If you’re reading this, I’m sure you’ve heard Kelly Clarkson sing, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!”
Well, it turns out there’s more truth to that than you might think.
You see, growth isn’t just adding new skills or knowledge. Often, it’s overcoming challenges, learning from your mistakes, and becoming a better and stronger version of yourself.
But how do you know if you’re truly becoming stronger?
Well, psychology has something to say about that.
Now, don’t worry. We’re not going to dive into a complex psychological theory here. Instead, we’ll focus on some simple signs that indicate you’re on the right track towards personal growth.
And who knows? You might find that you’re already displaying some of these signs without even realizing it.
1) You’re embracing change
Change. It’s a word that can make many of us feel uneasy.
But here’s the thing.
Growth and change are inseparable. To become a better and stronger person, you need to embrace change, not resist it.
People who welcome new experiences tend to be more resilient. They’re more likely to bounce back from setbacks and less likely to be overwhelmed by stress.
So, if you’re finding yourself more open to change—whether it’s a new job, a new city, or even just a new way of thinking—that’s a sign that you’re becoming a stronger person.
2) You’re owning your mistakes
We all make mistakes.
I mean, who hasn’t tripped over their own feet at least once in their life, right? But it’s not the stumble that matters. It’s how we react to it.
I remember a time when I screwed up a major project at work. Instead of pointing fingers or making excuses, I took ownership. I apologized, learned from the experience, and worked hard to rectify the situation.
It wasn’t easy, but doing so helped me grow not only as a professional but also as a person.
And that’s the key takeaway here.
When you start owning your mistakes instead of blaming others or circumstances, you are showing a level of self-awareness and maturity that psychologists say is a clear indicator of personal growth and strength.
So, when you slip up, embrace it. Own it. Learn from it. Because each mistake is just another step towards becoming a better and stronger you.
3) You’re learning to say no
Let’s be real for a moment: saying yes to everything isn’t a virtue. It’s exhausting.
We’ve all been there. Stretching ourselves thin, juggling multiple commitments, and feeling like we’re running on empty.
Why? Because we couldn’t muster the courage to say no.
But here’s the deal—being able to say no is a sign of strength and self-respect.
Psychologists tell us that setting boundaries is crucial for our mental health. It helps us maintain balance, prevents burnout, and allows us to prioritize our own needs.
And guess what?
The world doesn’t end when you say no. People won’t hate you. In fact, they might even respect you more for it.
4) You’re cutting out negativity
Have you ever noticed how one negative person can bring down the entire mood of a room?
Negativity, whether it comes from others or within ourselves, can be incredibly draining. It’s like a heavy cloud that hangs over your head, making everything seem dark and gloomy.
But if you’re finding yourself stepping away from negativity, be it cutting ties with toxic people or stopping self-deprecating thoughts, that’s a positive sign.
Seeking out positivity and distancing oneself from negativity is a clear indication of personal growth. It shows that you value your peace of mind and are taking steps towards ensuring it.
5) You’re seeking out challenges
Did you know that the brain is like a muscle?
The more you use it, the stronger it gets. And just like muscles, our brains need to be challenged to grow.
That’s where seeking out challenges comes in.
It could be anything from taking up a new hobby, learning a new language, or even setting a tough personal goal. The point is to push ourselves out of our comfort zones.
When we tackle challenges head-on, we not only build resilience but also boost our self-confidence. It’s like giving your brain a workout and becoming mentally stronger in the process.
6) You’re practicing self-care
Self-care is a buzzword you’ve probably heard a lot lately. But it’s more than just spa days and indulgent treats.
True self-care is treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you extend to others. It’s recognizing your own needs and not feeling guilty about prioritizing them.
It involves making time for rest, nourishing your body with healthy food, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Practicing self-care is a key component of mental health and resilience. It’s acknowledging that you, too, deserve care and attention.
7) You’re embracing your authenticity
Authenticity—it’s a powerful word.
Being authentic means being true to who you are. It means not hiding your thoughts, feelings, or desires just to fit in or please others.
This doesn’t mean you have to be brutally honest all the time or share every single thought that crosses your mind. What it does mean is that you are comfortable in your own skin and don’t feel the need to put on a facade.
Embracing authenticity is one of the strongest signs of personal growth and resilience. It shows that you value your unique self and are not swayed by external pressures to be someone you’re not.
So, if you find yourself living more authentically, celebrate that. It’s a testament to the better and stronger person you’re becoming.
Final thoughts
Growth isn’t a race. It’s a personal journey.
Maybe you’ve related to all the signs mentioned, or perhaps just a few. Either way, it’s okay. The fact that you’re reflecting on these signs shows that you’re on the path of self-improvement.
And that’s something to be proud of.
Don’t be hard on yourself if the progress seems slow. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Every step, no matter how small, is a step forward.
And remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s from a mentor, a trusted friend, or a professional psychologist, seeking guidance is not a sign of weakness but strength.
Because as the saying goes, “The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.”
