Strength

There are times when you do something, just because there is simply no other option.
And then there are times when you Decide to do something, despite availability of other options.

Strangely, you still get the strength in either scenario. You pull up your socks because you know there is no leaning on anyone. In other case you ply on knowing that someone can come forward to help, but you really want to do your 100% before you would need it, just cause you Chose things to be this way.

I guess the key to the strength is still your Choice. Choice to see a situation positively, as a way to get best out of you.