I've been saying for years that losing weight and getting healthier is 95% a mental exercise. Our bodies really do want to move more and be fed nourishing food in moderate amounts. It's our minds that get in the way of our best intentions.
So when a recommendation for 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do (affiliate link) by Amy Morin, LCSW, showed up in my inbox I was intrigued. The best selling book is based on a letter the author, a licensed clinical social worker, college psychology instructor and psychotherapist, wrote to herself during one of the lowest points of her life. In it she outlined a list of 13 things that could rob her of mental strength if she let them.
Because she found comfort in reading that letter, a few days later she published it online, hoping it would help others. Boy, did it!
After being read over 50 million times, her list was eventually expanded into a USA today and Wall Street Journal best-selling book.
Here's a summary of the list that started it all:
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life.
Check out these things that mentally strong people don’t do so that you too can become more mentally strong.
1. They Don't Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
Mentally strong people don't sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn't always easy or fair.
2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power
They don't allow others to control them, and they don't give someone else power over them. They don’t say things like, "My boss makes me feel bad," because they understand that they are in control over their own emotions and they have a choice in how they respond.
3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change
Mentally strong people don't try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.
4. They Don't Waste Energy on Things They Can't Control
You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.
5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone
Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They're not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn't make them happy.
6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
They don't take reckless or foolish risks, but don't mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they're fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.
7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past
Mentally strong people don't waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they've learned from it.
However, they don't constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.
8. They Don't Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
They accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don't keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.
9. They Don't Resent Other People's Success
Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people's success in life. They don't grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.
10. They Don't Give Up After the First Failure
They don't view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.
11. They Don't Fear Alone Time
Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don't fear silence. They aren't afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren't dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.
12. They Don't Feel the World Owes Them Anything
They don't feel entitled to things in life. They weren't born with a mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.
13. They Don't Expect Immediate Results
Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new business off the ground, mentally strong people don’t expect immediate results. Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.
The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong Tedx Talk Video
In this 15-minute Tedx Talk video Amy shares the Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong. I especially liked the part near the end where she shares how she was able to help a man with uncontrolled diabetes develop the mental strength he needed to take back control of his health through small changes.
She ends her talk by challenging us to consider our bad mental habits and begin doing the slow steady work to change them. As I peruse the list, I know that my work lies in #9: They Don't Resent Other People's Success. I'm guilty of comparing myself to others and feeling envious of their success. NOT SOMETHING I'M PROUD Of!
So, this year I'm focusing on changing this negative habit. When I feel envy rising inside me I'm consciously working to shift my thinking. Slow and steady it is working!
What bad mental habit are you most interested in breaking?
I'd love for you to share in the comments below!
Buy Amy's Book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do (affiliate link) on Amazon!
Source: Amy Morin, LCSW
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Martha is the founder and main content writer for Simple-Nourished-Living.
A longtime lifetime WW at goal, she is committed to balancing her love of food and desire to stay slim while savoring life and helping others do the same.
She is the author of the Smart Start 28-Day Weight Loss Challenge.
A huge fan of the slow cooker and confessed cookbook addict, when she's not experimenting in the kitchen, you're likely to find Martha on her yoga mat.
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Linda Hagen
I need work on number 2. People make me feel bad about myself. It takes me a little time to regroup. Then go on with my life and exclude them. Not sure if that's the way to handle it.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Linda, I appreciate what you are saying. This can be a real challenge for many of us. One of my favorite quotes comes from Wayne Dyer, "What you think of me is none of my business!" I heard it years ago and repeat it often!
JANE RITCHUK
I have the ability to remember and relive every slight or faux pas I have made in the past going back several decades. I experience the shame, embarrassment and regret as if it happened now and not 45 or 50 years ago!
Barbara Icovitti
I do worry about pleasing everyone. The time I spend worrying about disappointing others is really a waste. It doesn’t always make me happy or productive.
Martha McKinnon
Such a great observation, Barbara! I think it's common issue worth working to overcome. ~Martha