7 Secrets To Becoming Mentally Tougher

Summary

This video script explores the concept of mental toughness, comparing it to physical strength and emphasizing its importance in handling life's challenges. It offers seven strategies for developing mental fortitude: using an 'emotional trashcan' to discard negativity, recognizing the power of personal choice, tackling difficult tasks first, engaging in regular exercise for discipline, learning from failure, practicing gratitude, and letting go of uncontrollable factors. The script encourages viewers to share their own methods for building mental resilience.

Takeaways

• 💪 Mental toughness is like physical strength; it requires discipline and time to develop, leading to better mental and emotional health.
• 🗑️ Develop an 'emotional trashcan' to discard doubts, worries, and fears, which can be achieved through journaling, creative outlets, or therapy.
• 🤔 Recognize the power of choice and understand that the 'right choice' is subjective and based on personal goals and desires.
• 📝 Prioritize difficult tasks to overcome challenges and seek support from groups or individuals to help navigate through tough times.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Engage in physical exercise to foster discipline, which is key to building mental toughness and consistency.
• 💔 Learn to lose gracefully and use failure as a teacher to understand lessons and prevent repeating the same mistakes.
• 🙏 Practice gratitude even during tough times to increase happiness, reduce depression, and override negative thought patterns.
• 🚫 Let go of things beyond your control to reduce stress and maintain a clear mind.
• 🔑 Acknowledging and using the power of choice is crucial for personal growth and aligning actions with one's goals.
• 🧘‍♀️ Mental fortitude is developed by dealing with negative thoughts in a healthy manner and focusing on positive mindsets.
• 🏅 Regular exercise not only benefits physical health but also contributes to mental resilience by providing routine and emotional outlets.

Q & A

What is the concept of mental toughness as discussed in the script?

Mental toughness is compared to physical strength, suggesting that just as you exercise to gain physical strength, you can develop mental fortitude to handle stress, fear, and doubt more effectively.

Why is it important to have mental toughness?

Mental toughness is crucial as it helps individuals cope better with stressful and overwhelming situations, handle fear and doubt, and maintain emotional and mental well-being.

What is an 'emotional trashcan' and how does it help in developing mental toughness?

An 'emotional trashcan' is a metaphor for a method of discarding negative thoughts and emotions, such as through journaling or therapy. It helps in processing and resolving these thoughts, leading to a clearer and more positive mindset.

How does acknowledging the power of choice contribute to mental strength?

Acknowledging the power of choice means recognizing that there is no absolute 'right' choice, but rather choices that align with one's desires and needs at the moment, which can lead to a more confident and less anxious decision-making process.

What is the significance of doing difficult things first in building mental toughness?

Tackling difficult tasks first can prevent them from becoming overwhelming and can help individuals move forward in life. It also fosters a sense of accomplishment and resilience.

How does physical exercise contribute to mental toughness?

Physical exercise not only benefits the body but also establishes discipline and consistency, which are essential for developing mental toughness by providing a routine and a healthy outlet for emotions and stress.

What is the role of failure in learning and growth as per the script?

Failure is presented as a teacher, allowing individuals to learn from mistakes and move forward without repeating the same errors. It's important to take time to understand the lessons from failure and how to progress.

Why is practicing gratitude important during difficult times?

Practicing gratitude helps to increase overall happiness, reduce depression, and override negative thought patterns. It shifts focus to positive aspects, fostering happiness and lightness within.

How can letting go of things you cannot control benefit mental health?

Letting go of uncontrollable aspects of life can reduce stress and provide mental clarity. It helps individuals to focus on what they can influence and achieve, rather than being overwhelmed by what they cannot change.

What are some practical steps mentioned in the script to become mentally tougher?

The script suggests practical steps such as using an emotional trashcan for negative thoughts, acknowledging the power of choice, doing difficult things first, exercising regularly, learning to lose gracefully, practicing gratitude, and letting go of uncontrollable factors.

How does the script encourage viewers to engage with the content further?

The script encourages viewers to share their thoughts on building mental fortitude in the comments, like and share the video if they find it helpful, and subscribe for more content from Psych2Go.

Outlines

00:00

💪 Building Mental Toughness

The first paragraph introduces the concept of mental toughness and its importance in handling life's challenges. It compares mental strength to physical strength, emphasizing that just as we exercise to build physical health, we should also work on our mental resilience. The paragraph suggests that mental toughness helps us cope with stress and fear. It then outlines strategies to develop mental toughness, starting with the idea of an 'emotional trashcan' to discard negative thoughts, which can hinder progress. The paragraph also touches on the power of choice, suggesting that there is no absolute 'right' choice, but rather choices that align with one's goals and desires. It encourages self-reflection on goals and what one is willing to let go of to focus on what truly matters.

05:00

🏋️‍♂️ Embracing Challenges and Practicing Gratitude

The second paragraph continues the discussion on mental toughness by emphasizing the importance of facing difficulties head-on and the benefits of physical exercise in building mental fortitude. It suggests that tackling hard tasks first can prevent feeling overwhelmed and advises seeking support when needed. The paragraph also highlights the role of exercise in establishing discipline and consistency, which are key to developing mental toughness. Furthermore, it discusses the value of learning from failure and the importance of practicing gratitude, even during tough times, as a means to increase happiness and override negative thought patterns. Finally, the paragraph encourages letting go of things beyond one's control to reduce stress and maintain a clear mind, inviting viewers to share their own tips for building mental fortitude and to engage with the content by liking, sharing, and subscribing.

Keywords

💡Mental Toughness

Mental toughness refers to the psychological quality that allows an individual to persevere and cope effectively with challenges, stress, and adversity. In the video, it is likened to physical strength, emphasizing the importance of discipline and time investment for overall well-being. The script suggests that mental toughness helps in handling fear and doubt, which is crucial for personal growth and resilience.

💡Emotional Trashcan

An 'emotional trashcan' is a metaphorical tool for discarding negative thoughts and emotions. The concept is introduced as a method to clear mental space and achieve better mental clarity. In the script, it is suggested as a way to deal with doubts, worries, and fears by using healthy outlets such as journaling or therapy, which helps in processing and resolving these negative emotions.

💡Negative Thought Patterns

Negative thought patterns are recurring negative beliefs or attitudes that can hinder personal growth and well-being. The video script discusses how these patterns can lead to dread and anxiety, and emphasizes the need to break free from them to develop mental strength. An example from the script is using an 'emotional trashcan' to discard such thoughts, illustrating the process of overcoming these patterns.

💡Choice

Choice, in the context of the video, is about acknowledging the power of making decisions that align with one's own needs and desires. The script challenges the notion of a universally 'right' choice, instead advocating for choices that are honest and in tune with personal goals. It encourages viewers to make lists of their goals and to discern what they are willing to let go of, to make room for progress.

💡Difficult Things First

The concept of tackling 'difficult things first' is about confronting and overcoming challenges head-on rather than avoiding them. The video script suggests that life can be messy and that running away from difficulties is a common reaction. However, it encourages viewers to face these challenges with the support of a group, which can provide comfort and strength to navigate through tough times.

💡Exercise

Exercise is highlighted in the video not only for its physical benefits but also for its mental advantages. It is described as a means to establish discipline, which is essential for developing mental toughness. The script mentions that regular exercise fosters a sense of routine and consistency, as well as providing a healthy outlet for emotions and stress.

💡Losing Gracefully

Losing gracefully refers to the ability to accept and learn from failure without letting it undermine one's self-esteem or motivation. The video script points out that failure can be a great teacher, but the anxiety and stress associated with it can be overwhelming. It advises viewers to reflect on their experiences, identify lessons, and move forward without repeating past mistakes.

💡Gratitude

Gratitude is the act of being thankful and appreciative, which the video script suggests can increase overall happiness and reduce depression. It is presented as a powerful tool to override negative thought patterns, especially during difficult times. The script encourages viewers to focus on what they are grateful for, as this can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life.

💡Control

Control, in the context of the video, relates to the desire to manage or influence every aspect of one's life or situations. The script discusses the difficulty of letting go and the importance of recognizing what is within one's control. It advises viewers to assess their role in finding solutions and to let go of things beyond their control to reduce stress and maintain a clear mind.

💡Accountability

Accountability is the willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions and decisions. The video script mentions that taking accountability is crucial for learning from failures and moving forward without repeating the same mistakes. It is presented as a step towards personal growth and the development of mental fortitude.

💡Stress

Stress is a common theme in the video, referring to the pressure or demands placed on a person that can have negative effects on their mental and physical health. The script discusses how mental toughness can help in coping with stress, especially during overwhelming seasons in life. It also mentions exercise as a way to provide a healthy outlet for managing stress.

Highlights

Mental toughness is likened to physical strength, requiring discipline and time to develop.

A tougher mentality helps in coping with stress and overcoming fear and doubt.

The concept of an 'emotional trashcan' is introduced to discard negative thoughts.

Journaling or therapy can serve as outlets for processing negative emotions.

The power of choice is emphasized, with the assertion that there is no single 'right' choice.

Making choices aligned with personal goals and desires is deemed the right choice.

Difficult tasks should be tackled first to prevent life from becoming overwhelming.

Support groups can provide strength and comfort during challenging times.

Physical exercise not only benefits the body but also fosters mental discipline.

Establishing a routine through regular exercise can enhance mental consistency.

Learning to lose gracefully is crucial for personal growth and learning from mistakes.

Practicing gratitude, even during hardships, can improve happiness and mental well-being.

Focusing on gratitude helps to override negative thought patterns and find inner happiness.

Letting go of uncontrollable aspects of life can reduce stress and clear the mind.

Asking oneself if a problem is solvable and one's role in the solution process is advised.

The video encourages viewers to share their methods of building mental fortitude in the comments.

The video concludes with an invitation to subscribe for more content from Psych2Go.

Transcripts

(bright music)

- [Amanda] What does it mean to be mentally tough?

Think of it this way.

You work out and exercise

to gain physical strength,

and the discipline and time

you invest in your physical health

helps you to feel better overall.

This same idea can be applied to mental toughness.

When you have a tougher mentality,

you'll mentally and emotionally feel better overall.

You are able to cope better with stressful

and overwhelming seasons in your life.

You're more capable of handling fear and doubt

because you have the mental fortitude

to deal with them.

Want to learn how to become mentally tougher?

We're gonna let you in on some secrets to do so.

Number one, get an emotional trashcan.

Are you where you want to be in life?

Do you feel stuck in negative thought patterns?

Negative thoughts are often what bar you

from where you want to be.

Negative thoughts can fill you with dread and anxiety,

and wind up emotionally harming you.

Mental strength is hard to develop

when you have a negative mindset.

One solution to this would be

to get an emotional trashcan.

The point of having this trashcan

is so that you can throw away

your doubts, worries, and fears

to gain better respite and mental clarity.

You could try journaling,

or find a creative outlet for your emotions,

or reach out to a therapist.

Trashing those bad thoughts

and dealing with them in a healthy manner

gives you a chance to process them,

and get to a resolution.

With a clearer and more positive mindset,

it will be easier for you to focus on

what you want and where you want to be.

Number two, acknowledge and use the power of choice.

Do you sometimes feel pressured

to make the right choice?

Are you worried about disappointing others

or letting other people down

if you make the wrong choice.

Let me let you in on a secret,

there is no such thing

as the right choice.

Choices that are honest

and in tune with what you want or need at that moment

are considered to be the right choice for you.

The right choice is dependent

on where you want to go

and how you want to get there.

If you find yourself feeling uncertain or unclear,

make a list of your present goals.

Figure out what you're willing to let go of,

especially if you know that it doesn't serve you.

And what you're grateful for

and what you truly want to focus on.

Number three, do the difficult things first.

Life gets messy and sticky,

and sometimes we can find ourselves

in some pretty bad situations.

Everyone, at some point

has run away from something difficult.

It's perfectly normal to want to run away

when things get harder

and more difficult for you.

It can feel overwhelming and impossible,

like climbing over a mountain.

But sometimes, in order to move forward,

we have to figure out

how to get through those difficult times.

You certainly don't have to do it alone.

Find a support group

that'll be able to provide comfort,

support and strength for you.

There are people that can walk with you

through this difficult time

and help you to safely reach

the other side of the mountain.

Number four, exercise.

Even though physical exercise is

mostly for your physical benefit,

it has mental benefits too.

Physical exercise helps you establish discipline.

The discipline of the mind is necessary

for developing your mental toughness

because that helps you build consistency.

When you're steadfastly committed

to building up your mental fortitude,

negativity has a harder time of tripping you up.

Regular exercise gives you

sense of routine, consistency,

and the added benefit of providing

a healthy outlet for your emotions and stress.

Number five, learn how to lose gracefully.

Despite how unpleasant it might be,

failure can be the ultimate teacher.

When you're dealing with failure,

sometimes the resulting anxiety

and stress can weigh you down.

This keeps you from learning from your mistakes,

whatever the lesson might be.

Take the time to sit with your thoughts

and work through the feelings that you're experiencing.

Ask yourself, "What is the lesson here

"and how do I move forward?"

Once you're able to take accountability for yourself,

it's easier to move forward

and not make those same mistakes a second time.

Number six, practice gratitude,

even when you're going through a difficult season.

Does it feel hard to be grateful,

especially when you're going through

a difficult season in life?

Sometimes it can be easier

to focus on the negative things around you.

But practicing gratitude

increases your overall happiness, reduces depression,

and helps you override negative thought patterns.

When you focus on what to be thankful for,

you'll find happiness and lightness

take hold within your heart.

Being grateful and having an open heart

helps you to focus on your goals and dreams

so you can go forth and achieve them.

And number seven, let go of things you cannot control.

Do you find it hard to let things go?

Do you always want to fix everything

and feel like you're the only one who can do it?

It is tempting to want to control everything yourself,

especially when things start going downhill.

But, eventually, something has to give.

When things go wrong, ask yourself,

"Is this something I can solve?

"And if so, how?"

What is your role in the process of achieving a solution?

Learning to let go of things

that are out of your control

will make you feel less stressed

and help you have a clear mind.

How do you feel about these secrets

that we've just shared?

It's not a secret anymore.

What are some other ways that you like

to build your mental fortitude?

Let us know in the comments below.

Please like and share this video if it helped you,

and you think it could help someone else too.

The studies and references used

are listed in the description below.

Don't forget to hit the subscribe button

for more Psych2Go videos.

And thank you for watching,

we'll see you next time.