20 Ways to Get Mentally Tough
May 11th, 2009 Posted in Leadership, Newsletter(Excerpt from Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else)
I’m excited to share with you an excerpt from my new book, Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else, that releases next week. As we know all too well, life and work can be challenging. That’s why mental, emotional and spiritual toughness is so essential. In this spirit I hope these words give you the strength to take on the day. I believe in you and I hope you will forward this to someone you believe in.
1. When you face a setback, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to a future accomplishment.
2. When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don’t just face adversity; they embrace it, knowing it’s not a dead end but a detour to something greater and better.
3. When you face negative people, know that the key to life is to stay positive in the face of negativity, not in the absence of it. After all, everyone will have to overcome negativity to define themselves and create their success.
4. When you face the naysayer’s, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words to you.
5. When you face critics, remember to tune them out and focus only on being the best you can be.
6. When you wake up in the morning, take a morning walk of gratitude and prayer. It will create a fertile mind ready for success.
7. When you fear, trust. Let your faith be greater than your doubt.
8. When you fail, find the lesson in it, and then recall a time when you have succeeded.
9. When you head into battle, visualize success.
10. When you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future, instead focus your energy on the present moment. The now is where your power is the greatest.
11. When you want to complain, instead identify a solution.
12. When your own self-doubt crowds your mind, weed it and replace it with positive thoughts and positive self-talk.
13. When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings, clear your mind, and get into The Zone. The Zone is not a random event. It can be created.
14. When you feel all is impossible, know that with God all things are possible.
15. When you feel alone, think of all the people who have helped you along the way and who love and support you now.
16. When you feel lost, pray for guidance.
17. When you are tired and drained, remember to never, never, never give up. Finish Strong in everything you do.
18. When you feel like you can’t do it, know that you can do all things through Him who gives you strength.
19. When you feel like your situation is beyond your control, pray and surrender. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.
20. When you’re in a high-pressure situation and the game is on the line, and everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun, and enjoy it. Life is short; you only live once. You have nothing to lose. Seize the moment.
In what ways will you choose to be mentally tough? Share your comments here.
20 Ways to Get Mentally Tough Poster
Download, Print and Share as a Reminder to Be Strong Each Day!
Access additional Training Camp posters here.
Stay Positive,
Jon
Link to original newsletter with additional resources here.
Tags: 20 ways to get mentally tough, business, jon gordon, Leadership, positive, speaking, the best, training camp
12 Responses to “20 Ways to Get Mentally Tough”
By LeeAnn Kendall on May 11, 2009
Great article! Thank you!
The pdf did not download…and there was an error message saying there was a problem.
Thought you’d want to know…and I want a copy for my office.
Thank you,
LeeAnn Kendall
St Augustine, FL
By Lenore Buth on May 11, 2009
Jon, thanks for the mental kick on a Monday morning. You listed so many points I’ve known and believed for years. Today I needed the reminder, “Success Happens by Focusing on the Process, Not the Outcome.”
As a free-lance writer I get to be my own boss, which presents minuses along with the positives. At the moment I’m working on another book, this one for moms–and it’s good. (Manuscript readers agree.) My theme centers around building inner strength and self-reliance.
With all the changes in the publishing world it’s easy to get bogged down. Then there’s the constant stress to have a strong platform, link in, speak up, etc. Sometimes it feels like “Why Bother?”
So thanks for reminding me to focus on the process and to seize the day. As for trusting God, that’s a given.
Blessings to you,
Lenore Buth
By Marie-Josee Salvas on May 11, 2009
I have one more suggestion to make! Research shows that toughening interventions – such as aerobic exercise – improve the central nervous system’s resistance to depletion under stress. Toughness corresponds positively to performance in challenging tasks, enhanced learning abilities, and positive physical and psychological health. So I say, when stress gets the best of you, make the most of it and go out for a run!
Best,
MarieJ
By Michelle Hill on May 11, 2009
The first thing I do in the morning is smile at myself in the mirror. Sets my tone for the day and believe it or not, an outward smile creates an inward toughness.
By Sandra Faye Hayes on May 11, 2009
First, I’d like the thank my sweet daughter-in-law, Laura, for forwarding this to me–I NEEDED IT! Laura is one of THE most mentally tough people I know, and she is a class act because she combines toughness with a kind, giving heart!
I choose to be mentally tough by remembering that regardless of what others say or do it is none of my business–What is my business is how I conduct myself!
By Jann Freed on May 11, 2009
Do you have a blog roll? Whom do you follow or read regularly about leadership? Just curious. Thanks for sharing.
By Ellis on May 12, 2009
A great summary of all the things that contribute to success, especially in the face of adversity.
Something for all the students and graduates of Notre Dame who are opposed to the Obama invitation to keep posted to their walls as they try to influence the University to remain true to its stated Mission.
Something for all of us to remember everyday with all of our challenges big and small.
Thanks Jon
God Bless you
By Karen H on May 12, 2009
Loved this! Doing a college course & having so many self doubts. Praying continually & inspiration is conming in dribs & drabs, just hope it’s not too late! Everyone should do all they can & then leave the rest to the Lord!
Thanks!
By Lee Liebner on May 18, 2009
Next time I catch myself getting mentally “flabby” I’ll remember to do these 20 “reps” to get back into shape. I love their common theme: do a 180.
Let’s see how we can apply this to other things.
Have you ever felt you were on a downward spiral? Use the power of your mind to imagine that spiral as a spring. Watch it as it’s about to hit bottom and bounce back up–as an upward spiral!
By G on May 29, 2009
Life is exciting…..C.A.W. !!! …
I C an
I A m doing
I W ill keep doing……