Got Mental Toughness?

I would venture to say that, for most of our audience, you are thinking “yes! I am mentally tough.” But, mental toughness isn’t just hammering through a painful workout. It has a lot more to do with the moments outside of training and competition, aka “real life.” 

Below are some important elements that contribute to mental toughness.  

Positive Thinking 
This includes keeping a hopeful perspective and not losing sight of what you need to accomplish. A great attitude, and acknowledging setbacks happen, will allow you to mitigate the damage from challenges. Don’t complain about the things you have no control over. 

Emotional Stability 
Emotional stability allows you to deliver, regardless of how you’re feeling. Learn to be detached from setbacks. Don’t take things personally and focus on what you can control. Learn the lesson and move on. You are in control of your emotions and actions. 

Running Scenarios/Visualization 
Visualization is powerful. It allows you to not only imagine reaching your goal or performing flawlessly, but it allows you to plan for when things don’t go right. Visualize the perfect performance, then the things that could potentially go wrong so that you’re tough enough to deal with difficulties. This is all part of the preparation for challenges.

Adaptability 
Basically, this is readiness for change. Change is constant and it shouldn’t throw you. Learn to be flexible and adaptable and foster the capacity to deal with stressful situations. 

Focus 
Keep your attention on the big picture and not minor obstacles or bad days. 

Self-validation
Don’t worry about everyone else. Do what’s right for you. Don’t be envious of what others have or can do. Be grateful for your gifts. 

Sleep
When you lack adequate sleep, it will affect your focus, your emotions, your mood, your performance. Sleep is key to mindset, so get those 7+ hours each night of high-quality Zzzs.  

Patience
There is no such thing as an overnight success. Anything worthwhile takes work, commitment. Aim to get 1% tougher/better every day. 

There you have it. When reading this, what areas do you feel that you can improve on?

Here’s to getting 1% better each day!