4 Traits That Are Displayed By People with Mental Toughness

You may be wondering if mental toughness is an inherited trait. Is it something that you are born with or can mental toughness be developed by anyone? The good news is that anyone can improve their mental toughness if they are prepared to take action.

You see plenty of people around you that seem to get just about everything they wish for. A co-worker gets a promotion or a friend left her day job to work on her business that she had been working on all along. There you are hoping for the same, but not seeing any opportunities!

There’s actually a good reason for this and it has to do with your mental toughness. How would you describe your attitude and the level of your passion towards your goal?

If you’re truly passionate about something then your mindset automatically changes. You have the drive and motivation to get things done when it comes to that particular project or business. You are the one who stays later, or shows up early.

Mental toughness is a factor that separates those who are good and those who are great.

There are certain traits that are displayed by people with mental toughness. However, here are four most important ones, in my opinion. These include:

1 |   Motivation

Lack of motivation is often blamed for the reason a goal or objective wasn't reached. What many people don't realize is that motivation is something which has to come from deep within you and is tied to your values and your WHY.

Motivation has different degrees and levels. These are directly related to just how badly you want something. It can be fairly easy to stay motivated and on track when things are going your way. The problem arises when things start to go wrong. It is the way you look at and tackle these problems that will ultimately determine your success.

Want to learn how to increase your motivation and get past those blocks?

2 |   Positive mindset

Would you say you look at things in a positive way or do you tend to see things negatively?

Our brain is programmed to worry and think of worst case scenarios. I explain more about the lizard brain in this blog post.

However, just like we train our children to learn something new at school, you have to train your brain to start becoming aware of your thoughts so that you can flip them from negative to positive.

Once you become aware, the next step is to ask this question, “What’s a more helpful thought?”

3 |   Self Control

I’m referring to your emotional self-control. Do you often let your emotions get the better of you? Hey, it’s our emotions that make us human so don’t be too hard on yourself.

However, you need to learn to control outbursts at work or at home. The way I do this is by taking a step back and asking, “What’s the positive intent here?”

However, if the other person is toxic or uncontrollable, take the upper hand by saying, “I’m done with this conversation and I’d like some space to process, please.”

A person who is mentally tough demonstrates this ability.

4 |   Good at handling pressure

How do you react when faced with a stressful or complex situation? If this currently isn't your best area then work on this skill.

One of tools I give leaders during my trainings is a 4-question model that helps them slow down their thinking intentionally so they can take strategic action.

What’s the best thing that can happen if I take this step?

What’s the worst thing that can happen if I take this step?

What’s the best thing that can happen if I DON’T take this step?

What’s the worst thing that can happen if DON’T take this step?

Mentally tough people can turn on a dime and change direction. If things don't go their way, they don't get disappointed. They simply go with the flow and change course and adapt.

When you can do adapt, you’re well on your way to showing that you do have what it takes.