What comes to your mind when you think about being strong? Is it mental or emotional strength? For example, when it comes to being mentally strong, your mind may go to crossing off everything on a long to-do list or conquering every single challenge that comes your way.<\/p>\n
While nailing your to-do list is an accomplishment, small steps are what get you through the daily grind. Building these small steps or better habits is part of the solution, but it\u2019s not the whole story.<\/p>\n
Our culture and society also put pressure on us<\/a> to be \u201cstrong.\u201d But the truth is that it takes confidence\u2014our belief in ourselves and our ability to move in the direction we want to go\u2014and resilience, our ability to bounce back from setbacks, to put us on the road to being and staying strong.<\/p>\n Our society tells us we need clear goals to thrive. We get the message that failure is not an option. But, we can\u2019t always win, and sometimes we do<\/em> fail<\/a>.<\/p>\n Failure can lead to feelings of shame, or to us putting on a mask so everyone thinks we\u2019re capable and strong. But we all fail at times. And failure can be a chance to learn, grow, and become stronger.<\/p>\n If you Google strength<\/em>, you get lists of things you should do. Be fearless, be positive, be happy, exercise, eat healthy, make clear goals. <\/em>We\u2019re constantly bombarded with tips, tricks, and routines from trainers, life coaches, influencers, and more that should make our lives easier. It\u2019s overwhelming!\u00a0 And happiness is held up as the greatest achievement, but constant happiness is not real life!<\/p>\n You make up the rules for yourself as to what strength means, not society. It\u2019s a win to make small steps when coming out of a difficult spot.\u00a0 Each step matters. It\u2019s all about you and what makes you feel strong.<\/p>\n Your self-assurance or confidence comes from an appreciation of your abilities and qualities.\u00a0 And strength is putting confidence into action.\u00a0 Saying “I can do it!\u201d<\/em> moves you in the direction of where you want to go and what you want for yourself.\u00a0 Your ability to follow through shows self-trust in the decisions you make.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not about winning every time. Acknowledging that you tried your best and did what was right for you is what\u2019s important.<\/p>\n Confidence is not putting yourself down and giving in to negative thoughts<\/a>. Challenge and question these thoughts. How do you do this? This could look like turning, \u201cI can\u2019t do that. I\u2019m strong enough or good enough<\/em>,\u201d into, \u201cI give my best, and my best is good enough. I\u2019ll get there one day at a time<\/em>.\u201d It takes confidence to create and build better habits.\u00a0 Choose to fight back against these negative thoughts and reframe them.<\/p>\n Seeing missed opportunities as positive learning experiences<\/a> helps you turn things around.\u00a0 Practicing radical acceptance<\/a> allows you to say \u201cstop\u201d to negativity and move forward. Building confidence in yourself allows you to take control over situations and accept reality<\/a>. It takes time, but it is doable.<\/p>\n The ability to come back better and stronger after difficulties doesn\u2019t happen overnight. It takes time and healing<\/a>. Through those experiences and healing, you learn more about yourself and the strengths and qualities that make you, you<\/em>. You\u2019ll feel more in control each time you go through a challenge and come out the other end with more strength.<\/p>\n Though resilience is built over time, there are ways that you can start today working on your ability to bounce back after a setback.<\/p>\n The brain is a muscle that grows stronger when used.\u00a0 The term \u201cmuscle memory\u201d is used to describe how the brain and body recover.\u00a0 Neuroscientists say the resilient brain is healthier. [1] So, every time we go through an obstacle and come back from it, we become stronger. That\u2019s good news for you!<\/p>\n You\u2019re on the road to becoming a strong person.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re a powerhouse 24\/7.\u00a0 Society might want to sell you on the idea that you\u2019re a superhuman, but you don\u2019t have to buy into that. You develop your strength by being kind to yourself and building your confidence and resilience. Do \u201cyou\u201d on your own terms. You decide what it means to be strong and how strong you want to be.<\/p>\n Show References<\/a><\/p>\n What comes to your mind when you think about being strong? Is it mental or emotional strength? For example, when it comes to being mentally strong, your mind may go to crossing off everything on a long to-do list or conquering every single challenge that comes your way. While nailing your to-do list is an … <\/p>\nThe pressure society puts on us<\/h2>\n
Confidence in yourself\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Resilience and recovery\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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