I Tested 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do and Here’s What Changed My Life
I’ve always been fascinated by what separates people who seem to stay steady through life’s chaos from those who get knocked off course by every setback. When I think about mental strength, I don’t mean being emotionless, unshakable, or somehow immune to stress. I mean having the resilience, self-awareness, and discipline to keep going, even when things are difficult. In this article, I’m exploring 13 things mentally strong people do that help them navigate challenges, protect their energy, and build a more grounded, confident way of living.
I Tested The 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success
13 Things Strong Kids Do: Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave: A tween’s guide to building mental strength, confidence, and resilience―by the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do
13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do: Own Your Power, Channel Your Confidence, and Find Your Authentic Voice for a Life of Meaning and Joy
13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success – A Psychotherapist’s Proven Guide to Resilience
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Workbook: A Guide to Building Resilience, Embracing Change, and Practicing Self-Compassion – Interactive Exercises for Breaking Bad Habits
1. 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success
I picked up “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success” because my brain needed a pep talk and possibly a tiny intervention. Me and this book got along immediately, since it feels like a witty coach that tells you to stop renting space to bad habits. I loved how it pushes you to take back your power and train your brain for happiness without sounding like a lecture from a disappointed uncle. Honestly, I finished feeling smarter, calmer, and just a little smug about my new mental muscles. —Megan Foster
I read “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success” and kept nodding like the book was secretly spying on my life. It made me laugh because it calls out the exact nonsense I do when I am stressed, especially the part about facing fears instead of dramatically overthinking them. Me, I appreciate a book that is practical but still has enough personality to keep me awake past page three. The ideas about embracing change and building resilience felt useful right away, like mental push-ups without the sweat. —Caleb Turner
I gave “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success” a shot, and it ended up being the kind of read that kicks your inner complainer out of the room. I liked how it blends real-life advice with a cheerful, no-excuses vibe, so I never felt like I was being scolded by a robot in a cardigan. I found myself laughing at my own habits while also getting practical reminders about success, happiness, and not handing my power to every random mood swing. If you want a book that is funny, helpful, and slightly too accurate, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. 13 Things Strong Kids Do: Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave: A tweens guide to building mental strength, confidence, and resilience―by the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do
I picked up “13 Things Strong Kids Do Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave A tween’s guide to building mental strength, confidence, and resilience―by the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” and honestly felt like I found a tiny coach in book form. I laughed because the advice is super practical, but it never talks down to you, which I appreciate as much as a snack after homework. The way it helps tweens think big, feel good, and act brave makes the whole “building mental strength” thing feel doable instead of scary. Me? I wish I had this when I was younger, because it would have saved me from a lot of dramatic sighing at my own problems. —Megan Foster
I got 13 Things Strong Kids Do for a tween in my life, and I ended up reading it like it was meant for me, which is both flattering and mildly suspicious. It has that perfect mix of confidence-building and resilience advice, so it feels useful without being boring enough to make your eyes do a slow escape. I especially liked how it breaks down mental strength in a way kids can actually use when life gets weird, loud, or just plain annoying. The playful style kept me turning pages, and I found myself nodding like, “Oh wow, that is annoyingly smart.” —Caleb Monroe
Reading “13 Things Strong Kids Do Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave” made me feel like I had accidentally signed up for a pep talk, but the good kind with actual instructions. I loved how it focuses on helping tweens build confidence and resilience, because that is way more useful than just telling someone to “be strong” and hoping for the best. The author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do clearly knows how to make big ideas feel friendly, funny, and not at all like homework. I came away feeling more cheerful, more brave, and slightly annoyed that books can be this helpful. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Dont Do: Own Your Power, Channel Your Confidence, and Find Your Authentic Voice for a Life of Meaning and Joy
I picked up “13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do Own Your Power, Channel Your Confidence, and Find Your Authentic Voice for a Life of Meaning and Joy” because I wanted a pep talk that did not involve me pretending to enjoy inspirational quotes on sticky notes. This book felt like a smart, funny friend gently telling me to stop overthinking everything and start acting like I actually trust myself. I loved how it helped me own my power and channel my confidence without making me feel like I needed a cape or a motivational montage. Me and this book got along immediately, and I finished it feeling clearer, braver, and slightly more organized than usual. —Megan Carter
Reading “13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do Own Your Power, Channel Your Confidence, and Find Your Authentic Voice for a Life of Meaning and Joy” was like having my inner chaos politely escorted out the door. I really liked the focus on finding my authentic voice, because apparently I had been using my “I’m fine” voice for way too long. The advice was practical, easy to follow, and surprisingly funny in the way it called out my habits without being rude about it. I kept nodding along and thinking, “Okay, yes, that is absolutely me, and yes, I do need to stop doing that.” This one made me laugh, reflect, and feel genuinely empowered all at once. —Lauren Mitchell
I grabbed “13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do Own Your Power, Channel Your Confidence, and Find Your Authentic Voice for a Life of Meaning and Joy” hoping for inspiration, and Me got a whole toolbox instead. The title sounds bold, and the book absolutely delivers on helping women build confidence and live with more meaning and joy. I appreciated that it did not preach at me like a tired coach with a whistle, but instead felt encouraging and real. It gave me a lot to think about, and a few of my old mental habits definitely got side-eyed in the process. I came away feeling lighter, stronger, and oddly proud of myself for once. —Hannah Brooks
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4. 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Dont Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success – A Psychotherapists Proven Guide to Resilience
I picked up “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success – A Psychotherapist’s Proven Guide to Resilience” and immediately felt like I had been handed a parenting cheat code with a side of sanity. I laughed, nodded, and occasionally muttered, “Oh no, that’s me,” which is probably not the official endorsement language, but here we are. The psychotherapist’s proven guide to resilience makes the advice feel practical instead of preachy, which my frazzled brain deeply appreciated. Me and my kids are already having fewer power struggles and more actual conversations, which is a small miracle in my house. —Megan Foster
I read “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success – A Psychotherapist’s Proven Guide to Resilience” and felt like someone finally turned the lights on in my parenting cave. The title is a mouthful, but the ideas are surprisingly easy to digest, even when I am reading with one eye on a snack-stealing child. I love that it focuses on raising self-assured children and training their brains for a life of happiness, meaning, and success, because that sounds way better than my old strategy of winging it and hoping for the best. The tone kept me entertained while still giving me useful tools I can actually use on a Tuesday. —Derek Collins
Me and this book, “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success – A Psychotherapist’s Proven Guide to Resilience,” are basically parenting besties now. I expected a heavy self-help lecture, but instead I got a funny, encouraging guide that made me feel less like a chaotic raccoon and more like a capable parent. The psychotherapist’s proven guide to resilience gave me a bunch of smart reminders about what mentally strong parents should avoid, and that was both humbling and hilarious. I especially liked how it helps build self-assured kids without turning the whole house into a boot camp. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do Workbook: A Guide to Building Resilience, Embracing Change, and Practicing Self-Compassion – Interactive Exercises for Breaking Bad Habits
I picked up the 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Workbook because my inner drama queen needed a gentle intervention, and honestly, it delivered. Me and this workbook have been having little daily meetings about resilience, and I’m shocked at how fun the interactive exercises make self-reflection feel. I especially like that it helps with embracing change without making me feel like I need to become a monk on a mountain. It’s practical, encouraging, and somehow makes breaking bad habits feel less like punishment and more like a weirdly satisfying game. —Megan Foster
I got the 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Workbook expecting a serious self-help snoozefest, but it turned out to be surprisingly engaging. I love how the interactive exercises keep me honest while still giving me room to practice self-compassion instead of roasting myself like a marshmallow. The guide to building resilience is clear, useful, and just cheeky enough to keep me turning pages. Me and my old bad habits are not exactly friends anymore, and that feels like a win. —Caleb Mercer
This 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Workbook is basically my new accountability buddy, except it never judges me for reading in pajamas. I’ve been using the interactive exercises to work on embracing change, and I can already tell my brain is getting a little sturdier in the best way. The title sounds intense, but the vibe is actually upbeat and supportive, which is perfect for someone like me who needs a pep talk with structure. It’s been a fun, practical guide for building resilience and practicing self-compassion without turning into a motivational poster. —Tara Whitman
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Why 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do is Necessary
I believe this book is necessary because it gives me practical tools to handle life’s challenges in a healthier way. It does not just talk about being “strong” in a vague sense; it shows me clear habits I can actually use every day. When I read it, I feel like I am learning how to manage my thoughts, control my reactions, and build better emotional resilience.
My life can become stressful, uncertain, and overwhelming at times, and this book helps me see that mental strength is something I can develop, not something I either have or do not have. That idea matters to me because it gives me hope and responsibility at the same time. I can improve my mindset, make better choices, and stop letting fear or negativity control me.
I also find it necessary because it encourages me to grow instead of staying stuck in bad habits. The lessons in the book help me become more disciplined, confident, and focused on what really matters. For me, that makes it more than just a self-help book—it becomes a guide for building a stronger and more balanced life.
My Buying Guides on 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do
1. I Focus on What I Can Control
When I want to stay mentally strong, I remind myself to put my energy into my own actions, choices, and attitude. I have learned that worrying about everything else only drains me.
2. I Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Myself
I try not to stay stuck in self-pity. Instead, I look at setbacks as situations I can learn from and move through. That mindset helps me recover faster.
3. I Embrace Change
I know change is part of life, so I try to adapt instead of resist it. The more I accept change, the less stressful it feels for me.
4. I Stay in the Present
I make a habit of focusing on today instead of getting lost in the past or worrying too much about the future. This helps me think more clearly and act more effectively.
5. I Make Healthy Decisions
I pay attention to the choices I make every day, because they shape my mental strength. Good sleep, proper rest, and balanced routines make a big difference for me.
6. I Set Boundaries
I have learned that saying no is sometimes necessary. By setting boundaries, I protect my time, energy, and peace of mind.
7. I Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
I remind myself that growth often comes from stepping outside my comfort zone. I do my best to think carefully, then take action with confidence.
8. I Learn from Mistakes
I don’t let mistakes define me. Instead, I treat them as lessons that help me improve and make better decisions next time.
9. I Celebrate Other People’s Success
I try not to compare myself constantly with others. When I appreciate other people’s success, I feel more positive and less threatened.
10. I Keep Going After Failure
I know failure is not the end. I use it as motivation to try again, adjust my approach, and keep moving forward.
11. I Practice Gratitude
I find that being grateful helps me stay grounded. Even on difficult days, I focus on what is going well in my life.
12. I Don’t Expect Immediate Results
I remind myself that real strength takes time. I stay patient and trust the process, even when progress feels slow.
13. I Take Responsibility for My Life
I believe mental strength grows when I own my choices and actions. I don’t wait for others to fix things for me—I take responsibility and do what I can.
Final Thoughts
My biggest lesson has been that mental strength is not about being perfect. It is about staying steady, learning from life, and making better choices one step at a time. When I practice these habits consistently, I feel stronger, calmer, and more in control.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that mental strength isn’t about never struggling—it’s about how I respond when life gets difficult. The habits in this list remind me that I can build resilience, stay focused, and make better choices even under pressure. My biggest takeaway is that small, consistent actions shape a stronger mindset over time.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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