10 Signs You’re a Mentally Strong Person (Even Though Most People Think These Are Weaknesses)

As a psychotherapist and as an author of books on mental strength, I encounter many misconceptions about what it means to be mentally strong.

Ironically, many of the behaviors often associated with weakness are actually a sign of strength. Our culture often values “toughness” over “true strength.”

Acting tough is about external appearances. It involves creating a persona that convinces other people you’re impervious to pain.

True mental strength involves working on your character. Mentally strong people are willing to be vulnerable and quite often, people confuse their openness and honesty with frailty.

Here are 10 signs of mental strength that are often viewed as weaknesses: 

1) Being kind.

Many people seem to think being kind means you’re a pushover or a people pleaser. But, showing compassion for a neighbor, giving a colleague the benefit of the doubt, and spending your spare time helping someone with a project could be a sign of strength.

Showing kindness often takes courage and confidence. What if the recipient doesn’t want your help? What if your act of friendship isn’t reciprocated? Strong people are willing to take those social risks.

2) Changing your mind.

Changing your mind doesn’t necessarily mean you’re wishy washy or easily influenced. Instead, it may indicate you’re open to gathering more information and hearing other ideas.

Whether your ideas about politics have changed over time or your values have shifted as you’ve grown older, changing your mind might be proof you are growing and learning.

3) Acknowledging your weaknesses.

There’s a difference between speaking the truth and putting yourself down. Acknowledging you’re bad at confronting people or that you struggle to be organized might show you’re strong enough to admit your imperfections.

Acknowledging your weaknesses can also help you take positive action. You might delegate tasks that you struggle to do or you could develop a plan to help you succeed despite your shortcomings…

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