If you’ve met or heard about someone who’s triumphed in life despite a challenging childhood, you might wonder how they did it.
Often, these individuals display certain behaviors that support their resilience and success, leaving you in awe of their determination and strength.
Growing up in adverse circumstances isn’t a choice. Yet, how one navigates through life afterwards can be.
People who rise above their beginnings display unique traits. These aren’t just random habits but behaviors backed by psychology.
In this article, we’ll delve into these eight behaviors that play a key role in their success story.
Understanding them might provide some insights if you’re on a similar journey or simply curious about the human spirit’s resilience.
1) Embracing resilience
Those who’ve triumphed in life despite difficult beginnings typically embrace resilience.
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, but also about pushing forward in the face of adversity.
For example, if someone who had a traumatic childhood is faced with a challenge, they don’t let the hardship stall them.
Instead, they find ways to adapt and overcome. This doesn’t mean they’re unaffected by difficulties.
They may experience pain, frustration, or even fear.
But rather than letting these emotions control them, they acknowledge them and then focus on finding solutions.
They understand that their rough start isn’t a definition of their future but a stepping stone to their growth.
This resilience is not always innate but often developed over time. It’s a behavior that’s cultivated through experiences and the decision to persist despite the odds.
By embodying resilience, they are not only surviving their past but also thriving in their present and future.
This act of resilience is one of the psychological traits that plays a pivotal role in their journey to success.
2) Accepting vulnerability
Rather than shying away from their emotions or masking their pain, successful people with a challenging past often own their vulnerability.
They understand that it’s human to feel, even if these feelings are of discomfort or pain.
Instead of viewing vulnerability as a weakness, they see it as strength. It’s the courage to be authentic, to show up and be seen, even when there are no guarantees.
This acceptance doesn’t mean they dwell in their discomfort.
Instead, it allows them to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering genuine relationships and building strong support systems.
By embracing their vulnerability, they’re also able to cultivate empathy for themselves and others.
This ability helps them navigate life’s ups and downs with compassion and understanding, making them more resilient in the process.
This may seem counterproductive in a society that often equates success with toughness and invulnerability.
But for those who’ve overcome a difficult childhood, accepting vulnerability has become a cornerstone in their journey to success.
3) Practicing mindfulness
Successful individuals who’ve weathered a stormy childhood often integrate mindfulness into their lives.
Mindfulness involves staying fully present and engaged in the current moment, rather than dwelling on past hardships or worrying about future challenges.
When one practices mindfulness, the amygdala – the part of the brain responsible for emotional responses, including fear and anxiety – tends to shrink.
Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex – associated with awareness, concentration, and decision-making – becomes thicker.
So, by practicing mindfulness, these individuals are essentially rewiring their brain to better handle stress and make more thoughtful decisions.
This intentional focus on the present allows them to appreciate life’s positives more, better manage their emotions, and respond effectively to life’s challenges.
4) Learning to forgive
Those who’ve turned a difficult childhood into a successful adulthood often understand the power of forgiveness.
Holding onto anger or resentment can feel like carrying a heavy weight. It can cloud judgment, hinder happiness, and even affect physical health.
Forgiving isn’t about forgetting or excusing harmful actions. It’s about letting go of the bitterness for their own peace of mind.
It’s a difficult process, and it may take time, but it’s a step towards healing.
They extend this forgiveness not only to others but also to themselves.
They acknowledge that they’re human and it’s okay to make mistakes.
They understand that the key is to learn from these mistakes and use them as stepping stones towards growth.
This gentle act of releasing resentment and granting forgiveness – to themselves and others – often becomes a guiding beacon in their journey to success.
It allows them to move forward unburdened, focusing their energy on creating a brighter future rather than dwelling on past pains.
5) Setting healthy boundaries
Successful survivors of tough childhoods often become masters at setting healthy boundaries.
They understand that it’s okay to say no when something doesn’t feel right, or when they need time for self-care.
Think about it like this: you wouldn’t let anyone walk into your house with dirty shoes, right?
It’s the same with personal boundaries. They are the lines that define where your emotional, mental, and physical space begins and ends.
These individuals realize that setting boundaries isn’t about being selfish or unkind. It’s about respecting their own needs and ensuring others do the same.
This clarity helps them build more balanced relationships and maintain a sense of self.
This skill of defining their personal space and protecting it from being breached is often a vital component in their journey towards success.
It allows them to protect their peace, prioritize their well-being, and steer clear of negative influences.
6) Cultivating optimism
Individuals who overcome their troubled past and achieve success often harness the power of optimism. They maintain a positive outlook, even when life gets tough.
For instance, consider a person who grew up in a broken home, constantly moving from one foster care to another.
Instead of succumbing to the despair, this individual chose to view their experience as a learning curve.
They saw every new home as an opportunity to learn from different people and situations.
They recognized that these experiences were shaping them into a stronger, more adaptable individual.
Their optimism wasn’t about denying the reality of their hardships.
Instead, it was about choosing to focus on potential opportunities, believing in their ability to improve their circumstances, and seeing the best in others.
7) Taking responsibility
People who rise above a difficult childhood to achieve success often have one thing in common: they take responsibility for their lives.
While they acknowledge their past and the impact it had on them, they refuse to let it define their future.
No matter how unjust their early years were, they understand that blaming others or circumstances won’t change anything.
In fact, it can be a trap, keeping them stuck in a cycle of resentment and self-pity.
Instead, they choose to take charge. They realize that their life is the result of the choices they make now, not the circumstances they were born into.
They use their past as a guide, learning from it rather than using it as an excuse. This doesn’t mean it’s easy or that they don’t stumble along the way.
But by taking responsibility for their actions and choices, they’re able to steer their life in the direction they want it to go.
8) Nurturing self-love
Above all, those who successfully navigate life despite a painful childhood nurture a deep sense of self-love. This isn’t about being narcissistic or self-centered.
It’s about respecting oneself, acknowledging one’s worth, and caring for one’s wellbeing.
Self-love acts as their compass, guiding them to make healthier decisions and form positive relationships.
It motivates them to set boundaries, express their feelings, and chase their dreams. It reminds them that they’re deserving of love, respect, and happiness.
This powerful sense of self-love often becomes their anchor, helping them rise above their past and create a successful future.
It’s the beacon that lights their path, the armor that shields them from negativity, and the fuel that propels them towards their goals.
Remember this: No matter where you’ve come from, nurturing self-love could be your most significant step towards a successful life.
It’s the foundation on which all other behaviors are built and without which no real success can endure.
