When you think of people who are mentally tough, what images pop into your mind? Navy SEALs? Athletes crossing the finish line at an Ironman? Strongman competitions where participants lift ~10x your body weight? Winning gold at the Olympics?
Mental toughness is the ability to overcome unexpected obstacles while staying strong and focused. It’s doing what needs to be done, even when under stress, to achieve long-term goals. Given this definition, it’s evident why we see impressive athletic feats as demonstrations of mental toughness.
Most of us probably can recognize acts of mental toughness, both athletic and otherwise, when we see them. But what about when we experience these acts for ourselves? Do you recognize your own mental toughness?
Although you might never find yourself on an Olympic playing field, it doesn’t mean that you lack this valuable mental skill. Here are a few ways you might recognize your own mental toughness:
You challenge yourself physically.
Challenging yourself physically is one way to remind yourself that you are, in fact, mentally tough. You lift heavy things. You climb ropes. Run long distances. You find ways to push yourself over and over. Why? Because it’s a reminder that you are strong and that you can take it.
You show up anyway.
When you wake up and are tired, sore, or unmotivated, mental toughness is deciding to show up and work out anyway. And each time you choose to show up, you’re strengthening that mental toughness muscle. The one that shows you what matters in the long run.
You don’t expect shortcuts.
Meaningful challenges that teach us something about ourselves don’t come with shortcuts. The truth is, there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. The things that matter take time, consistency and hard work.
You hear the voice in your head but decide not to listen.
Have you ever heard the voice in your head that says you’re done? That you can’t go any further. Or lift the bar one more time. Mental toughness is hearing that voice in your head but deciding not to listen. Even better, it’s taking steps to prove it wrong.
Mental toughness is a skill, which means there are ways that you can strengthen it. Suppose you can see glimpses of yourself in these examples of mental toughness. Then, you’re well on your way to developing this skill and improving the quality of your life.
Are you interested in making classes at Rhapsody Fitness part of your workout routine? To learn more about Rhapsody Fitness in Charleston and our range of programs, get in touch with Team Rhapsody today.
