If these 7 challenges don’t intimidate you, you’re mentally tougher than 95% of people

by Lachlan Brown | October 10, 2025, 5:59 am

Ever heard the phrase “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”?

Well, there’s a lot of truth to it and I’m not just talking about physical toughness here but, more importantly, mental resilience.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

No one is born with an Iron Man-like mental fortitude.

It’s something that’s earned, carved out of the experiences we face and the challenges we dare to overcome.

Let me ask you this: Are you someone who thrives in the face of adversity? Do you find yourself staying composed when others are losing their cool?

Intrigued? In this article, we’ll explore seven challenges that can put your mental toughness to the test.

If these don’t intimidate you, then congratulations—you have a level of resilience that most can only dream of.

Life isn’t some sort of competition where we need to compare our strength with others.

Instead, this is about understanding and harnessing our ability to navigate through life’s trials and tribulations with grace and grit.

1) Embracing change

Change—it’s a constant in life, yet many of us resist it with all our might.

But here’s the thing: The ability to adapt to change, to embrace the new and unfamiliar, is a hallmark of mental toughness.

It’s not always about liking the change, but rather accepting it and finding ways to thrive within it.

Think about it; When the landscape of your work or personal life shifts, do you dig in your heels and resist? Or do you take a deep breath, adjust your sails, and chart a new course?

If you’re in the latter group, pat yourself on the back.

This adaptability is a testament to your mental resilience and sets you apart from the crowd.

Change is inevitable and how we respond to it is entirely up to us.

2) Taking risks

Let’s talk about risks: Now, I’m not suggesting you go bungee jumping off a cliff (unless that’s your thing, of course).

Rather, I mean stepping out of your comfort zone and facing uncertainty head-on.

Here’s a personal story to illustrate: A few years back, I had a stable job with a decent salary.

It was comfortable, predictable, and honestly, a little bit boring.

Then, an opportunity came up to start my own business.

It was risky, with no guaranteed paycheck at the end of the month—I took the leap.

Yes, it was scary and, yes, there were times when I questioned my decision.

But guess what? It made me stronger, more resilient.

It taught me that taking calculated risks is part of life and is essential for growth.

If you’re someone who’s willing to take chances and embrace uncertainty, you’re showing signs of mental toughness.

You understand that life isn’t just about playing it safe but about seizing opportunities, even when they come with their fair share of risks.

3) Dealing with failure

Failure is a part of life.

It’s not the enemy, and certainly not something to be feared.

If anything, it’s the greatest teacher we will ever have.

I’ve failed—boy, have I failed.

Big ones, small ones, and some that still make me wince when I think about them.

While each failure felt like a punch to the gut at the time, they were also catalysts for growth and learning.

Here’s the thing: If you can stare failure in the face and keep going, if you can pick yourself up after falling and use that experience to propel you forward, then my friend, you’re tougher than you think.

It takes real mental strength to embrace failure and see it for what it truly is—an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better version of ourselves.

4) Handling criticism

We all like to be praised and appreciated but, when it comes to feedback that’s less than flattering, we often react with defensiveness or denial.

However, if you can take constructive criticism on the chin and use it as a stepping stone to improve, you’ve got a mental toughness that sets you apart.

I won’t lie—it stings when someone points out our flaws or mistakes.

But over time, I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.

No one is perfect and we all have room for improvement.

Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to help us see where we can do better.

The next time someone offers you constructive criticism, don’t shy away.

Embrace it, learn from it, and let it fuel your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself.

5) Saying ‘no’

Here’s an interesting perspective: The two-letter word ‘no’ is one of the shortest in the English language, yet for many of us, it’s one of the hardest to say.

The fear of disappointing others or appearing selfish often leads us to agree to things that we’d rather not do.

But constantly prioritizing others at the expense of our own wellbeing can lead to stress and burnout.

Now, picture this: A person who can assertively say ‘no’ when they need to, without feeling guilty or fearing judgment.

This person respects their time, energy, and boundaries, and isn’t afraid to protect them.

Sound like someone you know? If that’s you, you’re demonstrating a level of mental toughness that many struggle with.

Saying ‘no’ isn’t about being rude or selfish.

It’s about recognizing your limits and taking care of yourself.

Doing that takes a lot more strength than always trying to please others.

6) Showing vulnerability

Vulnerability—it’s often seen as a sign of weakness, isn’t it?

What if I told you that it’s actually a sign of strength? Opening up about our fears, insecurities, and struggles requires courage, authenticity, and a whole lot of self-acceptance.

However, it’s also a vital part of forming deep, meaningful connections with others.

I’ve found that the more I allow myself to be vulnerable, the more I understand about myself and others.

It’s a journey of self-discovery that has made me stronger and more resilient.

If you’re someone who’s not afraid to show your vulnerability, to let others see you as you truly are—imperfections and all—then you possess a mental toughness that is truly admirable.

It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to talk about it.

Showing vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but rather a strength—a testament to your courage and authenticity.

7) Practicing patience

In our fast-paced, instant gratification society, patience can seem like a lost art.

But here’s the truth: It’s one of the most powerful tools in your mental toughness arsenal.

Patience isn’t about passively waiting for things to happen.

It’s about maintaining a positive attitude while working towards your goals, even when progress is slow or obstacles come your way.

Practicing patience requires self-control, perseverance, and faith in the process.

If you’ve got that, you’ve got a mental fortitude that outshines the rest.

Great things take time, and those who are patient enough to wait for them?

They’re in a league of their own when it comes to mental toughness.

Final thoughts

Mental toughness is about resilience, adaptability, and courage in the face of adversity.

Now, take a moment and reflect: Can you see these traits in yourself? Perhaps in ways you’ve never acknowledged before?

If so, that’s your real strength shining through.

Even if you can’t see it yet, know that it’s there, waiting to be harnessed and nurtured.

The journey to mental toughness isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon that requires patience, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth.

It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

We’re all works in progress; take pride in your journey, celebrate your victories—no matter how small—and keep striving for growth.

Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Brown Brothers Media, a digital publishing network reaching tens of millions of readers monthly. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, though his real education came afterward: a warehouse job shifting TVs, a stretch of anxiety in his mid-twenties, and the slow discovery that studying the mind is not the same as learning how to live well. He started experimenting with Buddhist principles during breaks at the warehouse and eventually began writing about what he was learning. That writing became Hack Spirit, a widely read personal development site, and his book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism became a bestseller. His work breaks down complex ideas into frameworks people can apply immediately, whether they are navigating a career change, a difficult relationship, or the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Lachlan splits his time between Singapore and Saigon. He writes about high-performance routines, decision-making under pressure, digital innovation, and the intersection of Eastern philosophy with modern life. His perspective comes from having built things from scratch, failed at some of them, and learned that clarity comes from practice, not theory.