."
"Mentally strong people don't dwell on the problem - instead, they create solutions."
"Mentally strong people are constantly learning from their circumstances and the people they encounter every day."
This is an update of an article originally published by Steven Benna.