Mental strength is just like any other skill: It takes time to develop. Amy Morin, an internationally recognized expert on mental strength and author of the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, was asked what the mentally strong are doing.
In a recent article published in the Business Insider, Morin offered several tips to improve mental strength:
Monitor your emotions
People often assume mentally strong people suppress their emotions, but they are actually acutely aware of them. They monitor their emotions throughout the day and recognize how their feelings influence their thoughts and behaviors. They know sometimes reaching their greatest potential requires them to behave contrary to how they feel.
Practice realistic optimism
Having a positive outlook all the time is impossible, and too much negativity is counterproductive. Mentally strong people understand that their thoughts aren’t always true, and they strive to reframe their negativity. They replace exaggeratedly negative thoughts with a more realistic inner monologue.
Practice self-compassion
Rather than beating themselves up for making mistakes, mentally strong people practice self compassion and speak to themselves as they would speak to a good friend. They respond to their inner critic as if they were standing up to the schoolyard bully. They forgive themselves for mistakes and cheer themselves on as they work toward their goals.
Fulfill your purpose
Successfully fulfilling your purpose in life takes time. Mentally strong people understand this and focus on the big picture, keeping in mind that today’s choices impact their future.
