Mental toughness is an elusive quality, in fact, it is so elusive in our culture it is almost extinct. Giving up when something gets difficult is the norm, unfortunately.
Worse yet, not even starting a task if success is not assured and it will be easy (and of course they get a participation award)
There is small minority of people, though, who have an abundance of mental toughness.
Thank GOD, not everyone is a wuss!
So how do these people get mentally tough?
Good question, it they get it one decision at a time, one day at a time, over the years.
You see, there was a time when people worked very hard physically every day just to put food on the table for their families. I am sure they didn’t always “feel like going to work” the next day, but they still did; over and over again. They made themselves do it and it became ingrained in them.
Let’s apply it to the gym, since this blog is about strength and fitness.
This week was tough at my gym. There were five difficult tests to get done in five days.
That meant everyone was going to be sore and tired all week.
All I can say is, big deal, suck it up. I was sore and tired to, so what?
I still did what I had to do. I expect no less from those I train.
Barring any medical situations, or serious family problems, everyone was expected to finish the week well.
For instance, this guy finished everything in three grueling days.
Others did not get more than one done. Go figure!
What makes the difference? Mental toughness makes the difference.
The Cave 