Lifestyle

12 Times You Discovered Strengths You Never Knew You Had

by Gigi Engle

You don’t have to be a superhero to have superhuman strength. Through experience and personal growth, you have the ability to become a powerful, magnanimous person who is worthy of respect, love and happiness.

Life has its ups and downs. We’re constantly faced with challenges that test us. Throughout our lives, we’re forced to prove to ourselves and our friends and family what we are capable of.

If we use these opportunities to grow every single test of strength will make us more resilient. You have it in you. If you really take the time to learn from life's lessons, you will come to realize that you truly are amazing.

You’re bright, intelligent, soulful and hardworking. You’re a wonderful friend, a great partner and a fabulous teacher. It is the trials you face that really help you to understand your own capabilities.

They may be incredibly hard or even overwhelming, but they will help to shape you into the person you want to become. You are your own hero. Show that to the world.

Here are 12 times in life that will help you discover strengths you never knew you had:

1. When you don't get that job you wanted.

There will be times when you will be let down, hurt and feel the bitterness of failure. Once you get a different job, a better job, you will be able to see that this was meant to be.

You didn't get that job because you weren't right for that job. That company was not a fit for you.

2. When you complete that huge project.

It feels like you could never finish it. It feels like you are going to fail. Yet, you do finish it, you push through and you show yourself what you were capable of.

Don’t let this experience go without taking in what you did right and what you did wrong. Make sure your boss knows your value. You are smart and determined.

You can do anything you put your mind to. If you put in the work, you will see the results.

3. When you move somewhere all by yourself.

Sometimes you have to chase your dreams, no matter where they lead you. Moving away from home is daunting, terrifying even. You get off that plane and you don't know a single soul.

You are a stranger in a strange land. Yet, you survive because you're scrappy. If you put yourself out there, you will make friends.

If you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you will thrive at your new job and build a life for yourself.

4. When your dream school doesn’t accept you.

You have to accept that your first choice school is a long shot. Sometimes, after all that work you put into your lessons and applications, you are let down. It really won't kill you. Look at the big picture.

It won't stop you from going to a different school and pursuing your dreams. You need to take a deep breath and move on.

5. When you demand more from your relationship.

You should never be willing to settle. You have to look at your relationship at a whole. You have to decide if you would rather fight for what you want.

Confronting the person you love can be intimidating. Yet, if he doesn't step it up and show you he's the man you deserve you know he isn't worth the drama.

6. When a blind date ghosts on you.

We all know it's hard enough to actually bring yourself to go on a date in the first place. When your date doesn't even bother to show up, it can do a number on your confidence. No one wants to be rejected. You know what you do?

You buy yourself a martini and you get over it. His loss. Who wouldn’t want to date you?

7. When you fail a test.

No matter how hard you try, sometimes you just mess up. There will be tests that you don’t always prepare for. It's a fact. You want to do your best, but occasionally you’ll let yourself down. That is really OK. There will always be others.

You will work hard next time because you got the reality check you needed. Failing a test will not hold you back forever.

It can be the motivation you need to stay on the right path. It is a learning experience.

8. When you let yourself be vulnerable.

If it's the right love, you can let someone into the cast iron gates of your heart. You don't want to let anyone in, but you do because you know when it’s right.

You have to give yourself a chance to trust. A strong person has strong defenses but an even stronger person knows when to open up.

9. When you make a mistake and own up to it.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is admit when you’re wrong. It’s embarrassing. We’re all human and we all make mistakes.

It’s having the self-awareness and care to admit when you're wrong that is important. You will figure out you are less stubborn and more mature than you thought you were. You're growing up.

10. When you stand up to a bully.

Whether it is your friend, a guy in the bar or your boss, you will reach a point where you have to say, "Enough." Even if that person is intimidating, you have to stand your ground.

Even if your heart is racing, you aren't going to be anyone’s doormat. You will get respect when you earn it.

11. When you have to take care of a parent.

After years and years of being taken care of, you may need to do the caring. It will shake you up, to see your beloved mom or dad in a situation where they need you.

Your parents are supposed to be these infallible beings, but you see that they are just as human as you are. You learn that love is unconditional and has no limits.

12. When you ask for that raise you know you deserved.

If you work hard, you deserve to see the dough. If you know you are worthy of a raise and you should go for it.

You can never get what you want without asking for it. Get in there and hold your head high. You are not a coward. You are a very valuable asset to any workplace. As long as you know that, everyone else will see it too.

Women are strong, fearless beings. We are capable of anything. SUPERGIRL shows the power of women and all that they are capable of. Don’t send a man to do a woman’s job! Tune in for the premiere of SUPERGIRL October 26th 8:30 | 7:30c on CBS. #MySupergirl