When someone tells you to “suck it up”, you know they’re telling you to be strong. When someone says “deal with it”, they’re pushing you to face adversity.
That’s the basic language of resilience.
However, it’s not always that straightforward. Understanding the subtle traits of those who grew up constantly hearing “tough it out” can be quite complex and intriguing.
Some individuals, though, seem to decode these traits with ease. And that’s because they themselves typically exhibit these 8 specific low-key personality characteristics.
1) Embracing the uncomfortable
Life is a rollercoaster of emotions.
One moment you’re on cloud nine, the next you’re in the depths of despair. But for those who were repeatedly told to “tough it out” while growing up, they’ve learned to ride these emotional waves with grace.
That’s because they’ve been trained to confront discomfort head-on, rather than avoiding it or pretending it doesn’t exist. This constant exposure to adversity has made them experts at handling tough situations and even thriving in the face of challenges.
They know that discomfort is temporary and that it’s a necessary part of growth. They understand that it’s okay to not be okay all the time and that strength comes from resilience and adaptation, not from avoiding pain or hardship.
If you’ve been brought up with the mantra of “tough it out”, then you’ve likely learned to embrace discomfort as an opportunity for personal development.
Pretty empowering, isn’t it?
2) A knack for resourcefulness
Oh boy, the times I’ve heard “tough it out” in my life.
It was like a broken record, spinning around and around, each time digging the phrase a little deeper into my psyche. But, you know what? It did something quite unexpected. It turned me into a problem solver.
There was this one time when my business hit a rough patch. Sales were down, morale was low, and it seemed like every solution I tried only led to more problems. It was tempting to throw in the towel and accept defeat.
But then that old familiar phrase echoed in my mind – “tough it out”. So, I did exactly that.
I started to look at the situation from different angles, seeking out creative solutions instead of dwelling on the problems. I tapped into resources I didn’t even know I had and began to see opportunities where others saw dead ends.
Turns out, being told to “tough it out” all those years wasn’t just about enduring hardships; it was about developing a resourceful mindset.
And let me tell you, that kind of mindset is invaluable, especially when you’re navigating the ups and downs of running a business.
3) Unyielding determination
Determination is a key trait among those who have been told to “tough it out”.
These people aren’t easily discouraged by failure or setbacks. Instead, they view challenges as stepping stones towards their goals. They have an inner drive that propels them forward no matter how tough the going gets.
Take Thomas Edison, for example. The prolific inventor held 1,093 patents for his inventions. But did you know that his most famous invention, the practical electric light bulb, took him 1,000 failed attempts before he finally succeeded?
Instead of giving up after the first few failures, Edison kept going. He didn’t see those 1,000 unsuccessful attempts as a waste of time. Rather, he saw them as part of the process.
He once famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Now that’s the spirit of someone who’s been told to “tough it out”. It’s not about never failing; it’s about never giving up.
4) Practiced patience
Patience is a virtue – a virtue that people who’ve been told to “tough it out” usually possess in spades.
Growing up with this mantra often means enduring difficult circumstances for extended periods. It’s about waiting out the storm, knowing that clear skies are on the other side. It’s not about instant gratification or quick fixes.
This practiced patience often translates into other areas of life as well. Whether it’s waiting for a business to take off, a project to come together, or a relationship to blossom, these individuals understand that good things often take time.
So, if you’ve been told to “tough it out”, chances are, you’ve mastered the art of patience. And in a world that’s increasingly geared towards instant gratification, this is an invaluable trait to have.
5) A sense of self-reliance
Growing up, “tough it out” was a phrase I heard a lot. It’s a mantra that helped shape who I am today.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from this is self-reliance.
I remember my first solo business trip. I was in a foreign city, with no friends or family around, and suddenly, my credit card stopped working. Panic set in. But then, the familiar phrase echoed in my mind, “tough it out”.
I realized that I had to rely on myself to solve this problem. After a few deep breaths, I started brainstorming solutions. Could I use my other card? Could I call my bank? Could I borrow money from a colleague?
In the end, I managed to navigate through the situation and came out stronger on the other side.
Being told to “tough it out” wasn’t just about weathering storms, it was also about learning to trust myself and my ability to handle whatever life throws at me. And trust me, that’s a lesson worth learning.
6) Display of vulnerability
When you think of people who’ve been told to “tough it out”, vulnerability might not be the first trait that comes to mind. But, surprisingly, it’s often a characteristic of these individuals.
You see, being told to “tough it out” doesn’t mean suppressing emotions or pretending everything is okay when it’s not. It often involves acknowledging your struggles and expressing your feelings honestly.
This openness can make these individuals more relatable and approachable. It shows strength in admitting that they’re not invincible and that they need help sometimes.
If you’ve been told to “tough it out”, chances are you’ve learned the power of vulnerability and understood that showing your true self doesn’t mean you’re weak but rather that you’re human. And being human is a strength, not a weakness.
7) Adaptability
Adaptability is a crucial trait for those who’ve grown up hearing “tough it out”. In a world that is in constant flux, the ability to adjust and thrive in changing situations is invaluable.
These individuals are often not afraid of change. Instead, they embrace it, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and learning. They’re usually the ones who can keep their cool when things don’t go according to plan and quickly recalibrate to find a new path forward.
Being told to “tough it out” is essentially being trained in adaptability. It’s about learning to roll with the punches and make the best out of any situation.
If you can adjust your sails to the changing winds without losing your direction, then you’ve truly mastered the art of “toughing it out”.
8) Resilience
Resilience is the cornerstone of being told to “tough it out”. It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity, to get up when you’ve been knocked down, and to keep going even when the odds are stacked against you.
Resilient individuals don’t let failures define them. Instead, they see each setback as a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger. They understand that life is full of challenges and that it’s not about avoiding these obstacles but learning how to navigate through them.
Being told to “tough it out” often instills a deep-seated resilience in individuals. It’s the secret weapon that allows them to weather life’s storms and come out stronger on the other side.
And that, my friends, is the power of resilience.
The power in “toughing it out”
If you’ve taken the time to read this far, you’ll have noticed that people who’ve been told to “tough it out” possess some truly remarkable traits.
Being told to “tough it out” has nothing to do with being hard-hearted or insensitive. On the contrary, it’s about understanding your own strength and resilience and recognizing the importance of adaptability and patience.
If someone possesses these traits, they’re not just tough. They’re probably the kind of person who can face any challenge head-on and still come out on top.
As Helen Keller once said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember these eight traits. Embrace discomfort, be resourceful, show determination, practice patience, rely on yourself, show vulnerability, be adaptable, and most importantly – be resilient.
These are the true marks of someone who’s been told to “tough it out”. It’s not just about enduring hardships; it’s about growing from them. And that’s a lesson we can all take away.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
