Six Ways to Know You Have a Strong Mindset: Empowering Ex-Military, First Responders, and Healthcare Heroes to Lead Resilient Lives – In careers like my heroes, having a strong mindset is more than an asset—it’s necessary. Whether it’s Grandpa’s military service in the Corp, first responders like my father’s Sheriff’s department, or healthcare like my Mom’s nursing, The nature of these professions demands resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. What does a strong mindset honestly look like? How do you recognize its presence in yourself and build up this kind of strength? Here are six key signs that indicate a strong mindset and practical insights for building one if you find these areas lacking.
You Welcome Change and Embrace New Challenges
A strong mindset allows us and those around us to thrive in the face of change. Those with this quality see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow. Adaptability is vital for ex-military personnel transitioning to civilian life, healthcare workers dealing with shifting protocols, and first responders handling unpredictable emergencies.
Welcoming change means staying open to learning new skills and accepting that growth happens outside your comfort zone. We want to reframe our adversity as a stepping stone to success. As I have written here before, when you find yourself asking Why me and resisting change, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can this make me stronger?
Practical tip: Start small by seeking out minor challenges in your daily routine. Tackle a new fitness routine, try a different approach to a work problem, or engage in conversations that push your thinking. These micro-challenges prepare your mind to embrace larger life transitions with confidence.
You Focus on Being Happy
Life puts us in many situations outside of our control, from policies to other people’s behavior and even our subconscious. A strong mindset can ignite in you the defiance to refuse to surrender energy to these uncontrollable factors. Instead, you will begin cultivating happiness through gratitude, purpose, and meaningful relationships.
Happiness doesn’t mean ignoring pain or difficulty; it’s about prioritizing what uplifts your spirit. For example, a healthcare worker, instead of getting lost in the never-ending and overwhelming caseload, intentionally focuses on the lives saved. A firefighter will commit to being present for those precious moments with their family despite the unpredictability of their schedule.
Practical tip: Create a daily gratitude list. Reflect on three things that made you smile or feel fulfilled, and really focus on them: the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. This practice will rewire your brain to seek out and be inspired by the positives in your life, giving you greater emotional resilience.
You Move On Quickly and Don’t Feel Sorry for Yourself
Everyone experiences setbacks, but those with strong mindsets refuse to wallow in self-pity. They acknowledge their emotions, process them, and move forward. Instead of asking, Why me?, they focus on, What’s next?
Ex-military members could find purpose in a new mission after retirement. First responders might learn from a tough call and prepare for the next one. Dwelling on the past wastes energy that you will focus and spend on recovering and growing from the experience.
Practical tip: Practice mindfulness to stay present. When negative emotions arise, give yourself five minutes to process them, acknowledge them, and accept them as genuine. Remember, they are vital as they help us mark and decide where we want to improve ourselves. Then, it’s time to get to work and shift your focus to actionable steps that bring you closer to who you need to become to achieve your goals and become the person you want to be.
You Are Willing to Take Risks
Calculated risks are the foundation of our personal and professional growth. A strong mindset will evaluate the pros and cons of your choices, consider all the possible outcomes, and, when you are ready, encourage you to leap with total commitment. Whether applying for a leadership role, starting a new career, or advocating for change in your workplace, stepping into the unknown is where you begin to grow into the person you imagine you can be.
For example, a former soldier leveraging the discipline and immense teamwork learned may take the risk of starting their own business. A paramedic might pursue advanced training to expand their skill set. The key is understanding that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey.
Practical tip: Identify one area of your life where fear has held you back. Create your plan to overcome this, break it into manageable steps, and commit to taking action, one small risk at a time.
You Are Kind, Fair, and Willing to Speak Up
A strong mindset makes us formidable, not because it helps control others. It aligns and balances our strengths with our compassion. It requires our kindness toward others, fairness in our decisions, and courage to speak up when something isn’t right or when others are not being heard. Your willingness to stand up for what’s right, not just right for you, demonstrates true strength.
Being kind doesn’t mean being weak—it shows emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Healthcare workers, for instance, often navigate complex dynamics where compassion can transform a tense patient interaction into a moment of trust.
Practical tip: Practice assertive communication. When addressing an issue, express your thoughts calmly and respectfully, focusing on solutions rather than blame.
You Celebrate Others’ Success and Achievements
Jealousy and insecurity have no place in a strong mindset. Instead, you feel genuinely happy for others’ victories, knowing they are not taking anything away from you. Their success does not diminish your own. This abundance mindset fosters better relationships and a stronger sense of community.
Teamwork is a core value for ex-military personnel, first responders, and healthcare professionals. Celebrating others’ achievements strengthens bonds and boosts morale, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Practical tip: When a colleague achieves something significant, go out of your way to congratulate them. This practice reinforces a mindset of positivity and collaboration. Celebrate their wins as if they were your own.
Building and Strengthening Your Mindset
Now, take a moment to reflect: In which areas of your life are these traits not yet true? Where do you struggle to embrace change, let go of negativity, or celebrate others’ success? These gaps are growth opportunities—not weaknesses.
Building a strong mindset doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey. Commit to cultivating these six traits daily, and watch your resilience grow. Be an example and inspire the next generation to approach life with strength, grace, and determination.
Remember: A strong mindset isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. You’ve faced some of life’s toughest challenges. It’s time for YOU to step forward and claim your resilience as a badge of honor.
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