7 subtle signs you are more resilient than you give yourself credit for

Maybe you’ve dismissed your own resilience because you don’t see yourself conquering massive challenges every day. But resilience isn’t just about surviving monumental hardships.

Often, it shows up in the quietest, most subtle ways—ways that you might be overlooking.

Today, we shed light on some signs that you’re more resilient than you might give yourself credit for.

You might just be tougher than you think. Let’s find out. 

1) You handle change with grace

Change is the only constant, they say, and how you handle it says a lot about your resilience.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. And while it’s natural to feel thrown off balance when the rug is pulled out from under you, the true mark of resilience is how quickly you regain your footing.

Resilient people don’t shy away from change. Instead, they embrace it, adapt to it, and often come out stronger on the other side.

2) You maintain a positive outlook

Positivity isn’t just about being cheerful all the time – it’s about maintaining hope and finding the silver lining even in difficult situations.

Research suggests that optimistic people are more resilient because they interpret failures differently.

This may be because they see them as temporary setbacks rather than catastrophic disasters.

Are you someone who sees the glass as half-full, even when things aren’t going your way? That’s a testament to your resilience. Your ability to keep a positive mindset in the face of adversity is a clear sign that you’re stronger than you may realize.

3) You’re a problem solver

Resilient people don’t see problems, they see challenges.

And as Seneca wrote, “manliness gains much strength by being challenged” (Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 13). Challenges are just opportunities in disguise.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed and giving up when things get tough, if you take a step back, analyze the situation, and strategize a course of action, you’re demonstrating a high level of resilience.

4) You learn from your mistakes

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, just like anyone else. But what sets resilient people apart is the ability to learn from those missteps.

I remember a time when I botched a major presentation at work. It was embarrassing and disappointing, to say the least. But instead of letting it define me, I chose to see it as a learning opportunity. I asked for feedback, learned where I went wrong, and worked on improving my public speaking skills.

Fast forward to today, I’m now leading workshops and speaking at conferences with confidence. It was a hard pill to swallow at that time, but that mistake was one of the best things that happened to me – it pushed me to grow and improve.

If you don’t get stuck in the past but use it as fuel for personal growth – congratulations! That’s a subtle sign of resilience shining through. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving!

5) You’re not afraid to ask for help

As noted by experts like those at Greater Good Berkeley, social support is linked with increased resilience.

You see, there’s a certain strength in vulnerability, in admitting that you don’t have all the answers and that you sometimes need help.

Resilience doesn’t mean going through life’s struggles alone. It means knowing when to reach out to others, when to share your burdens, and when to lean on the people who care about you.

6) You handle criticism well

This is a big one. 

Criticism can be tough to swallow. It’s all too easy to take it personally or let it knock your confidence. But the way we respond to criticism says a lot about our resilience.

A few years back, I received some harsh feedback on a project I had poured my heart into. It stung, and my first impulse was to defend myself and dismiss the critique. But then I took a moment, let the sting fade, and looked at the feedback objectively. I realized that amidst the harsh words, there was truth and an opportunity for growth.

Can you can take criticism on board, learn from it and use it as a tool for self-improvement rather than letting it bring you down? 

If so, you’re demonstrating resilience. It’s a clear sign that you’re stronger than you might believe.

7) You believe in yourself

At the core of resilience lies self-belief. It’s about trusting in your abilities, knowing your worth, and understanding that you have the strength to overcome whatever life throws at you.

If you’re someone who, despite the ups and downs, continues to believe in yourself and your potential, you’re standing on a solid foundation of resilience.

Your belief in yourself is the strongest weapon you have against life’s challenges. 

Embrace your resilience

Resilience is not just an asset; it’s a necessity. It’s that intangible quality that allows us to rebound from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep pressing forward.

The remarkable thing about resilience is that it’s not an all-or-nothing trait. It’s present in every one of us, often in ways we don’t recognize or give ourselves credit for.

It’s not about never facing adversity but about how we respond to it. As psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl once said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

So, as you navigate your way through life’s ups and downs, take a moment to reflect on these subtle signs of resilience. Embrace them, nurture them, and let them serve as a reminder that you are stronger than you think.

Because deep down, you’re more resilient than you give yourself credit for.

What would Marcus Aurelius say?

Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?

Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.

Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.

Check it out here.

 

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