September 22, 2020 · 6:13 pm
Mentally tough business people and athletes separate themselves from the pack with their quick thinking under pressure and their ability to control their ideal ‘zone’. But did you know that mental toughness is a quality that can be taught and enhanced? First, lets define what mental toughness is!
Mental toughness is one’s ability to perform at their best regardless of the circumstances. That’s it. A simple definition for a term that so many struggle to understand. From this definition we can start to understand how a person can improve their mental toughness skills and enhance these qualities:
- Confidence
- Challenged Response vs Fear
- Relaxed and Calm Internal State
- Energized with Positive Emotions
- Automatic Alertness
Mentally tough people feel negative emotions, but are quick to change these emotions into something positive by using Performance Skills. Disciplined thinking is at the core of these skills. Imagery skills, the ability to visualize the most successful outcome of a task, is another. Acting skills are perhaps the most vital. While there is no truth to the ‘fake it til you make it’ saying, you can pose and act in the manner that you wish to feel.
Scientist Dr. Jim Loehr has studied athletes and corporate executives for many decades. His research concludes that utilizing skilled acting reverse negative thoughts and feelings. He states people should not feel the way they act, but ACT the way they want to feel.
Emotional responses are a huge key. When your emotions are off, your mental game is influenced. You can also have physical consequences. Learning how to control your emotions through disciplined thinking, acting skills and breathing techniques make a difference. But PRACTICE is essential to controlling your emotions and preventing too much fear from undermining your hard work.
Factors of success for mentally tough individuals include good physical fitness, strong diets with consistent control of blood sugar levels, mental flexibility trained by practice via meditation or yoga, and strong breathing techniques. Even practicing your best smiles can have an effect on the direction your energy flow moves when under duress!
As a former NFL and NCAA athlete and business owner, I’ve been fortunate to employ many of these strategies over the past 25 years. They work! And we could all use a little more mental toughness these days! If you have any questions please contact me at [email protected].
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