Often times, I wonder what the traits of a mentally tough Individual are…For me, mental strength is not about acting physically tough, chasing happiness, or always being happy and becoming a ‘yes woman’ – it is like having a superhero shield for one’s mind. It gives us the power to tackle tough stuff, deal with challenges, and still keep going on. When we’re mentally strong, it’s like having a secret sauce for life’s ups and downs. We can bounce back from tough times, handle stress like a boss, and even turn a bad day into a decent, if not good one. It’s like having a mental superhero cape that helps us face whatever comes our way and still come out on top.

While most folks have a bit of this mental strength naturally which they sharpen over time, going through life…. like any ‘superpower’, there are a few lucky ones who possess MORE of this inner toughness than others. I’ve noticed some common traits in those whom I consider to be blessed with the gift of mental strength.

1. They stay cool in tough situations, not easily getting angry. They don’t take things personally or judge people without knowing them. Staying calm is their way of life, no matter what happens.

2. They like hearing different opinions and advice. Even when others say things that might be different from what they think, they are ready to listen and learn. They know that there’s more than one way to see things, and they are okay with people who question their ideas.

3. They have a knack for seeing beyond appearances. Instead of reacting solely to how things look, they understand that there’s often more beneath the surface. They dive deeper, noticing things others might miss. For them, understanding people and situations is more important than being proven right.

4. They know how to set rules for themselves and stick to them. They’re nice to others but won’t let anyone take advantage of them. If someone goes too far, they’re not afraid to speak up, and they make sure to be in places where they feel safe and comfortable.

5. They are masters of controlling emotional outbursts. Being good at controlling themselves, they make sure not to say or do things they might regret later. They stay in charge of their actions and keep a tight hold on their feelings, not letting emotions take over.

6. They don’t try to make everyone happy. They know that no matter who they are or what they do, some people won’t like them. They’re cool with the fact that not everyone will be their fan, and that’s totally fine with them.

7. They’re good at saying ‘no’. They understand when it’s not their emotional job to handle something and when it’s someone else’s. They feel okay about standing up for themselves and have learned that saying no to things that cross their boundaries or are unfair helps them in the long run. They don’t feel bad about it; instead, they feel free and liberated.

8. They have a very healthy self-esteem – being neither falsely self-confident nor timid. They are aware of and accept their strengths and weaknesses. They are neither dependent on praise from others nor devastated by rejection.

If I had to sum them up in 10 words, they would be: Confident, Resilient, Emotionally Stable, Self -Assured, Tenacious, Focused, Reliable, Driven, Independent and Calm.

Do tell in comments if you agree, disagree, or have other thoughts?!