People who have mental toughness are better at tackling life’s difficulties. Failures or obstacles for them are just useful information that they need to try harder, or try a different strategy – says Doug Strycharczyk, Managing Director at AQR International. In some aspects, mental toughness is a personality trait that is largely determined genetically. There are some people who possess this trait naturally from the moment they are born. However, not all hope is lost! The research shows that we can all grow and develop our mental toughness using our own life experiences.
10 ways to mental toughness
1. Build relationships. Close relationships with family and friends are very important. Accept the help of those who care about you, and offer your help to those who need it.
2. Try not to perceive a crisis as something that you can never recover from. You cannot stop a crisis or tough life experiences from happening, you can, however, influence the way you are interpreting those events. Try to imagine how you would deal with a similar situation the next time it happens.
3. Accept changes as an intrinsic part of life. Sometimes the circumstances are simply unfavourable, and achieving certain tasks is just not possible. Try to accept what you cannot change, and concentrate your efforts on the things that you
can.
4. Give yourself achievable goals. Don’t focus on things that are unobtainable. Think of what you can do today to get you closer to your objective.
5. Focus on your goal. Don’t put your head in the sand hoping that your problems will pass. Show initiative in how to overcome the problems.
6. Find yourself. Difficult situations are an opportunity to learn something new about yourself.
7. Work on a positive perception of yourself. Believe in yourself, and your ability to solve problems.
8. Look into the future. Try to look for opportunities, and look at the wider context of difficult experiences. Try not to exaggerate negative events.
9. Expect the best outcome. Try to look at the world with optimism; this will help you to have a more positive mindset. Think of what you want, and not what you fear.
10. Look after yourself. Pay attention to your needs and feelings. Do things that give you pleasure. Don’t forget about physical activity and good diet.
Based on: www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx
10 ways to mental toughness
1. Build relationships. Close relationships with family and friends are very important. Accept the help of those who care about you, and offer your help to those who need it.
2. Try not to perceive a crisis as something that you can never recover from. You cannot stop a crisis or tough life experiences from happening, you can, however, influence the way you are interpreting those events. Try to imagine how you would deal with a similar situation the next time it happens.
3. Accept changes as an intrinsic part of life. Sometimes the circumstances are simply unfavourable, and achieving certain tasks is just not possible. Try to accept what you cannot change, and concentrate your efforts on the things that you
can.
4. Give yourself achievable goals. Don’t focus on things that are unobtainable. Think of what you can do today to get you closer to your objective.
5. Focus on your goal. Don’t put your head in the sand hoping that your problems will pass. Show initiative in how to overcome the problems.
6. Find yourself. Difficult situations are an opportunity to learn something new about yourself.
7. Work on a positive perception of yourself. Believe in yourself, and your ability to solve problems.
8. Look into the future. Try to look for opportunities, and look at the wider context of difficult experiences. Try not to exaggerate negative events.
9. Expect the best outcome. Try to look at the world with optimism; this will help you to have a more positive mindset. Think of what you want, and not what you fear.
10. Look after yourself. Pay attention to your needs and feelings. Do things that give you pleasure. Don’t forget about physical activity and good diet.
Based on: www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx