13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, and a person who has lost many family members including her husband. She has examined the differences between the people who stand strong when faced with life’s difficulties and those who don’t and that’s how she came up with the list of 13 things mentally strong people don’t do.
Mentally strong people have healthy habits that lead them to success in managing their emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
Healthy Habits
Just as regular exercise and a balanced diet are important to achieve and maintain physical strength, so are knowledge and discipline to achieve mental strength. Mentally strong people have healthy habits that lead them to success in managing their emotions, thoughts and behaviors. What about putting this list to use as an approach to life and any difficulties you face? Here is the list, according to Morin, of the 13 things that mentally strong people don’t do:
- They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
Life isn’t easy or fair. Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life.
- They Don’t Give Away Their Power
They don’t allow others to control them. They are in control over their own emotions, they understand that they have a choice over their emotional reactions. You won’t hear them say things like, “My friend’s made me mad.”
- They Don’t Shy Away from Change
They understand change is inevitable and view it positively, they believe in their abilities to adapt.
- They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control
They focus on what they can control, that is, their own attitude. Therefore you won’t hear them complaining about traffic, others’ mistakes, or anything.
- They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone
They are not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They recognize that they cannot please everyone. They strive to be kind and fair but can handle other people being upset if they chose to be so.
- They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
They spend time weighing the possible outcomes before making a decision and may take calculated risks.
- They Don’t Dwell on the Past
They don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They learn from their past mistakes, look ahead and live the day, without fantasizing about the glory of the good old days.
- They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
They accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes and can make better decisions in the future.
- They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success
They can be happy for others who surpass them, without feeling jealous. They recognize that success comes with hard work and are willing to work hard.
- They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure
They don’t view failure as a reason to give up but as an opportunity to improve and they are willing to keep trying until they succeed.
- They Don’t Fear Time Alone
They don’t try to avoid silence and being alone with their thoughts. They can be productive and happy and have a good time while they’re alone.
- They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything
They don’t expect life and people to bestow things upon them. They strive to make the most of what is.
- They Don’t Expect Immediate Results
They know that change takes time. Whether they are working on changing their habits, taking up a sport, learning to play an instrument or a new language, they don’t expect immediate results. They view slips and setbacks as natural and appreciate little steps forward.
