Steps For Building a New Habit
- Start by building your identity.
- Focus on small behaviors, not life-changing transformations.
- Develop a routine that gets you going regardless of how motivated you feel.
- Stick to the schedule and forget about the results.
- When you slip up, get back on track as quickly as possible.
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Whatever it is, be clear about what you’re going after and tie it to concrete actions. You can’t think your way to becoming mentally tough, you prove it to yourself by doing something in real life.
Mental toughness needs to be worked to grow and develop. If you haven’t pushed yourself in thousands of small ways, you’ll wilt when things get difficult.
Extreme situations test our courage, perseverance, and mental toughness, but so do everyday circumstances. Challenge yourself whenever you can, consistently do what you know you’re supposed to and don’t let your brain’s laziness control you.
... not motivation. Motivation comes and goes. Mental toughness is about building the daily habits that allow you to stick to a schedule and overcome challenges and distractions consistently.
Mentally tough people don’t need to have more courage, talent or intelligence — just more consistency. They also develop systems that help them focus on the important stuff regardless of the obstacles.
RELATED IDEAS
You can't think your way to a goal. You have to take action.
Be willing to take action, even potentially incorrect action, and make it a habit.
Mentally tough people truly believe they can succeed. That extends to encompass even mundane things in their life.
Whatever you challenge yourself with, believing in yourself is essential. Avoid negative self-talk and instead focus your energy on staying positive and self-encouraging.
For example, buying smaller plates can help you lose weight by deciding portion size for you. Similarly, using software to block social media sites can help overcome procrastination by putting your willpower on autopilot.