People who are mentally strong and well adjusted are different in a number of ways. Very often, the best way to learn from such people is to observe what actions and behaviors they avoid. Here are the top 13 things not to do if you want to be mentally strong.
1. Quit When Things Get Tough
1. Quit When Things Get Tough
One of the most important qualities of mentally strong people is resilience and the ability to keep going when they run into obstacles. This is a quality found in some of the toughest people in the world, such as Navy SEALs.
2. Envy Other People
It’s a waste of time to envy the success of other people. Everyone has his or her own unique talents and abilities. You should focus on your own goals and dreams and not try to succeed by other people’s standards.
3. Not Learn From Their Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes. One thing that sets the mentally strong apart, though, is that they don’t keep repeating their mistakes. You should see mistakes as part of the learning process. This means, however, that you take the lessons from each mistake and move forward.
4. Blame Others For Their Problems
Blaming other people, whether your family, your boss or the government for your problems is a nonproductive habit. Successful people take responsibility for their own success or failure and don’t shift the blame upon others.
5. Avoid Risk
If you want to succeed at anything, you must take certain calculated risks. If you stay in your comfort zone, it’s hard to make progress. That’s why the strongest people are willing to take risks in areas that are important to them.
6. Expect Instant Gratification
The ability to delay gratification is crucial to being mentally strong. Those who give up when they don’t instantly see results don’t get far in life.
7. Dwell in the Past
To be mentally strong, it’s essential to focus on the present and future. The past can help you learn but if you are always pining for the good old days, you will tend to get left behind.
8. Live to Please Others
If you are always trying to please your family, friends or co-workers, you will find it hard to fulfill your own destiny. That’s why the strongest and most successful people don’t make a habit out of trying to make everyone else happy.
9. Resist Chance
The world is changing fast and you need to be adaptable to keep up with it. This includes new ideas and attitudes as well as technological advances.
10. Stay Connected all the Time
While there is much to be learned from other people, the media and the internet, you also need down time to recharge. Evidence suggests that people who don’t fear being alone are more creative and independent.
11. Go Along With the Crowd
When it comes to actions as well as ideas, mentally strong people are independent minded. They don’t do things or think things simply because others do.
12. Catastrophize
Catastrophizing means expecting the worst to happen. While it’s sensible to prepare for potential problems, if you are actively expecting catastrophe to strike, you will tend to sabotage yourself and miss out on potential opportunities.
13. Procrastinate
Mentally strong people know that putting things off does not help them achieve their goals. If you have a tendency to procrastinate, you should admit this to yourself and resolve to tackle those tasks you’ve been postponing.
