11 things mentally strong people always do (but never talk about)

Ever noticed how some people are just naturally tough?

You know, those folks who seem to handle life’s punches without breaking a sweat?

Well, they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeve that they don’t usually share.

These secret habits are their superpowers, helping them stay strong and move forward even when things get tough.

We’re not talking about the obvious stuff like ‘they exercise’ or ‘they find time to relax’.

Instead, we’re going to explore those little-known things that mentally strong people do all the time, but don’t really talk about.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a secret weapon of your own – a list of ten habits that can help you become mentally stronger. 

1. They Embrace Change

The first thing mentally strong people do is embrace change.

While most of us are creatures of habit, clinging to our comfort zones, these folks do the opposite.

They understand that change brings growth.

Instead of fearing it, they see it as an exciting opportunity to learn and evolve.

Now, they don’t go blabbering about this to everyone. They just quietly adapt, adjust, and move forward.

They might switch up their daily routine, take on new projects at work, or even move to a new city – all in the spirit of embracing change.

So, if you’ve been shying away from change, it’s time to rethink.

Start with small steps. Perhaps try a new route to work or rearrange your living room furniture.

Gradually, as you become comfortable with smaller changes, you’ll find yourself ready for bigger ones.

Remember, change is not something to fear; it’s an opportunity to grow.

2. They Practice Gratitude

Mentally strong people have a secret habit of practicing gratitude regularly.

They don’t make a big fuss about it, but they know the power of saying ‘thank you’ to life.

They understand that being grateful for what they have shifts their focus from what’s missing to what’s already there.

This shift in perspective helps them stay positive, even during tough times.

You won’t see them bragging about their gratitude journal or their morning ‘thank you’ ritual.

But you might notice their positive outlook and the good vibes they radiate.

If you want to build mental strength, start cultivating gratitude today.

It could be as simple as jotting down three things you’re thankful for every morning or saying a silent ‘thank you’ for a good meal.

Over time, practicing gratitude can transform your mindset and make you mentally stronger.

3. They Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is a quiet habit mentally strong people engage in, but don’t often discuss.

This practice is about knowing your limits and ensuring others respect them.

I used to be the kind of person who said ‘yes’ to everything – be it extra work hours, social events, or favors for friends.

I thought this would make me liked and appreciated. But all it did was leave me drained and stressed.

One day, a mentor suggested I start setting boundaries. I was hesitant at first, fearing people would think I was selfish.

But when I finally started saying ‘no’, the world didn’t collapse. In fact, people respected my honesty and I found myself less stressed and more in control of my time.

Mentally strong people understand the importance of setting boundaries.

They know it’s not about being selfish, but about self-care.

It might be uncomfortable at first, but setting clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining your mental strength and overall well-being.

4. They Spend Time Alone

Mentally strong individuals have a habit of spending time alone, but they rarely talk about it.

They understand the value of solitude in self-reflection, self-discovery, and mental rejuvenation.

People who enjoy spending time alone are more likely to be creative and innovative. This is probably why many great thinkers and innovators from Albert Einstein to Steve Jobs often sought solitude.

So, don’t be afraid to take some ‘me-time’.

It could be as simple as taking a solo walk in the park or dedicating an hour each day for self-reflection.

This habit won’t just make you mentally stronger, but it might also unlock your creative potential.

5. They Accept Their Flaws

Mentally strong folks have a special habit that they seldom talk about – they openly accept their flaws.

They understand that nobody is perfect and that it’s okay to have weaknesses.

But here’s the heartfelt part – they don’t just tolerate their flaws, they embrace them.

They see their imperfections not as barriers, but as unique aspects of their personality that make them who they are.

Imagine the relief of not having to pretend to be perfect, of not having to hide your flaws.

It’s like taking off a heavy mask you’ve been wearing for far too long.

The weight lifts off your shoulders, and you can finally breathe easy, comfortable in your own skin.

So, the next time you find yourself dwelling on your flaws, try to see them in a different light.

Accept them, embrace them, and remember – it’s these little imperfections that make you uniquely beautiful and human.

And believe it or not, this acceptance is a big step towards mental strength.

6. They Take Risks

I’ve noticed that mentally strong people have a hidden habit of taking risks.

They don’t shout about it from the rooftops, but it’s a significant part of their lives.

For instance, I always admired my friend Mike for his mental toughness.

One day, I asked him about his secret. He said, “I take risks.” Initially, I was surprised. Mike wasn’t the reckless type.

But then he explained that it wasn’t about reckless risks; instead, it was about calculated ones – stepping out of his comfort zone, trying new things, and not being afraid of failure.

So don’t shy away from risks. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about pushing your boundaries and growing stronger with each step you take outside your comfort zone.

7. They Make Mistakes

Mentally strong people screw up. They make mistakes, big and small, just like the rest of us.

But here’s the thing – they don’t hide these mistakes or make excuses for them. Instead, they own them.

They understand that messing up is part of being human. We all do it.

But what matters is what we do after we’ve goofed up.

Do we blame others? Do we bury our heads in the sand and pretend it never happened? Or do we take responsibility, learn from it, and try not to repeat it?

Mentally strong people choose the latter.

They see mistakes not as failures, but as lessons.

Each mistake is a stepping stone on their journey to becoming better, stronger.

So next time you mess up (and trust me, there will be a next time), take a deep breath, own your mistake, learn from it, and move on.

It’s okay to trip up; just make sure you pick yourself up afterwards. That’s what mental strength is all about.

8. They Practice Mindfulness

Mentally strong people have a habit of practicing mindfulness, but they rarely boast about it.

They understand the power of being present and fully engaged in the current moment.

Mentally strong people practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or simply by concentrating on their breathing for a few minutes each day.

So if you’re striving for mental strength, try to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

It’s not about reaching a state of eternal zen; it’s about being present in the moment and allowing yourself to fully experience life as it happens.

9. They Seek Help When Needed

Mentally strong people, just like the rest of us, face challenges and struggles.

But they have a habit that sets them apart – they’re not afraid to seek help when needed.

I remember when I was going through a tough time, I thought I had to face it alone. I believed asking for help was a sign of weakness.

But then, a close friend of mine, one of the mentally strongest people I know, shared his experience with me.

He told me about a time when he was struggling with anxiety and depression. Instead of trying to deal with it all alone, he reached out for help.

He sought therapy and wasn’t afraid to talk about it. His experience made me realize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but an act of courage.

So remember, it’s okay to ask for help.

None of us are superheroes; we all need support and guidance from time to time.

If you’re going through a rough patch, reach out to someone you trust or seek professional help.

There’s no shame in it, and it’s a crucial step toward building mental strength.

10. They Forgive But Don’t Forget

Mentally strong people know the power of forgiveness, but they never sugarcoat it.

They understand that forgiveness is not about letting someone off the hook for their wrongdoings, but about freeing oneself from the burden of resentment.

They’re honest about their feelings. If they’re hurt, they acknowledge it. They don’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not.

But they also don’t let these negative emotions consume their lives. They forgive, not because the other person deserves forgiveness, but because they deserve peace.

But here’s the raw truth – while they forgive, they don’t forget. They remember the lessons learned from their experiences and use them to set boundaries and protect themselves in the future.

11. They Embrace Failure

The last secret habit of mentally strong people – they embrace failure.

Now, this doesn’t mean they enjoy failing or aim for it. Nobody does.

But they understand that failure is an inevitable part of life and success.

They don’t pretend that failures don’t hurt; they do.

Rejection stings, losing sucks, and falling flat on your face in front of others can be downright embarrassing.

But mentally strong people accept this discomfort as part of the growth process.

Instead of running away from failure, they face it head-on, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone towards their goals. They know that every failure brings them one step closer to success.

So there you have it – eleven secret habits of mentally strong people that you can start cultivating today.

Remember, mental strength is not something you’re born with; it’s something you build over time through your thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes.

So start small, stay consistent, and watch yourself grow stronger each day.

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Picture of Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the editor of Ideapod and founder of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 6 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. If you to want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter or Facebook.

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