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Mental Toughness Techniques

Some people seem to take everything in stride, never letting anything get the best of them. Mental toughness prevents them from getting sidetracked or taking a step backward due to difficult circumstances. Others have a more difficult time overcoming obstacles. Men's Fitness defines mental toughness as determination to persevere and maintain focus despite difficulty. Practicing mental toughness strategies can help people stay focused when challenges arise. Being mentally tough can also help people reach their goals and maximize their personal, occupational and social potential.

  1. Positive Thinking

    • If you believe that you will fail or think self-defeating thoughts, you are less likely to be successful. Thinking positive thoughts improves mood and increases motivation, making you more likely to reach your goals. If you want to overcome an obstacle, whether it is completing a difficult project at work or winning a football game, telling yourself that you can do it increases your chances of success because thinking becomes solution-focused rather than problem-focused. When a situation is so challenging it is difficult to think positively, remind yourself of times you overcame obstacles in the past. Turn worry into a positive by transforming anxious thoughts into positive or solution-focused thoughts.

    Visualization

    • Picture yourself succeeding. Whatever the challenge is, visualize yourself overcoming that challenge. The more you practice visualization, the more real and more possible the image becomes. Explore weaknesses. Visualize these weaknesses disappearing and strengths taking their place. For example, if fear of failure is a weakness, visualize yourself feeling confident and strong. Picture yourself succeeding at whatever is challenging you. If this is difficult, visualize someone you admire who has these strengths and try to imagine yourself as this person.

    Positive Friendships

    • Surround yourself with friends who bring you up rather than bring you down. Some people may believe they are helping you by pointing out flaws. However, this typically has the opposite effect. Engage in friendships that benefit you personally. Surround yourself with other people who are focused on success. Conversations and activities that take place among successful people breed continued success.

    Trying Something New

    • Exposing yourself to new situations expands the range of thoughts and emotions and helps the brain to prepare for the unexpected. Try a new outdoor activity such as hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Take a class at a local college. Start a program for at-risk youth in your community. In addition to giving you new knowledge and experience, these activities also provide opportunities to be successful at a variety of new skills, which increases your self-confidence and mental toughness.

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