Mentally tough people view obstacles as a challenge, not as a paralyzing event. They look at their failures and mistakes as lessons to be learned from and opportunities for growth. In other words, they embrace obstacles better than others because they lean in.
The “4Cs model” of mental toughness was developed by my colleagues and I, and is the most widely used model for defining and measuring mental toughness. It comprises four components: confidence, control, commitment and challenge.
Mentally tough people are flexible and are constantly adapting. They know that fear of change is paralyzing and a major threat to their success and happiness. They look for change that is lurking just around the corner, and they form a plan of action should these changes occur.
We are all able to become mentally stronger, the key is to keep practicing and exercising your mental muscles — just as you would if you were trying to build physical strength!
Emotional weakness means not being able to balance your emotions with your morals and logic. This means you tend to think with your heart, not your head. While how you feel should be a factor in your decisions, if it is the driving force, you could make impulsive, uninformed, or dramatic choices.
Life experiences, personality traits, and even genetics can affect someone's natural inclination towards mental strength, Morin explains. Still, anyone can build up their mental strength through consistent, intentional effort.
1) Mentally strong people are adaptable in their thinking and open minded to new evidence. They don't cling to existing beliefs if they no longer seem valid or relevant. 2) Mentally strong people feel fear but do not let it stop them from moving forward.
Do listen respectfully and ask questions. Rather than jumping in and offering advice, listen to the other person talk. Show an interest in hearing how they're feeling and how they're managing their struggles. Ask thought-provoking questions that might help them think differently.
Can you mentally make yourself physically stronger?
The Huffington Post says, “If you're looking to boost your strength, try flexing some mental muscles.” According to several studies, mental imagery exercises such as mental visualization can help you build mental toughness and even activate your muscles.
People with lower emotional intelligence are unable to distinguish appropriate from inappropriate behavior. They often say the wrong things at the wrong time. They may say inappropriate remarks or crack a joke when a friend is grieving due to the loss of a loved one.
When you're emotionally fragile it means you have a hard time managing difficult emotions: Little bits of worry throw you into cycles of anxiety and panic. Small bouts of sadness lead to spirals of self-criticism and depression. Tiny bits of irritation quickly blaze into hours or days of anger.
Tough people have a realistic perspective on life even in difficult times and unfairness. Setbacks in life provide us with comeback opportunities. Keep your eyes on the goal. The difference between those who live as over-comers and those who are overcome is the powerful concept of 'possibility thinking'.
Country singer Trace Adkins was shot by his ex-wife and survived. The bullet even went through his heart and both lungs. These are painful examples of mental toughness.
