Today, let's flex our mental muscles by staying focused when the going gets tough.

The phrase, “mind over matter” rings true for any adventure.

The power of the mind is often underestimated. Mental training develops a strong will and can be used to achieve miraculous results. When it comes to achieving the (seemingly) unachievable, mental fitness is essential and applicable for any aspect of life.

The Four Pillars of Mental Toughness

Mental toughness is about how effectively we deal with uncertainty, stress, and challenge. It is the mindset that we adopt in everything we do and contributes to qualities such as character, resilience, patience, and grit.

Research carried out under the direction of Professor Peter Clough has identified four key components of Mental Toughness.

CHALLENGE: embracing challenge as an opportunity.
CONFIDENCE: believing in one's ability.
COMMITMENT: being able to stick to tasks.
CONTROL: taking ownership of one's own destiny.

Mental Toughness is a ‘plastic’ personality trait, which means it is changeable and can be developed with practice.

Nothing helps strengthen our mental fitness more than an adventure into the unknown.

The mind is often what limits us most because it prioritizes what is known and what is safe. Every time we try something new, our mental fitness grows stronger and makes the next new task that much easier.

So whether we're hiking a new trail, learning a new language, or cooking a new cuisine, to overcome the resistance that is sure to rise in any new endeavor, it is essential that we stay focused on the task at hand with acceptance of the initial discomfort.

When we encounter uncertainty on our adventure, we will have two choices (1) give up, or (2) carry on.

When we decide to carry on in the face of adversity, we develop the mental strength necessary to put our best foot forward. And just like that, our mental muscles flex and grow!