How to Achieve Mental Toughness

• Step 1

  Identify your personal reasons for achieving mental toughness. Cling to this motivation no matter what difficulties you encounter on your journey. Whether your driving force is to prove your detractors wrong or to serve as a role model to your fellow community members, knowing what you're fighting for makes you a fierce competitor. Consider putting your reasons in writing for quick reminders during especially tough moments.

• Step 2

  Shine a spotlight on your positive qualities to build self-confidence. This also helps eliminate doubt and places you in a position for decisive action. Ask others for input regarding your constructive attributes, while recalling past compliments and affirmations. Perform a self-assessment to pinpoint your skills and abilities. Use your strengths as ammunition when building your arsenal of positive thinking.

• Step 3

  Confront your weaknesses. Although it may be difficult to acknowledge your shortcomings, doing so can increase your chances of success. Ask others for honest feedback, while performing a genuine assessment of areas that need improvement. Address your weaknesses without making excuses, or getting depressed about your faults. Seek opportunities to better your skill set, which may even include engaging in additional training. Avoid the "plateau" effect by challenging yourself to work harder and achieve more with each passing day.

• Step 4

  Establish attainable goals. Start with small goals to build the confidence necessary to tackle larger obstacles. Understand that achieving mental toughness doesn't mean that your problems will magically disappear. It simply means that you're more equipped to face tough times, without backing down from your principles or aspirations.

• Step 5

  Block out adversity. This may even include removing "toxic" people from your inner circle. Surround yourself with constructive people who strive to make improvement to their circumstances. Avoid falling prey to destructive attitudes and behaviors that can halt your progress. Commit to achieving your aspirations without indulging in destructive behaviors. Modeling your behaviors after successful peers can help you maintain a balanced outlook.

• 3
• Realize that you can achieve mental toughness without becoming a negative person.
• Realize that you can achieve mental toughness without becoming a negative person.
• Avoid settling for less than your best effort when facing problems.
• Avoid settling for less than your best effort when facing problems.

References & Resources

• Mind Tools: Personal Goal Setting
• SMART Goal Setting: A Surefire Way to Achieve Your Goals