What Is Strength?
What is strength? It’s a question we all think we know the answer to—until we ask it out loud.
We toss around the word like we all agree on its meaning. But the truth? We don’t.
Strength looks and feels different to each of us.
What Strength Means to Me
To me, it means refusing to back down when life gets hard. It means staring adversity in the face and saying, “Not today.”
It’s not collapsing into a corner and staying there. Not dissolving into a puddle of tears you never recover from.
It’s knowing what you want your life to look like—and not settling for anything less.
It also means knowing when to pause. Taking a break when life is too much isn’t weakness. It’s part of the package.
But strength always brings you back to the table.
I’ve Always Had Strength
In spades. I don’t know where it came from. Maybe it’s part of my “too-muchness.” Maybe it’s just how I’m wired.
What I do know? I’ve never questioned it.
But I’ve judged others for not having it. That’s hard to admit. Honestly, it’s shameful. Like kicking someone when they’re already down.
That judgment made me pause. Why do I have strength when others seem to struggle?
Because I’m not special.
Is It Innate or Learned?
What is strength, really? I’ve thought about this a lot.
I believe it can be learned. It’s not something you’re born with. It’s something you can build—step by step. And here’s the blueprint for doing it.
The 4 Pillars of Strength
Here’s what I’ve come to believe:
- Commitment: This is the promise you make to yourself. It’s saying, “I’m in,” even when it’s hard.
- Determination: This is commitment in action. It’s moving forward no matter what life throws at you.
- Courage: Courage is showing up, even when you’re afraid. Even when you’re shaking. Even when you’re doing it alone.
- Perseverance: This is what gets you through. It’s the relentless, stubborn spirit that keeps pushing forward.
Why This Recipe Works
Each part builds on the other. Without commitment, you won’t start. You’ll give up without determination. Without courage, you’ll freeze. And without perseverance, you’ll never finish.
What Strength Isn’t
It’s not magic. It isn’t exclusive. And it sure as hell isn’t easy.
It’s honesty. it’s breaking free from the lies we tell ourselves. It’s doing the hard thing—even when you’d rather not.
That’s what makes strength possible.
What is strength? It’s the decision to keep going.
So, the only question left is—are you ready to choose it?