Have you seen Amy Morin’s list of 13 things mentally strong people don’t do? The list began as an article, became a viral blog post, and is now a published book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, And Train Your Brain for Happiness & Success (William Morrow, 2014). Amy’s list includes the following:
1) They don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves
2) They don’t give away their power
3) They don’t shy away from change
4) They don’t focus on things they can’t control
5) They don’t worry about pleasing everyone
6) They don’t fear taking calculated risks
7) They don’t dwell on the past
8) They don’t make the same mistakes over and over
9) They don’t resent other people’s success
10) They don’t give up after the first failure
11) They don’t fear alone time
12) They don’t feel the world owes them anything
13) They don’t expect immediate results
Amy elaborates on each of these strategies in her book through sharing stories, psychological research, and practical steps to improve your ability to implement them. Most of us struggle in some of these areas more than others. Are you wondering how to increase your resilience when facing challenging times in your life? Amy’s book will provide you with effective strategies & ideas to increase your capacity to engage in positive and productive thoughts, feelings, & behaviors during times of stress.
Of course, it takes a lot of work to develop new habits, especially when you’re in the midst of a life crisis. Please feel free to call me or a psychotherapist nearby to assist you on your personal growth journey.
~ Lynn Gullickson Spencer, MA, LCPC