Table of contents:
- What are the characteristics of a mentally strong person?
- 1. Have high emotional intelligence
- 2. Have high self-confidence
- 3. They dare to say "No"
- 4. They don't feel the need to please everyone
- 5. They are not quick to sulk when they clash with things they cannot control
- 6. They are not afraid to take risks
- 7. They are not stuck in the past
- 8. They dare to change
- 8. They are not afraid of failure
- 9. But, they didn't give up after the first failure
- 10. They don't make the same mistakes over and over again
- 11. They do not envy other people's successes
- 12. They don't expect instant results
- 13. They are not afraid of themselves
- 14. They exercise
- 15. They get enough sleep
What do you have in your mind to describe a mentally strong person? Does the person have a strong mentality because they never cry? Or, those who do not easily lament their fate when facing life's trials?
Not always. There are a number of other characteristics that can distinguish these people from other groups of society. And, you can also start applying it to yourself as a strategy to increase your mental strength.
What are the characteristics of a mentally strong person?
The following are some of the characteristics of people who have a strong mentality, quoted from what Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, and Amy Morin, LCSW, licensed clinical psychologist and expert psychotherapist in the field of mental strength.
1. Have high emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the cornerstone of mental strength. You cannot be mentally strong without the ability to fully understand and tolerate strong negative emotions, and to take decisive action if you are to get through them successfully.
EQ is a flexible skill that you can practice with understanding and effort. It is not surprising that 90% of successful people in the world have a high EQ and people with a high EQ generate a higher average annual income than people with a low EQ. Unfortunately, having an EQ is not enough for you to be mentally as strong as steel.
2. Have high self-confidence
Mentally strong people believe that mentality has a strong effect on a person's ability to succeed. And this is supported by facts. A recent study at the University of Melbourne showed that confident people continue to earn higher wages and get promoted faster than their peers.
True self-confidence is inversely proportional to false self-confidence, which a person often raises to cover up his inner worries. They don't let other people control their lives, and they don't influence them. They understand that they have the right to control their own emotions. Their beliefs inspire others and help them make things happen.
3. They dare to say "No"
Research conducted at UC Berkeley shows that the more difficult it is for you to refuse to do something when when you know for sure you don't have enough time or ability, the more likely you are to experience stress, burnout, and even depression. Mentally strong people know that saying “no” is good for their health, and they have the confidence and great foresight to make their point clear.
When it's time to say no, mentally strong people avoid phrases like "I don't think I can" or "I'm not sure." They say “no” confidently because they know that saying no to a new commitment is tantamount to respecting existing ones, and giving them the opportunity to succeed in making it happen.
Mentally strong people also know how to control themselves by saying no to themselves. They delay pleasure temporarily and avoid impulsive actions that could cause harm.
4. They don't feel the need to please everyone
By boldly saying “no,” mentally strong people realize that they don't have to please everyone all the time. They are not afraid to say no or speak out when needed. They try to be kind and fair, but can handle annoying other people if they don't make them happy.
When they have to deal with negative people around them, they approach situations rationally. They identify their emotions and don't let anger or frustration spark chaos.
They also consider the negative person's point of view and can find common ground and solutions to problems. Even when the situation has gone awry, mentally strong people do not let it sink into resentment.
5. They are not quick to sulk when they clash with things they cannot control
You won't hear mentally strong people complain about losing their luggage or getting stuck in a traffic jam. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They realize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude in certain situations.
6. They are not afraid to take risks
Mentally strong people are not afraid to take risks, but not just any risk. They don't take reckless or foolish risks, but they don't mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making big decisions, and they fully know the potential downsides before they act.
7. They are not stuck in the past
Mentally strong people don't waste time reminiscing about the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they have learned from it. However, they don't constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.
8. They dare to change
Mentors as strong as steel do not try to avoid change. In return, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable in life, and believe in their ability to adapt.
8. They are not afraid of failure
Mentally strong people embrace failure because they know that the road to success is built on errors and mistakes. No one has ever experienced true success without first embracing failure.
By admitting that you are on the wrong track, your failure will pave the way for you to succeed. It is this frustration after failure that spurs you to rack your brain to think differently, to see things from a new perspective, and to find the solution you have been looking for.
9. But, they didn't give up after the first failure
They don't see failure as an excuse to give up. Mentally strong people know that where you focus your attention is what determines your emotional state. That is, if you keep thinking about the problems you are having, you create and prolong negative emotions and stress, which hinders performance.
Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and develop. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.
10. They don't make the same mistakes over and over again
They accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from past mistakes. As a result, they don't keep repeating these mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.
11. They do not envy other people's successes
Mentally strong people can value and celebrate other people's successes. They are not jealous or feel betrayed when other people outrank them. On the contrary, they realize that every success comes with hard work.
Mentally strong people don't judge others because they know that everyone has something positive to offer the world, and they don't have to badmouth others to feel good about themselves.
Comparing yourself to others limits your potential abilities. Jealousy and revenge suck energy from life. Mentally strong people waste no time or energy comparing themselves to others, and they are willing to work hard for their own success.
12. They don't expect instant results
Whether they exercise to improve their health or elevate their business to higher ground, mentally strong people don't expect instant results. Instead, they put their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.
13. They are not afraid of themselves
Mentally strong people can tolerate solitude and they don't fear silence. They are not afraid to be alone with their thoughts, and they can use this free time alone to be productive. They enjoy their own solitude and are not dependent on others for company and entertainment all the time but can be happy with themselves.
14. They exercise
A study conducted at the Eastern Ontario Research Institute found that people who exercised twice a week for 10 weeks felt more competent socially, intellectually, and athletically. They also have a higher body image and self-esteem.
What's more, exercise not only encourages physical changes in their bodies which is responsible for increased self-confidence, it is also positive thinking that is directly driven by the endorphins of exercise. When combined, they are the key to mental strength.
15. They get enough sleep
Quality sleep is closely related to good mental health. While you sleep, your brain flushes toxic proteins from the body, which are a byproduct of neural activity while you are awake.
Unfortunately, your brain can only remove large amounts of it while you are sleeping. So when you are sleep deprived, these toxic protein residues remain in your brain cells, wreaking havoc on the next day by interfering with your ability to think clearly.
