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.
Confident. Resilient. Strong. Self -assured.
Mentally Tough people show better stress management, better attendance, are less likely to develop mental health issues, sleep better and are less prone to bullying. They can take stress in their stride.
We have some very interesting research that shows there is a definite genetic component in Mental Toughness – some children are clearly born at the tougher end of the continuum.
It is scientifically valid and reliable and based on a 4C's framework, which measures key components of mental toughness - Control, Commitment, Challenge and Confidence.
Mentally strong people don't sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn't always easy or fair. They don't allow others to control them, and they don't give someone else power over them.
Mental toughness helps you stay focused in crucial moments — for example, the athlete who needs to drown out the crowd to score a winning goal. Even though mental toughness helps you perform under pressure, it's often not sustainable. Even in Olympic athletes, this kind of extreme pressure can damage mental health.
Myth #1: Mental toughness is something you either have or you don't. Fact: Chances are you were born with some aspects of mental toughness, or you might have some of the personality traits that contribute to it. Still, you can learn and develop many of the attributes that make up mental toughness—at any age.
Strong-minded people are confident, resilient, strong-willed, and clear on who they are and what's important to them. Strong-minded people are focused on being mentally strong to help them navigate the fears, failures, experiences, and obstacles that come with growing a successful business and life.
Mentally strong and resilient people overcome adversities and learn from them. Research finds that mentally resilient people have personality traits that help them cope with adversity. They tend toward emotional maturity and make an effort to process negative events from their past.
They are thankful for opportunities and keep an optimistic outlook on life. Another reason why mentally strong people are happier is that they choose to forgive others who have hurt them. They don't let themselves become bitter and let negative situations become a burden in their life.
True strength of mind comes from a combination of awareness, focus and resiliency. A strong mindset is what allows you to stay focused on your intentions, instead of negative thoughts. It's what helps you understand that struggle is impermanent and won't derail your success.
But you may be surprised to know that it is very much possible to be both strong and sensitive. In fact, the strongest people may actually be the ones that are also highly sensitive.
Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations. Inability to cope with daily problems or stress. Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people. Problems with alcohol or drug use.
Can You Train Mental Toughness? Just as physical toughness takes training to improve, mental toughness must be trained as well, and must be trained daily. The more this is practiced, the more immune you become to outside factors derailing your training routine.
Show Kids How to Be Tough
One of the best ways to teach kids mental strength is to mirror these qualities in your own life. Kids learn how to respond in different situations by watching their parents. So, try to be cognizant of your own mental toughness and work on areas that need improvement.