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Thinking habits that promote mental strength

 

STOP TRYING TO "FIX" yourself

Those who believe they need ‘fixing’  will be caught in a continual loop of insecurity. When we act as though we are broken, we reinforce the idea that something is wrong with us and therefore maintain a negative self-image. It’s not that any of us need fixing — it’s that most of us need to let go of the idea that something is wrong with us. We are already whole. It just requires us to truly see and accept this fact.

DISTRESS TOLERANCE

The mind will continually throw up all kinds of thoughts without trying. This is a given and we have thousands a day. Strong people know this inevitability and do not allow stressful thoughts to be engaged for long. They may arise, but they are not tolerated. We turn our attention to other things.

SEE THE PAST FOR WHAT IT IS--THE PAST

Mentally strong people know that the past is merely a concept. It is not real in the here and now. People who suffer allow thoughts of the past to determine their present behaviors. This need not be. When we can let go of the past’s hold on us, we are free to enjoy the present.

EXERCISE MOST DAYS

Those who want to maintain a strong mind understand the mind and body connection. When we treat ourselves well physically, our brains and minds benefit. We are far more vulnerable to unhealthy thinking patterns when we haven’t been in motion. Life is motion.

TOLERATE UNCERTAINTY

Life takes on a brutal nature if we have the need to know what will happen next. This is obviously not possible. The most confident, happy people are at ease with uncertainty. They lean into it and perform better in all areas of life.

YOU CAN CHOOSE EASE

Many of us believe that our stress is determined by what happens in our lives — in our circumstances. This is false. Tension arises out of our thinking alone. Because of this, we can determine our experience because we are the creators of that experience. We can choose to be at ease. We can choose to be happy.

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN IMAGINATION AND RUMINATION

Mentally strong people know the tremendous power thoughts hold. They also know their destructive power, especially when they take the form of worry or rumination. Know the difference, and cut rumination short. Shift your attention

Author
Dr. Debra Brosius Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience.

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