The 13 things mentally strong people avoid
1. Waste time feeling sorry for themselves
Mentally strong people don’t dwell on the way they’ve been mistreated. They take responsibility for their actions and outcomes, and understand that frequently life is unfair.
2. Give away their power
They avoid giving others the power to make them feel inferior or bad. They are in control of their actions and emotions, and can manage the way they respond.
3. Shy away from change
They embrace change and welcome challenge. Their biggest fear is of becoming complacent and stagnant. An environment of change or uncertainty can bring out their best.
4. Waste energy on things they can’t control
Mentally strong people don’t complain (much) about bad traffic, lost luggage, or other people, as these factors are generally beyond their control. But they can control their own response and attitude.
5. Worry about pleasing others
Whilst mentally strong people strive to be kind and fair and to please others where appropriate, they are unafraid to speak up, and can withstand the possibility that someone will get upset.
6. Fear taking calculated risks
They take calculated risks. They don’t jump headlong into situations, but weigh up the risks and benefits – and the potential downsides – before taking action.
7. Dwell on the past
They avoid miring their mental energy in past disappointments or in fantasies of the ‘glory days’; instead, they invest their energy into creating an optimal present and future.
8. Repeat their mistakes
They accept responsibility for past behaviours and learn from their mistakes. The ability to be self-reflective in a productive way is one of the greatest strengths of successful executives and entrepreneurs.
9. Resent other people’s success
It takes strength of character to feel genuine joy for other people’s success. Mentally strong people aren’t resentful when others succeed, although they may take notes on how they achieved it.
10. Give up after failure
Every failure is a chance to improve. Even the greatest entrepreneurs admit that their early efforts included failures. Learning from every failure can bring you closer to your ultimate goals.
11. Fear alone time
Mentally strong people treasure the time they spend alone, using it to reflect, plan and be productive. They can be happy with others, but they can also be happy alone.
12. Feel the world owes them anything
The world doesn’t owe anyone a salary, a benefits package or a comfortable life. Mentally strong people are prepared to work and succeed on their merits.
13. Expect immediate results
Whether it’s a workout plan, a nutritional regimen or starting a business, they are ‘in it for the long haul’. They celebrate each milestone and understand that genuine changes take time.
This post is adapted from a list compiled by psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker Amy Morin. It appeared in an article by Cheryl Conner for forbes.com, click here for the full article.
“Mental strength involves more than just willpower; it requires hard work and commitment. It’s about establishing healthy habits and choosing to devote your time and energy to self-improvement.” says Amy Morin. The idea for the list originated from her observations on how people have changed their way of thinking to help them reduce their symptoms of anxiety, depression etc.
