Training and Mental Toughness: It All Starts in Your Head

Crew of The Endurance

Crew of The Endurance

 

“Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.”

-Ernest Shackleton

 

The quote above is a simple, yet profound, glimpse into the character of someone who has real mental toughness and a positive attitude. If you’ve never heard of Ernest Shackleton, then this sentiment probably won’t resonate with you. Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was an Irish born, polar explorer who led several Antarctic expeditions for the crown of England. His most notable voyage took place in 1914 when his ship, The Endurance, became trapped in pack ice floating off the coast. Shackleton and his crew were forced to abandon the ship and survive the ferocious elements, living off seals and penguins, until they could be rescued 20 months later. This incredible ordeal required extreme mental toughness.

Alright, let’s dig into these concepts some more. We’ll discuss them in more detail and learn how to develop and apply these traits.

 

Mental Toughness — What it is and isn’t:

Mental Toughness is defined in various ways. For our purposes, I define Mental Toughness as a strong and resilient state of mind that allows a person to overcome many obstacles, while remaining humble. To me, having a powerful Mental Toughness does not mean expressing chest-beating bravado. Carrying a strong inner confidence is one thing, being arrogant and cocky is something else. Nothing says “weakness” more than a person who puffs up his chest and puts others down. Fear and insecurity can lead to this behavior. The real badass in the room, won’t tell you he/she is.

 

Mental Toughness — Why it matters:

Your health, level of fitness, relationships, career, and life in general, are all greatly influenced by your own mind. I would argue that your mind is the most important factor – it sets the stage for everything else. The greatest athletes aren’t just the most gifted/talented, they also are the hardest working and most focused. We’ve all been stuck in a rut and/or hit training plateaus in our workout programs. Choosing to keep trying until you persevere only occurs with a strong mind. Is luck or circumstance a factor? Of course, but we are all personally responsible for choosing how we deal with our situations.

 

Mental Toughness — How to forge it:

Read and make things happen. Countless books and films have tried to showcase true Mental Toughness. We are shaped by our experiences and by our influences. Luckily, we can take steps to alter our environment. Seek out inspiration wherever you can and drop the negativity. I’m a huge fan of limiting news-media intake in favor of consuming audiobooks instead. I learn more and replenish my motivation when it wanes. Avoid pessimists, cynics, and negative people. Surround yourself with positive people who build you up. Now you’re primed for action.

The gym is one the best places to forge Mental Toughness.  This is because it is easy to discover where your limits are during intense workouts. Physical tests often are mental tests as well. In fact, most people hit their mental limits before reaching their physical ones. In either case, mental fortitude is built by forcing yourself to do things you don’t want to do. The old adage, “get comfortable being uncomfortable,” is excellent advice. Here are some ideas to challenge your comfort level:

  • Take cold showers
  • Go for 3 extra reps when you think you are close to your limit
  • Drink only water for a week or month
  • Fast from food for an entire day
  • Sign up for an event that scares you (e.g. Triathlon, Spartan Race, GORUCK Challenge) and do it!
  • Meditate for an hour without shifting position

 

Building Mental Toughness is well worth the effort. It will benefit you in every area of your life.

 

To Your Lasting Fitness,

Matt Supple

 

Resources:

Here are some excellent resources to help you on your journey to having more Mental Toughness and a positive and powerful attitude. I’m not affiliated with any of these organizations.

 

Books:

  • Spartan Up! by Joe Desena
  • The Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
  • Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine
  • Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
  • Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales

Events:

Websites & Other Resources: