Ways to Get Mentally Tough

Mental toughness is a huge difference maker. The higher the level of competition the more mental toughness makes an impact on the performance. Mental toughness isn’t just critical in sports it is useful in work and in life. It is the ability to focus and remain in a state of mind where decisions can be made when the pressure is on. It’s about bouncing back and working through adversity. When you can execute in highly stressful situations that is a very useful skill. Decision making is the difference between success and failure. Depending on your job or life event it can also be life and death. Being mentally tough is a skill that can always be worked on, perfected and practiced continually. The more life throws at you the more you get to practice. Adversity be can welcomed as a way to get tougher. 

During the Olympics in Rio this summer the crowd played a huge role in some of the sports that weren’t used to fans having a huge impact. Since Brazil is largely a soccer supporting nation they thought that crowds behaved that way in all of the events. Brazil was often rallying for the underdog in some of the matches and it was influencing the outcome. This happened in fencing, track and field as well as other events. Take Renaud Lavillenie who was reduced to tears while he was pole vaulting. He was the gold medalist in the 2012 Olympics and the crowd started booing him because he was going up against Brazil’s Thiago Braz da Silva. Lavillenie ended up with silver and even when he was on the podium accepting his medal the crowd was still booing him. Is it unacceptable behaviour? Yes but the difference is how it was handled. Lavillenie crumbled under the pressure which gave Braz da Silva a chance to capitalize and win the gold medal. 

Here are a few ways to work on your mental toughness in work, life and in sports. I got this from a guy by the name of Jon Gordon. http://www.jongordon.com/blog/20-ways-to-get-mentally-tough/ 

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.