13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin

In the realm of mental health, Amy Morin stands out as a beacon, offering profound insights into fortifying one's mental strength. This article aims to delve into Morin's teachings, specifically focusing on practical behaviours that contribute to building enduring mental resilience.

Don't Focus on What You Can't Control

Commencing our journey into the realms of mental strength, a fundamental lesson surfaces – acknowledging the limitations of control. Life's uncertainties are vast, and attempting to micromanage every aspect can be exhausting. Morin advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to redirect their time and energy towards aspects within their control. This shift becomes the bedrock for constructing robust mental strength.

Don't Waste Time Feeling Sorry For Yourselves

The pitfall of self-pity is a stumbling block to mental resilience. Morin emphasizes the importance of redirecting focus from what can't be changed to proactive coping mechanisms. Feeling sorry for oneself hampers progress, and Morin guides readers towards constructive strategies for facing life's challenges.

Don't Give Away Your Power

Empowerment is a cornerstone of mental strength. Giving away power to external factors diminishes one's resilience. Morin urges individuals to reclaim their power, fostering an internal locus of control that enables them to navigate life's twists with strength and poise.

Don't Shy Away from Change

Change is inevitable, and Morin champions the idea of embracing it. Rather than fearing change, mentally strong individuals adapt and grow through life's transitions. This adaptive mindset not only builds resilience but also opens doors to new opportunities.

Don't Worry About Pleasing People

The inclination towards people-pleasing can hinder mental strength.

Recognising signs of a people pleaser

  • you feel responsible for how other people feel.
  • the thought of anyone being mad at you causes you to feel uncomfortable
  • you tend to be a "pushover"
  • you find it easier tp agree with people rather than ex-press a contrary opinion
  • you often apologize even when you don't think you did anything wrong
  • you go to great lengths to avoid conflict
  • you don't usually tell people when you're feeling offended or your feelings are hurt
  • you tend to say yes when people ask you for favors, even if you really don't want to do something
  • you change your behavior based on what you think other people want
  • you put a lot of energy into trying to impress people
  • if you hosted a party and people didn't seem to be enjoying themselves, you'd feel responsible.

Don't Fear Taking Calculated Risks

Taking calculated risks is integral to personal growth. Morin encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones, emphasizing that calculated risks contribute to building mental strength. This mindset cultivates courage and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Don't Keep Dwelling on The Past

Dwelling on past mistakes or hardships impedes mental well-being. Morin advocates for the importance of letting go and moving forward. Releasing the shackles of the past frees up mental space for positive growth and resilience.

Don't Repeat The Same Mistakes

Learning from mistakes is a hallmark of mental strength. Morin guides individuals to reflect on past errors, extract valuable lessons, and apply newfound wisdom to future endeavors. This adaptive approach prevents the repetition of detrimental patterns.

Don't Resent Other People's Success

Feelings of resentment can erode mental strength. Morin prompts individuals to celebrate others' successes rather than harboring negativity. Cultivating a mindset of positivity and support enhances personal well-being and resilience.

Don't Give Up After a Failure

Failure is not a dead-end but a stepping stone to success. Morin reframes the narrative around failure, encouraging individuals to view it as a valuable learning experience. Resilience is built not in avoiding failure but in bouncing back from it.

Don't Fear Alone Time

Embracing solitude is a strength, not a weakness. Morin highlights the importance of spending time alone to reflect, recharge, and strengthen one's mental resilience. Alone time becomes a source of self-discovery and inner fortitude.

Don't Expect Immediate Results

Patience is a virtue in the realm of mental strength. Morin underscores the significance of persistence and perseverance, urging individuals to understand that enduring results often require time and effort. Immediate gratification may be fleeting, but lasting success is worth the wait.

Don't Self-Pity as a Coping Mechanism

While self-pity might initially provide solace, Morin guides us to recognise its limitations as a sustainable coping mechanism. The article encourages readers to explore healthier alternatives, steering away from the pitfalls of self-pity towards constructive strategies for coping with life's challenges.

Don't Playing the 'Poor Me' Card

A common thread intertwined with self-pity is the fear of rejection. Morin's teachings unveil this connection, offering strategies to build resilience against the sting of rejection. Understanding rejection as a natural part of life empowers individuals to face it with strength rather than succumbing to self-pity.

Conclusion

In essence, embodying the traits of mentally strong individuals involves focusing on the controllable, influencing positively, and liberating oneself from the clutches of people-pleasing and self-pity. Morin's principles, when embraced, pave the way for a more enriching and resilient life.