12 Habits Of People Who Stay Strong And Keep Fighting When Life Gets Tough

By doing these things, a person can keep on going when things get tough.

A man with a beard is adjusting the sleeve of his white shirt outdoors. He appears focused and is standing in front of a modern building with glass reflections. Trees are in the background, adding a touch of nature to the urban setting.

Life’s tough, sure, but some people have a knack for not just getting through it but actually thriving despite the hard times. They’ve got a few things up their sleeves that help them get through it all. No, they’re not superpowers! It’s actually their everyday habits and attitudes that keep them moving forward, no matter what. Let’s look at the behaviors and mindsets that can make anyone, including you, tougher when the going gets tough.

1. Embracing optimism.

A smiling man with glasses and a gray beard stands with arms crossed in a park. He wears a green polo shirt. The background features trees and a path covered in yellow leaves.

We’ve all met those people who always seem to find something to smile about, even in a downpour. It comes from the power of optimism. They don’t have special glasses to see the world in a rosier light. Instead, they just refuse to let the gloom dampen their spirits. For them, optimism is a choice they make to focus on the good, which gives them the power to keep going.

2. Practicing self-compassion.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a flowery shirt, is sitting outdoors in soft sunlight. She is holding a takeaway coffee cup with both hands and looking thoughtfully into the distance, with a slight smile on her face.

Resilient people are careful with their own self-esteem during tough times. While the rest of us might beat ourselves up, they take on their challenges with understanding and kindness. They recognize that being harsh won’t help them recover faster. They forgive their mistakes and give themselves permission to move forward without lingering over their past errors.

3. Maintaining preparedness.

A man with glasses and a beard is sitting under a black umbrella on a bridge. He is wearing a dark coat and a gray scarf. The bridge has red railings and a green and red pathway with white lines. The background is slightly blurred, giving a sense of depth.

Some people seem to have an uncanny ability to keep their cool before the storm hits. They’re the ones who have their umbrellas ready, knowing that rain is coming, and they’re prepared for it when it does. These people are ready to face challenges head-on without getting knocked over. They stay informed about what might go wrong and create strategies to handle it, even if they don’t need them.

4. Cultivating emotional intelligence.

A middle-aged man with gray hair and a beard smiles while looking up. He is wearing a gray T-shirt and standing outdoors, with a blurred background of greenery and structures on a sunny day.

Emotional intelligence allows a person to understand their own feelings just as well as those of others. They listen, they empathize, and they understand. They’re able to manage personal and professional storms with grace, which helps them build strong relationships and diffuse conflict before it escalates. Anyone around them can testify that these people are valuable in both personal and professional settings.

5. Adapting strategically.

A smiling man with short dark hair and a beard is wearing a yellow shirt and a black jacket. He is standing outdoors with a blurred background of buildings and trees on a cloudy day.

Being adaptable doesn’t mean you have to flail until something works. Instead, you make calm and calculated moves. When their usual path is blocked, folks who stay strong find another route by innovating and keeping their eyes on the prize. For them, adaptability is a strategy rather than a last resort. They’re not afraid to overhaul their plans when necessary because they’re always moving towards their goals.

6. Living mindfully.

A woman stands outdoors wearing a tan jumpsuit and a dark hat, looking to her right. She is surrounded by a scenic view of rolling green hills, scattered clouds, and distant water bodies.

For most people, mindfulness is just a buzzword, but not for the resilient. They understand that it’s a real tool. They focus on being present, whether that’s in the moment or in life, and they really live each second. Autopilot? They have no idea what that is. Instead, they enjoy the richness of each experience and feel less stress while they’re doing it.

7. Believing in themselves.

A young man with short hair and a green sweater is sitting on a couch with his hands resting behind his head. He is looking calmly to the side in a cozy living room with brick walls, indoor plants, a window, and a standing lamp in the background.

If resilient people have one thing in common, it’s self-belief. They have trust in their ability to jump hurdles and run marathons, which pushes them to try where others might give up. They draw on past successes to feel more confident and tackle new challenges. Determined people are convinced they have what it takes to succeed. Even if they don’t, at least they tried, right?

8. Practicing gratitude.

A woman with long blonde hair sits at an outdoor café, holding a white coffee cup. She wears sunglasses on her head and looks relaxed, with a soft smile. The background shows a blurred street scene with warm, golden sunlight filtering through.

Gratitude is a normal wellness technique for the resilient. It keeps them healthy mentally, emotionally, and physically. You’ll find them counting their blessings, big or small, and doing so keeps their morale high and their spirit unbothered by life’s curveballs. It’s a kind of habitual thankfulness that helps them maintain a positive and appreciative perspective, even during hard times.

9. Setting firm boundaries.

A woman with curly brown hair holds her hand up in a "stop" gesture, her palm facing outward. She has a serious expression, wearing a necklace with a cross pendant. The background is a solid blue color.

Resilient people know that saying “no” doesn’t have to be unkind. Rather, it’s a way for them to be smart with their energy. They set boundaries to protect their mental space from being overcrowded with demands so that they have the power to focus on what truly matters. They’re clear about their limits and communicate them to others. Maybe we could all learn a thing or two from that.

10. Learning from failure.

Black and white close-up of a contemplative man with a beard, gazing thoughtfully to the right. His hands are clasped together near his face, and he appears deep in thought against a plain background.

For the strong-willed, each misstep is a lesson, not a label. They look at failures as chances to learn and grow, which helps them be better prepared for the next challenge. Setbacks are opportunities rather than defeats, so they can maintain momentum and stay committed. They continue working towards their goals with the knowledge that they’ll get there eventually.

11. Managing stress.

A woman stands on a yoga mat in a living room, performing a yoga pose with her arms raised above her head and palms together. She wears a coral sports bra, green leggings, and a white zip-up jacket. The room has a beige sofa, plants, and a clean white kitchen.

Stress management is one of the most important skills resilient people have. Be it through yoga, running, or painting, they pursue some sort of activity that helps them decompress and regain their balance. Stress is just another thing to deal with. Instead of waiting, they recognize the signs of stress early and take action to manage it effectively. It keeps them ready for whatever comes.

12. Accepting the inevitable.

A woman with blonde hair wearing round sunglasses and a black leather jacket stands on a bridge with a blurred background of road and railings. Her hair is slightly windswept, and she gazes into the camera with a neutral expression.

While acceptance might sound passive, it’s actually a powerful strategy. The resilient recognize what they can’t change and instead focus their energy on what they can influence. Knowing where to apply their strength for maximum impact means they can avoid frustration and conserve their energy for the battles they can actually win. They’re effective, even in the face of adversity.