Think about the strongest people you know. Against all odds, they focus on getting up and getting better. They do not stay down, but crawl, push and rise from the valley to the peak.
Despite the hand they were dealt, they express gratitude for what they have rather than focus on everything they’ve lost. They learn from and value the wisdom gained from their struggles and pain.
I’ve also seen countless people succumb to their environment. They feel sorry for themselves, deeming their situation worse than others’. They spend time and mental energy stressing about things they can’t control. They resist change, often believing nothing will improve their circumstances. Consequently, they often stay exactly where they are.
The tenacious individuals all had one thing in common: an insatiable desire to build their invisible mental muscle. They were determined to reach their greatest potential despite life’s challenges. Those who collapsed in the face of adversity also shared a common characteristic: a static place in life. They often were passed up for promotions, struggled with long-term relationships and battled with emotional ups and downs.
We all know it is so much easier to feel mentally strong when life is going well. But sooner or later, you’ll reach a point when you need all the mental strength you can muster. A health crisis, a financial problem or relationship troubles are just a few of the obstacles you’re likely to face.
Your mind can be your best asset or your biggest weakness. When you label yourself as not good enough or not smart enough, you give your negative thoughts the power to influence your emotions and behaviors. You can’t create positive change until you take back control of your thoughts. You can’t perform at your peak without a strong mental muscle — an unstoppable mindset.
WHY YOU NEED YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH MUSCLE TO GROW
Picture someone you consider mentally strong. What does he or she look like?
Do you consider yourself mentally strong? Whether you’re leading a company or just want to be a better parent, building mental muscle will help you reach your goals. When you’re mentally strong, you become the best possible version of yourself, and that leads to optimal wellness — the best, happiest and healthiest version of you.
Building mental strength is the key to greater life satisfaction, enhanced performance and increased resilience. It’s about creating the kind of life you want.
What could you achieve if you pushed yourself to your mental and physical limits? How much could you do if you put your time and energy into the things that truly matter? A strong and resilient mind allows you to answer these questions with confidence.
Becoming mentally stronger won’t guarantee success, but it will help you learn from your mistakes and rebound from failure. The more mental muscle you build, the easier life’s inevitable challenges become — and you will become unstoppable.
Brandt is an executive host with Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as well as co-author of the Amazon best-seller “The Struggle is Real: Finally Break the Dieting Cycle, Transform Your Mind and Body, and Evolve into The Person You Have Always Wanted to Be” and the “30-Day Evolve Challenge Journal.” Contact Brandt by email at karol.brandt@scarletpearlcasino.com, Facebook/ The Struggle Is Real or Instagram at karolbrandtnola
