Everyone will encounter some twists and turns in life, whether it is the work challenges they face every day or some major traumatic experiences. The key to determining how well we can digest and adjust to different stresses and life transitions is our mental toughness. This is also an ability that a person with a strong heart will definitely possess.
What is mental toughness?
According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists define resilience as the ability to adjust to experiences such as adversity, trauma, and significant sources of stress from all aspects of life. Sources of stress can include: family conflict, relationship problems, serious health problems, work environment, and financial stress.
If a person has mental toughness, they have the ability to ‘bounce back’ from difficult experiences and will experience significant personal growth along with it. And if one can continue to possess this ability, it will allow people to continue to grow and progress in life and go through different difficulties, high and low.
What is not mental toughness?
We now know what mental toughness is, but what we actually need to know more is what mental toughness is not.
Many people have a myth: ‘People with strong hearts will not shed tears.’ They believe that the hearts of people with strong mental toughness are indestructible and no one can touch their hearts. Psychotherapist Amy Morin clearly points out that this is wrong. Here are four of her common misconceptions.
❓ Myth 1: “Mental toughness is innate.”
In fact, just like a newborn baby lacks the strength to stand, no one is born with strong inner strength enough to withstand harm from the outside world. But just like a newborn baby, anyone can build ‘mental muscle’ by training cognitive, emotional and behavioral skills. And like everyone who goes to the gym, it takes time and practice to become stronger mentally.
❓ Misunderstanding 2: “Mental resilience = not having or not having psychological distress or mental health problems”
Mental health and resilience are two completely different things, but many people often assume that if they are at a low point or suffer from an emotional illness, they cannot be mentally resilient. This is totally a big misunderstanding.
In fact, many people with very strong hearts have actually struggled with their hearts and lives for a period of time. And just as anyone can build stronger muscles through exercise, everyone can strengthen their mental toughness, regardless of whether they suffer from mood illness or other psychological distress.
❓ Misunderstanding 3: “With mental toughness, you don’t need to ask for help from others.”
❓ Misunderstanding 4: “Mental toughness = not having an emotional side”
How to strengthen your mental toughness?
Just like our bodies, mental toughness can be improved through nurture, despite genetic factors. Briefly introduce several ways to strengthen mental toughness.
- Connect with people
- Change your view of external things
- Pay attention to and take care of yourself
Conclusion
No matter who you are, life is bound to encounter setbacks and challenges. In this era where we can leave anonymous messages on the Internet at will, even if we keep to ourselves, we may suffer ill will from others at some point in our lives.
Mental toughness is very important during these times. It can help us build a thick enough shield, making our hearts strong enough to withstand all the best rewards in life, as well as the worst abuse and attacks.
Have you begun to accept yourself as you are now and better prepare yourself for future stress and setbacks?
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