Natasha Combrink
We all face challenges and have moments of self-doubt. It’s normal.
But if – and how – you overcome these, determine whether you’re resilient.
Resilience is more than stamina and good connections. It’s character traits that no one can take away from you.
Ready to find out which traits these are?
Well, when someone is resilient…
1) They have a positive outlook on life
Can you think of someone who always sees the good in everything? That annoying person who keeps telling you things work out for the greater good?
It might drive you insane, but a positive outlook is one of the things that make them resilient.
Seriously, it’s like a secret weapon.
People with a positive outlook are in a better mental and emotional state. This allows them to focus on their path ahead instead of dwelling on what was.
And that’s not all.
Their positive attitude creates a ripple effect. It influences their relationships, motivation to be productive, and physical health.
Interesting, right?
Positivity isn’t a magical cure. But it can help you find happiness even when you’re experiencing setbacks.
2) They believe in themselves
Another great trait resilient people have, is their ability to believe in themselves.
I’m not saying cocky people are resilient. No. I’m talking about people who know their strengths and weaknesses and have confidence in their abilities.
Self-belief is one of the only things that will help you approach challenges with a “can-do” attitude.
Resilient people navigate through tough times and bounce back faster because of it.
Their confidence acts as a buffer, reminding them that setbacks are temporary.
Want to know what else confidence can do?
It can open doors and attract positive relationships that can strengthen your resilience.
There’s really no downside here.
3) They know how to control their emotions
Resilient people can keep their emotions in check. They have tons of coping techniques to help them regulate how they feel.
These strategies keep them from dwelling on things that will hold them back.
They’re also flexible and willing to shift from one way of coping with big feelings to another.
Here’s the thing:
Resilient people know that life blows up sometimes. And that there’s absolutely nothing they can do about it.
So instead of curling into a ball or wasting energy on anger, they use their emotions to fuel their next steps.
A great example is Bethany Hamilton. She lost her arm in a shark attack at 13. This would send many people into a deep depression.
And while it wasn’t easy, she overcame this tragedy and continued pursuing her love for surfing, winning pro championships.
Not every setback is this life-changing, and many times you could be struggling to control your emotions over something simple like someone cutting the line.
But how you react to whatever negatively impacts your emotions determines your resilience.
You might end up being irritated for the rest of your day. But resilient people will process what they’re feeling and move on.
And because they’re so emotionally intelligent…
4) They’re comfortable with the unknown
Think about it:
If you can control your emotions, you’ll be ready for anything thrown your way.
Resilient people use the unknown as a guide toward a better path.
Instead of being paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, resilient people approach the unknown with curiosity and an open mind.
If you know someone who understands that change is inevitable and setbacks are part of life, they’re probably very resilient.
Seriously, it’s like resilient people have this inner belief that they can handle whatever challenges or opportunities come knocking.
You’ll also notice that when something unexpected happens…
5) They’re quick thinkers
Resilient people can think on their feet. It’s like a mental reflex that kicks in. They can come up with solutions and make decisions on the fly!
Do you freeze or panic in high-pressure situations? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if you answered yes, you’re probably not resilient.
Mental agility helps resilient people process information quickly. They thrive in challenges.
It’s pretty impressive, really.
They can…
- Assess a situation
- Analyze their options
- Come up with creative ways to tackle problems
… in no time!
Being quick thinkers is tied to their adaptability. You’ll rarely see a resilient person who can’t roll with the punches.
Whether it’s a sudden change in plans or a problem that needs an immediate fix…
6) They have a survivor mentality
I’m going to tell you a story. There are many details, but here’s the shortened version:
My mother-in-law has been really sick throughout her life. I’m talking myasthenia gravis, cancer, and arthritis. She’s had multiple surgeries too.
Oh, and she’s also been paralyzed from the waist down.
Every time she goes to see her doctor, he’s surprised that she’s still alive.
Seriously, that woman can take a beating!
But no matter what diagnoses or physical hardship she faced, she had a survivor mentality. Her children, family, and life kept her going. Every time.
She’ll never have her full health back, but today she’s cancer free, walks where she wants to go, and can pick up her grandkids for hugs and snuggles!
All resilient people are like my mother-in-law. They have a deep-rooted belief that they can overcome anything and emerge stronger.
This mindset empowers them. They refuse to be defined or defeated by their circumstances.
Sure, they’re hurt, angry, and sometimes get depressed. But instead of giving up or staying stuck with a victim mentality, they tap into their inner strength and push through.
It’s remarkable!
7) They have a proactive mindset
Besides their survivor mentality, resilient people have a proactive mindset. It’s one of their key characteristics.
This means they can:
- Think for themselves and do whatever needs to be done without someone telling them.
- Identify obstacles or risks and take steps to address them beforehand.
- Actively seek solutions.
- Plan ahead and set goals.
Resilient people believe they control their own lives, decisions, and outcomes. In short: they like to be in the driver’s seat!
But that’s not all.
Having a proactive mind also means they know when to ask for support. This is something many people overlook.
Someone who’s resilient understands that knowing when to get help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
8) They’re open-minded
Resilient people are willing to consider new ideas and possibilities. This is another one of their traits that is tied to their adaptability.
Simply put, if you’re never open to new ways, how can you move forward when what you’ve been doing doesn’t work anymore?
You can’t keep clinging to preconceived beliefs.
Resilient people know this. That’s why they’ll always:
- Recognize that there are many ways to interpret a situation and solve problems.
- Be receptive to different viewpoints.
- Actively seek out diverse perspectives.
They understand that their own thoughts are limited. When circumstances change, they adapt and adjust.
You’ll never meet a truly resilient person who’s attached to a single fixed solution or outcome. Resilience goes hand in hand with flexibility.
9) They have a strong sense of self-discipline
It’s like their secret weapon. Self-discipline helps them overcome challenges other people will only dream of.
Resilient people can control their impulses, stay focused, and consistently take action.
Whatever they need to do, they’ll get it done.
Do you know someone who has no problem prioritizing their tasks, making deliberate choices, or sticking to commitments?
You guessed it! They’re resilient.
Self-discipline also plays a massive role in their ability to manage emotions. And it extends to self-care.
If someone is resilient, you’ll notice they care for their physical, mental, and emotional health.
You’ll often find them exercising, resting enough, and using healthy stress management techniques. For them, it’s all about creating habits that support their goals.
Their self-discipline is also the reason why…
10) They have a growth mindset
While resilient people believe in themselves, they know their abilities and skills can always develop more.
That’s why they look for new challenges and take on things that push them outside their comfort zone.
And while most people focus on the outcome, resilient people love the process. They value learning and take in lessons from every small step.
Have you ever looked at someone and wondered how they’re still going? After all their failures?
Well, resilient people use setbacks as fuel to keep moving forward. They know that preserving will eventually get them where they need to be.
So instead of giving up, resilient people learn to keep going.
You’ll also notice that…
11) They’re patient
A big part of resilience is knowing that some challenges take time and effort to overcome. You need to be able to delay gratification and remain focused.
Resilient people are willing to put in the necessary time and effort without getting discouraged.
Patience allows them to stay calm, think rationally, and avoid rushing things.
Think about how many times you’ve given up because you weren’t getting immediate results. And if not you, someone you know.
Progress may come in small increments, and obstacles are a normal part of the journey.
Most people don’t understand this, but resilient people do. That’s why they remain steadfast and trust the process.
Resilient people also use their patience to know when moments require them to push through and when they need to sit back and allow things to unfold naturally.
Honestly, patience is at the heart of it all.
It helps resilient people maintain a positive mindset, avoid impulsive reactions, and keep them moving forward when it seems like they’ll never reach the end.
Building resilience is an ongoing process. If you know someone with most or all of the traits mentioned, they’re way harder to knock down than you might think.
And if you want to be more resilient, remember that it’s a skill you can absolutely develop. You just need to be committed to personal growth and learn to be patient.
With enough practice, you’ll strengthen your ability to bounce back and thrive when facing challenges.
