Mental Toughness – I am mentally tough

Introduction 

Be tough, strong and mentally flexible. When things are at their worst, know that they will change. Before the brightest sunrise is always the darkest hour. Your mind one of the greatest assets you have. Mental toughness, also known as grit, is fast becoming an essential aspect of every working environment. Mental toughness refers to the ability to resist, manage and overcome psychological stressors that come your way on a daily basis. This involves managing your doubts, worries and personal circumstances which prevent you from achieving your goals. Meet your challenges with excitement, keep your structure strong but be flexible like a tree. Weather the storms and aim to always come out on top no matter the situation. Develop a tough mind. Your mind is your greatest asset, a legion of brain cells at your disposal to help you weather the storms that come your way.

Benefits of being mentally tough

1. You will develop greater self discipline and become unstoppable. 

2. You will rise above the level of your feelings to the level of your aspirations. 

3. You will approach each challenge with optimism. 

4. You will be more flexible while still making sure you achieve your goals.

Skill example

I got a new job that stood for what I believed in and also provided a salary I could comfortably live on. Two months into the job I realised that my manager would get angry if anyone got something wrong. One day he shouted at me in-front of my work colleagues. Instead of responding back in the moment to protect my dignity, I went back and considered why the situation had happened. I then approached my manager when no-one else was around and suggested how I would change the process so the error did not happen again. I also kindly reminded my manager that I prefer dealing with issues that could be easily corrected on a one-on-one basis, instead of in public. 

Scott's story

Scott Gearen was a military parachutist who had an unfortunate accident when he jumped out of a plane and had problems with his parachute mid-air. He hit the ground extremely fast and hard. He was in a bad state and needed resuscitation twice. Scott technically died twice on the operating table. He had multiple life-threatening injuries, including a fractured skull and a face that was damaged beyond recognition. Doctors said that he would never walk again much less remain a military parachutist.

Scott felts overwhelmed by what had just happened. The one moment he was doing what he loved and the next minute he was told it was over. While lying on his hospital bed for over a month, Scott one day decided to stand up in his mind first. He chose to keep following his dreams and goals. Eighteen months later he leapt out of a military aircraft again. He believed that as long as he was alive - he could beat any situation!