Grit, perseverance, resilience… What is mental toughness and why is it important at work? We know it when we see it but it’s very hard to define. We typically think of athletes who just refuse to give up but the same kind of mental toughness can be seen in CEO’s and those in high position roles. If you think you’re lacking in the mental fortitude don’t stress, studies say that it’s a trait that can be learned. Mental toughness includes keeping cool under pressure, staying strong in your self-belief, motivating yourself and maintaining focus on what matters. According to Paul Lyons, founder of Mental Toughness Partners, the 4 C’s are key to having mental toughness.
1. Control: this is rooted in self-esteem and stems from keeping control over your emotions
2. Commitment: effectively set goals and achieve them consistently
3. Challenge: adaptability and seeing challenges as opportunities to learn something
4. Confidence: how much do you believe in yourself?
So, if you find yourself having trouble with some of these how can you improve in those areas? Here are some ways to improve on your mental toughness at work and in life.
1. Focus on the long term
2. Seek constructive feedback
3. Find meaning in challenges in your work life
4. Consistency
Mental grit can be built through small actions every day. It can mean just delivering work early for 4 weeks in a row. It can be adapting to professional challenges while remaining cool under the pressure of a pressing deadline. Remember, motivation is fickle. Determination is where it’s at and this is how you will create consistency in your professional life. It’s by sticking to that routine despite how you may feel. It’s through jumping right back on the wagon if you fall off. It’s not that those who are mentally tough are that way because they choose the easy route. Chances are they’ve taken the harder road in order to grow exponentially.
