Characteristics of the Strong in Life

Greatness isn’t achieved suddenly, but rather it has its roots in the past. Indeed, a truly capable person is not defined by appearances or momentary performances. They often possess a deeper wisdom, which is why they exude an air of “obvious capability” wherever they go. Such individuals typically exhibit these three characteristics, allowing them to remain composed and at ease, regardless of the circumstances they encounter in life.

1. Keeping Calm in the Face of Adversity

Renowned psychologist Viktor Frankl once said, “One cannot control what happens in life, but one can control their own emotions and actions in the face of these events.”

I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Often, when plans fail to keep up with changes, and we are faced with unexpected troubles, we tend to become flustered, anxious, and desperate, with chaos reigning in our hearts. Such a state not only fails to resolve the current problems, but it also leads to internal exhaustion. However, there are those who remain unfazed and calm in the face of crises, using their clear minds to devise solutions to overcome the current challenges. They handle situations calmly, are able to adapt to unexpected circumstances, and remain undisturbed by their emotions.

Many who have watched the movie “The Captain” have been deeply impressed by the calm and composed demeanor of the captain. In the midst of a flight, the windshield of the cockpit shattered, the temperature inside the cabin plummeted from 24 degrees Celsius to -40 degrees, and the control panel malfunctioned. The co-pilot was left hanging outside the plane at an altitude of 9200 meters, with the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau below. At that moment, the captain, Liu Chuanjian, thought to himself, “It’s over.” But in a very short time, Liu Chuanjian regained his composure. He knew that even a small mistake at that moment would shatter the lives of over 100 families. Eventually, he calmed down, and with his strong professional skills and mental resilience, safely landed the plane at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, ensuring the safety of all 128 passengers and crew.

Often, the crisis isn’t the situation itself, but rather the anxious state of mind. It’s important to remember that the more impatient and flustered we become, the more likely we are to make mistakes. As the old saying goes, “The helmsman remains calm, and the ship sails steadily.” Therefore, remaining composed and calm in the face of adversity is crucial for finding a way out and overcoming challenges.

2. Ability to Shoulder Responsibilities

Some say, “People don’t need numerous exceptional qualities; the ability to shoulder responsibilities is a sign of extraordinary talent.” The setbacks and difficulties in life are like sudden storms, catching people off guard. However, those who truly have the ability can stand firm and grow regardless of what they experience.

They understand that there are always more solutions than problems, and as long as they face and resolve them with optimism, there’s no obstacle they cannot overcome.

A netizen, Xiao Li, shared an experience from his early days of employment. He was sent to a county to inspect the construction of a building. As he was preparing to leave, a building suddenly collapsed, injuring the workers and causing chaos. Upon witnessing this, he immediately rushed to help with those around him. After tending to the injured, he could have left, but considering the imminent inspection by the superior department and to prevent protests due to delayed wages, which would affect the company’s reputation, he spontaneously organized the workers to make repairs. He then rechecked the safety of the site, handling the situation calmly and efficiently. As a result, the workers held great respect for this young man, and their subsequent cooperation was free of any disputes. The company also recognized his reliability in facing challenges and held him in high regard. Often, the difference between people is not in their abilities, but in their courage to shoulder responsibilities a little longer.

As the writer Yu Hua said: “Among the young people in China, there are many outstanding individuals, but very few who can shoulder responsibilities. Those who can shoulder responsibilities will find that, in the end, not only do the difficulties disappear, but they themselves also emerge stronger. To shoulder responsibilities means to confront any difficulty without evasion, to face it head-on and persevere until the end!

3. Turning the Page After Experiences

In life, many people tend to hold onto the past, always wanting to clarify right from wrong, success from failure, and often dwelling on past joys and pleasures, unwilling to embrace the happiness and beauty of the present. However, carrying too much of the past and what has been will only lead to stagnation and a decline in life. Only by turning the page on the past can we write a new chapter in life. Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, was imprisoned for a staggering 27 years, enduring torture and abuse. Many years later, Mandela was released and successfully elected as the president of South Africa. At his inauguration ceremony, he invited three of his former prison guards, who had once mistreated him, to be his guests, paying tribute to them.

This move shocked everyone present. Seeing the astonishment and confusion of the audience, Mandela said, “When I walked out of the prison and crossed the threshold to freedom, I was clear that if I couldn’t leave behind the pain and resentment, I would still be living in the prison.” Faced with persecution, Mandela chose to turn the page and bid farewell to the past. He wholeheartedly devoted himself to his cause and eventually became the “Father of South Africa.”

As Mo Yan wrote in “Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out”: “Life is like a book, turning one page after another. People should look forward and refrain from dwelling on past grievances.” Life is a continuous process of losing and gaining. We should try to clear our minds of the past, just as we clear the cache on a computer. Only when our hearts are free from burdens can we move forward with ease, welcoming new opportunities in life.

4. Solving Problems Is More Important Than Venting Emotions

There’s a question on Zhihu: “Why do some people always stand out?” The top-rated answer is: “Because they know how to stand out at the right time.” Truly capable individuals remain calm in the face of adversity because they understand that solving problems is more important than venting emotions. They can shoulder responsibilities because they know that as long as they can bear the burden, they can rejuvenate themselves amidst life’s trials. They turn the page on past experiences because they understand that looking forward for just one more second will alleviate the present by one more second, and taking one more step forward brings them closer to a brighter future.