The ancient Greeks recognized the connection between the mind and the body. It's taken a long time for Western medicine to adopt this notion yet science continues to prove over and over again that there's a strong link between our physical and mental health.
Mental strength means that you regulate your emotions, manage your thoughts, and behave in a positive manner despite your circumstances. Developing mental strength is about finding the courage to live according to your values and being bold enough to create your own definition of success.
Mental strength involves more than just willpower; it requires hard work and commitment. It’s about establishing healthy habits and choosing to devote your time and energy to self-improvement. It’s easier to feel mentally strong when life seems simple. True mental strength becomes most apparent in the midst of tragedy. Choosing to develop skills that increase your mental strength is the best way to prepare for life’s inevitable obstacles.
It may surprise
you, but intelligence only accounts for a small percentage of your achievement.
Research is starting to reveal that mental toughness plays a more
important role than anything else for achieving your goals in life. Mental
strength is the foundation for
success. Everyone has the ability to build it. Just like a muscle,
you need to strengthen it. Here are five things mentally strong people won’t do:
Mentally
strong people aren’t lazy-Mentally strong people are disciplined and committed to
everything that they do. They aren’t focused on instant gratification and
pleasures. Rather, they are always looking forward and thinking long-term. Alternatively, weak people struggle with
discipline of any kind, because they haven't been able to master their mindset
and emotions. They live in their comfort zones and, as a result, fail to grow. Everything
you desire in life is outside of your comfort zone.
Studies show that stepping out of your comfort zone
leads to greatly increased productivity, creativity, and the ability to cope
with unexpected changes. When there is a challenge or crisis in their lives,
mentally strong people rise up and take action. Being productive and
disciplined is a habit, which is why I'm a big fan of morning rituals. When you start off the day doing things that are
proactive it sets you up for success, which translates into every area of your
life.
Mentally
strong people don’t judge themselves or others-Mentally
strong people don't get caught up in drama. They refuse to indulge in the act
of speaking less about themselves or others. They look for the good in
everything and everybody. If you are
wondering why your life might be challenging right now, look at where you are
focusing your thoughts.
If you focus on the
bad and constantly complain, you will attract more of that into your life. Research
has shown that complaining shrinks the hippocampus, an area of the brain that’s
critical to problem solving and intelligent thought. Be conscious of the words
that you speak. They have the power to shape your reality.
Mentally
strong people don't surround themselves with negative people-Negative
people can suck the life out of you, draining your emotional and mental energy.
This is why mentally strong people are conscious of who they surround
themselves with. The fact of the matter is who
you spend time with is who you become. Are your friends
elevating you or bringing you down? If it’s the latter, it’s time to find new
friends.
Weak people allow toxic energy to come into their lives
because they are unable to develop healthy boundaries. Study after study
shows that negativity
has a drastic impact on your physical, mental, and financial well-being. Alternatively,
mentally strong people do not tolerate second class behavior or negativity.
They know when to say no when
someone is not serving their highest self.
Mentally
strong people will not feel sorry for themselves-Mentally strong
people take ownership and responsibility for their choices in life while weak
people play the role of a victim. They blame others’ and external circumstances
for their shortcomings in life. As a result, these people end up holding onto
their problems and carry this baggage with them into the future.
Alternatively, mentally strong people recognize that the
sooner that you take responsibility for your life the happier and healthier you
become. Research shows that positive emotions may actually make us healthier. Don't
be a victim of your circumstances. Pick yourself up, dispel negative emotions,
and take responsibility for your life.
Mentally
strong people will not indulge in past failures-Failure is a
normal part of life. Whatever goal you are trying to achieve you will make
mistakes and fail. A mentally strong person
is able to learn from their mistakes and use them as fuel to propel them
forward. They don’t view setbacks as failures, but rather, as
opportunities to learn and become more. Alternatively, a weak person is unable
to bounce back from failure.
They usually associate a lot of pain to their setbacks and
tend to make a big deal out of things that are out of their control. They are
afraid to take a leap of faith and try something new for fear that they will
fail. As a result, they remain in their comfort zone. If you failed in the
past, it’s time to let it go. The past is history. Shift your mindset and look
for the positive in every experience. Don’t dwell on your problems in life.
Focus on what you have control over and move on.
“Mental strength is
extremely important. We must be able to put troublesome people out of our
minds. They should not be able to distract our focus.” (Phil Pringle)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5
Active Ways to Build Mental Strength” by Amy Morin
·
“5 Powerful Exercises to Increase
Your Mental Strength” by Amy Morin
·
“5 Things
Mentally Strong People Won’t Do” by Stefan James
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