This article from the journal Psychology Today provides some food for thought on how you can train your mind to help you get through tough challenges to achieve your goal, whether that is big physical challenge like an ultra-endurance race, or everyday stressful situations at work or in life. The research looks beyond classic views of mental toughness that included grit, self-efficacy (the confidence that you can successfully complete a task), and resilience (the ability to bend under pressure) and instead views the following 6 qualities.
- Challenge: a view that challenges bring out the best in me.
- Commitment: I’ll do what it takes to achieve my goal.
- Emotional Control: I manage my emotions well.
- Control of Life: I really believe I can do it.
- Confidence in Abilities: I have, or can acquire, the necessary abilities.
- Interpersonal Confidence: I can influence others and stand my ground if needed.
These 6 qualities, it turns out, are a high predictor in ones success and happiness. Better yet, they can be learned if they are not already wired into your personality.