There are some people who are destined to be physically strong. I think it is also fair to say that others are innately strong, mentally. Even so, if you’re not physically or mentally strong right out of the gate, you can learn to enhance those qualities. Just as you can lift weights and exercise to become physically strong, you can also do mental exercises to reinforce your mental strength.
Having well-intentioned mental behaviors and an optimistic outlook on life will allow your mental strength to thrive. You have the abiltiy to become stronger than you might realize.
Things that will not help you gain mental strength:
- Negative self-talk. Any self-talk that is less than positive is where your destruction begins. It empties your spirit as well as your confidence. Can you imagine someone following you everywhere and murmering negative tidbits into your ear? It would drive you nuts, to say the least. Why would you do that to yourself?
Helpful Tip: Try to keep your mind in one of these modes: concentration or quiet. It takes repetition to make this a habit, but if you focus on one those two things, you won’t have time for negative self-talk.
- Repetition of mistakes. Mistakes can eventually turn into habits. Do you know someone who continually swipes right on the wrong (for them) people on a dating app? Maybe, you have another friend who consistently procrastinates and almost always suffers because of it in some way.
Helpful Tip: Think about your mistakes and make it a point not to repeat them. If you discover that one method doesn’t work (since you qualified it as a mistake), try something different next time…don’t be afraid to embrace change.
- Surrendering when something is awkward. People who are mentally weak tend to collapse (mentally) when discomfort arises. Figuring out how to deal with this anxiety might even prevent you from splurging on things that aren’t worth your money or unhealthy foods that aren’t worth your health. Learning how to overcome this mental setback can also open up your lines of communication and improve relationships with others.
Helpful Tip: Achievement is often suppressed by uneasiness. To reach success, really work on tolerating the more uncomfortable situations.
- Concentrating on things that are not in your control. Really, what is the purpose of worrying about things outside of your control? It is not a good use of your time, effort or attention. Realize when something is under your control and when it is not.
Helpful Tip: “Don’t worry, be happy.” If it is something you can influence, then manage it and try not worry. If the situation cannot be controlled by you, there is no need to stress about it.
- Deliberating on things that have passed. Sure, perhaps you could have selected a “better” major in college or even gone to class more often, if that was your downfall. However, that chapter of your life is over, and there is not much use in focusing on something you regret.
Helpful Tip: Everyday is a new beginnig…another chance. If there is something you can learn from the past, then learn it and learn it well. On the other hand, realize when the lesson has been learned! Set new goals for yourself and move forward.
- Circumventing the truth. Those who are mentally strong are able to handle the truth, even if it is unpleasant. Mentally weak individuals tend to dodge the truth, espcially when it is intimidating. In an attempt to rationalize the truth, the mentally weak will seek comfort. You will not be able to advance your mental capabilites or decision making unless you have a decent grasp of the truth.
Helpful Tip: Take a close look at your imperfections and inclinations when it comes to accepting the truth. Pay thorough attention to the events in your life and your overall condition. Try to be objective; as if you are an outsider. What advice would you give a friend when it comes to accepting the truth?
- Eluding responsibility. If someone is mentally strong they are willing to take responsibility for outcomes in life. When you are responsible, you have the ability improve any situation. If someone else is at fault, and you are the victim, it is less likely that you will have to take action, but mentally strong individuals can at least aknoweledge the situation and learn from it.
Helpful Tip: Have a plan in place for assuming responsibility for the challenges in your life. Sure, your college degree has nothing to do with the career you want to pursue, but you chose it, so deal with it! It is your responsibility to find a solution.
A shortage of mental strength is a substansial hurdle to surpass. Especially if you have a goal to be exceedingly successful in life. The good news is that you can nurture and improve your mental strength. Subsequently, it is just as beneficial to be sure to not do things that destabilize your mental strength.
Again, just as you can improve your physical strength, you can cultivate and expand your mental capabilites, too!
