There’s a profound distinction between appearing strong and embodying strength.
The difference lies in the roots. On one hand, appearing strong is often an outward show, a facade, if you will.
On the other, embodying strength, particularly stoic strength, is deeply rooted in character.
Exceptionally strong women, according to psychology, often exhibit stoic behaviours that are indicative of their inner resilience and mental fortitude.
And the truth is, it’s these behaviors that set them apart.
1) Embracing discomfort
Exceptionally strong women possess an almost uncanny ability to handle discomfort.
Psychology tells us that this is a key trait of stoicism.
The capacity to endure discomfort, whether physical, emotional, or mental, is a hallmark of true inner strength.
It’s about being able to face adversity, to weather the storm while standing tall.
Stoicism teaches us that hardship isn’t something to be feared but rather, something to be faced and overcome.
Consider this. It’s when we’re uncomfortable that growth happens.
It’s when we’re tested that we see what we’re truly made of.
2) Maintaining composure
I remember a time when I was faced with an incredibly stressful situation at work.
The project I was leading was falling apart, and it felt like the walls were closing in on me.
It was during this time that I saw a colleague of mine, Sarah, handle a similar situation with an admirable level of calmness.
While everyone else was losing their heads, she remained cool, collected and composed.
She told me that losing her cool wouldn’t solve anything.
Instead, she focused her energy on finding solutions and making decisions under pressure.
According to psychology, her behavior is a classic trait of stoicism.
Maintaining one’s composure in the face of adversity shows an exceptional level of inner strength.
It’s easy to react impulsively when things go wrong, but strong women like Sarah choose to respond thoughtfully.
They understand that they can’t control every situation, but they can always control their reaction to it.
Now whenever I find myself in a stressful situation, I try to channel my inner ‘Sarah’, keeping my composure and focusing on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem.
3) Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing in the moment, is a fundamental aspect of stoicism.
It’s about living in the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Psychologically speaking, mindfulness has been linked to a host of benefits, including reduced stress levels, better focus, improved emotional regulation, and even enhanced immune function.
Strong women often embody this trait.
They understand that the past cannot be changed and the future cannot be predicted.
Therefore, they choose to live in the present.
They concentrate on what they’re doing at any given moment, rather than splitting their attention between multiple tasks.
This allows them to fully invest in their actions and make the most of every opportunity.
In essence, mindfulness is all about control – control over one’s attention, thoughts, and emotions.
And in a world where we’re constantly bombarded by distractions, this kind of self-control is indeed a sign of exceptional strength.
4) Valuing self-discipline
Self-discipline, the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome weaknesses, is a cornerstone of stoicism.
Strong women understand that emotional mastery lies not in suppressing emotions, but in disciplining them.
They know that emotions can be powerful and even overwhelming, but they also know they don’t have to be slaves to them.
Instead of reacting impulsively to their feelings, they take a step back, evaluate the situation objectively, and then decide on the best course of action.
This kind of self-discipline requires tremendous mental strength. It’s about making the hard choices, even when they’re uncomfortable or inconvenient.
5) Showing resilience in the face of adversity
One of the most striking traits of strong women is their resilience in the face of adversity. Life can be tough, full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows.
But it’s in these challenging moments that their strength truly shines.
These women have an uncanny ability to bounce back from setbacks.
They understand that failure isn’t the end of the road, but a stepping stone on the journey to success.
They don’t shy away from hardships; instead, they meet them head-on.
They pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and keep moving forward.
Because they know that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Their courage and determination are truly inspiring.
6) Accepting what cannot be changed
There was a time in my life when I was consumed with regret and constantly asking myself “what if?”.
I kept replaying past mistakes, wishing I could go back and change things.
Then I met Jane, a woman whose strength and stoicism truly inspired me. She taught me the importance of accepting what cannot be changed.
Jane had been through her share of hardships. But instead of dwelling on the past, she focused on the present and the future.
She accepted her past mistakes, learned from them, and used them as fuel to become a better person.
This acceptance is a key principle of stoicism.
It’s about understanding that we can’t change the past or control everything in the future. What we can control is how we respond to what happens to us.
Jane’s acceptance wasn’t a sign of defeat, but of strength.
It was a profound realization that she had the power to shape her own destiny, despite the challenges she faced.
Since then, I’ve tried to apply this principle in my own life.
To let go of regrets and focus on what I can change. And honestly, it’s been a liberating experience.
7) Demonstrating courage
Courage is the bedrock of stoicism. It’s not just about physical bravery, but also the moral courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient.
Strong women embody this kind of courage.
They dare to speak their minds, voice their opinions, and stand their ground.
They don’t shy away from conflict or confrontation, but face them head-on.
But here’s the thing about courage – it doesn’t mean the absence of fear.
Strong women feel fear just like everyone else. The difference is, they don’t let it hold them back.
Instead, they use it as a catalyst for action. They understand that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about facing those fears and doing what needs to be done anyway.
8) Living according to values
At the heart of stoicism lies a deep commitment to living according to one’s values.
Exceptionally strong women understand this and strive to align their actions with their beliefs.
Whether it’s honesty, kindness, integrity, or perseverance, they uphold these values even when it’s challenging to do so.
They understand that our values define who we are and guide our decisions.
These women don’t just talk about their values; they live them out every day.
They set an example for others through their actions, not just their words.
Final reflection: The power of stoicism
The strength of a woman is not just about physical prowess. It’s deeper, more profound, rooted in the heart and the mind.
Stoicism, as a philosophy, provides a remarkable framework for this strength.
It’s about resilience, discipline, mindfulness, acceptance, courage, and living in alignment with one’s values.
These are not just traits of exceptionally strong women; these are traits that each one of us can cultivate.
They are markers of emotional fortitude and mental resilience that can guide us through life’s challenges.
So as we navigate through our own journeys, let’s remember the stoic behaviors of these strong women.
Let’s strive to embody their resilience, their courage, their acceptance, their mindfulness.
After all, strength isn’t about never falling; it’s about continually rising, learning, and growing.
And that is the essence of stoicism – a philosophy not just for survival, but for thriving in the face of life’s adversities.
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.
