Most of us spent lot of
time and money on mental strength but how many of us do actually care about
mental strength? If not; then start doing so because mental strength can mean
more than physical strength.
"Mental strength
or toughness is to physical as 4:1." - Bobby Knight
Mental toughness is
having the psychological edge that allows one to perform at peak maximum effort
and efficiency during the demands that are placed on them during training,
practice, or competition. Specifically, when the demands are greatest or the
conditions become adverse.
Whenever the demands are
the greatest is when the characteristics of mental toughness are the most
evident.
Some of the many
characteristics that are evident when a player is mentally tough include:
- Self-confidence
- Self-motivation
- Focus
- Concentration
- Composure
- Calmness
- Poise
- Self-control
- Positive Energy
- Determination
- Persistence
- Leadership
When we are free of depression,
anxiety, excessive stress and worry, addictions, and other psychological
problems, we are more able to live our lives to the fullest.
Peace of mind is a natural
condition, and is available to everyone.
"Failure makes me try
harder the next time." –Michael Jordan
Walt Disney's first animation
business in the 1920's failed after only one month, forcing him to take a job
from another company at that time.
Edmund Hillary failed three
times before finally being the first to climb Mt. Everest.
Few things which mentally
strong people avoid. They are:
1.
Waste time feeling sorry
for themselves.
2.
Waste energy on things
they can't control
3.
Fear taking calculated
risk.
4.
Dwell on the past.
5.
Make same mistake over
and over.
6.
Cherish Other People's
Success.
7.
Give up after failure
8.
Expect Instant Result.
- Expect Instant Result:
Mentally strong people
do not expect immediate results. They apply their energy and time in measured
doses and they celebrate each milestone and increment of success on the way.
They improve step by step to reach their goals and taste the success.
- Give Up after Failure:
Every failure is a
chance to improve. Even the greatest leaders, entrepreneurs admits that
there early efforts invariably tasted failures. Mentally strong people are
willing to fail again and again, if necessary, as long as the learning experience
from every "failure" can bring them closer to their ultimate goals.
- Dwell on the past:
Most of them live in the
fantasies of the "glory days" gone by or keep miring their
past disappointments. Especially with young generation students who keep
on cribs about their medium of education, schooling, economical
status etc.
- Fear Taking Calculated Risk:
A mentally strong person
is willing to take calculated risks. This is a different thing than taking a
foolish risk. They easily weigh the risks and benefits thoroughly, and will
fully assess the potential downsides.
- Make Same Mistake Again and Again:
A mentally
strong person accepts fully responsibility for past behaviour and is
willing to learn from the mistakes. Making same mistake again and again; with a
hope for a different and better outcome is foolishness. Ability to
self-reflective in an accurate and productive way is one of the greatest
strength.
- Cherish Other People's Success:
It takes strength of
character to feel genuine joy and excitement for other people's success.
Mentally strong people have this ability. They don't become jealous when other's
succeed. Although they may take a close notes on what the individual did well.
They are willing to work hard for their own chances at success, without relying
on short cuts.
- Waste Time Feeling Sorry For Themselves:
Mentally strong
people don't feel sorry for their circumstances or dwelling
on the way they have been mistreated. They learn to take responsibility for
their actions and outcomes and they inherit understanding of the fact that
frequently life is not fair. They try to learn lessons from the situation and
move on to next.
- Waste Energy on Things They Can't Control:
Mentally strong people
do not complain much about other peoples, interviewers, educational background
and financial status. They recognize that one thing they can always control is
their own response and attitude, and they use these attributes well.
- Change Is For Good:
Mentally strong people
always accept the change and they strongly believe change is for good. They
believe change will bring out their best also get a chance to learn more or
upgrade their skills. Shy away from change is one of the qualities which is not
found in them.
How to become Mentally
Strong?
See the Glass Half
Full:
If
you decide to see things in a positive light, you will see them as such.
(Alternatively, if you decide to focus on the negative, you will only see the
negative.) We control how we perceive the world. When you choose to focus on
the positive, you will begin to see positive changes in both your emotional
health and the rest of your life. Being positive will help you to face the
things that might upset you, thus allowing your to become stronger emotionally.
Self
Confidence:
Confidence
is key when becoming emotionally stronger. Being confident in the fact that you
are an awesome, beautiful, smart individual will allow you to be more in
control of your emotions. When something bad happens, rather than bursting into
tears and getting nothing done, remind yourself that you have the ability to
overcome this obstacle, whatever it may be. Once you believe you are confident
and strong emotionally, you will unconsciously act stronger than before and
begin to take control over your emotional whims.
Networking:
Surround
yourself with people who make you feel and act like the best person you can be.
Having a great support system will help you to become an emotionally stronger
person. When you have someone to lean on, you are much less likely to lose
control of your emotions. Improve your professional network through Linked-in.
Role Models:
Role
models who are strong, confident individuals can help you on your path to
becoming emotionally stronger. If the person is someone you know, ask him or
her how he/she deals with negative emotions, change, etc.
