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12 Things Mentally Tough People DO NOT DO

Being mentally tough is essential for success in any endeavor. I have outlined some actions that mentally tough individuals DO NOT DO. Are you avoiding these 12 things?

Mentally Tough People DO NOT…

1. Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves: You don’t see mentally tough people feeling sorry for their circumstances or dwelling on the way that they have been mistreated. They have learned to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes, and they have an inherent understanding of the fact that, many times life is not fair. They are able to emerge from difficult circumstances with self-awareness and gratitude for the lessons learned.

2. Give Away Their Self-Esteem: Mentally tough people avoid giving others the power to make them feel inferior or bad. They understand they are in control of their actions and emotions. They know their strength is in their ability to manage the way they respond and maintain a positive self-esteem regardless of what is being said.

3. Fight Change: Mentally tough people embrace change and they welcome challenge. Their biggest “fear,” if they have one, is not of the unknown, but of becoming complacent and stagnant. An environment of change and even uncertainty can energize a mentally strong person and bring out their best. They are always looking for change and how they can improve upon the status quot.

4. Waste Time or Energy on Things They Can’t Control: Mentally tough people don’t complain about the news, weather, or other people. They recognize that all of these factors are generally beyond their control. In a bad situation, they understand that the only two things that they can control is their own actions and attitude.

5. Worry About Pleasing Others: Do you know people who are always looking to please others and do not want to “rock-the-boat? A mentally tough person strives to be kind and fair and to please others when necessary, but is unafraid to speak up and state their case even if it is the minority. They are able to withstand the possibility that someone will get upset and will handle the situation, wherever possible, with care and understanding.

6. Fear Taking Calculated Risks: A mentally tough person is willing to take calculated risks. This is a different thing entirely than jumping headlong into foolish risks and chances. With mental toughness, an individual can weigh the risks and benefits thoroughly, and assess the potential downsides and even the worst-case scenarios before they take action.

7. Dwell on the Past: There is strength in acknowledging the past and especially in acknowledging the things learned from past experiences—but a mentally tough person is able to avoid staying in a rut of previous disappointments or past histories. They invest the majority of their energy in creating a future that they want!

8. Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over: You have hear the definition of insanity, right? It’s doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. A mentally tough person accepts full responsibility for past behavior and is willing to learn from mistakes. They use self-reflection as a way of learning from their mistakes and moving on.

9. Become Jealous of Other People’s Success: It takes strength of character to feel genuine joy and excitement for other people’s success. Mentally tough people have this ability. They don’t become jealous or resentful when others succeed. They are willing to work hard for their own chances at success, without relying on shortcuts.

10. Give Up After Failure: Every failure is a chance to improve and learn. Every great entrepreneur will tell you that they experience many failures until success was reached. Mentally tough people are willing to fail again and again, if necessary, as long as the learning experience from every “failure” can bring them closer to their ultimate goals.

11. Feel the World Owes Them Anything: In today’s unstable economy, executives, employees, and entrepreneurs at every level are coming to grips with the realization that the world does not owe them a salary, a benefits package and a comfortable life, regardless of their scholastic skills or last name. Mentally tough people enter the market place prepared to work and succeed on their own skills and ability. In fact, they want to “earn” what they get!

12. Expect Results Overnight: Whether it’s a workout plan, a diet, or starting a business, mentally tough people are prepared to run a marathon towards success. They understand that immediate results do not always happen and that there is a process to go through; a beginning, middle, and an end. They apply their effort and time persistently and consistently celebrating incremental successes along the way. They understand that sowing and reaping is a real, active success principle. 

Do you have mental toughness? How have you overcome some of these obstacles in your life? Please comment.

If you are mentally tough and have been looking for a way to go after YOUR dreams, contact me and we can discuss how we can help you!

To Your Success!

Ken Cloutier

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