Breaking Through Barriers: Mental fitness factors to overcome life’s challenges
Mental fitness improves everything in every aspect of our life
A Mental Fitness Practice (MFP) isn't just an approach; it's a holistic, integrative, scientifically-backed odyssey, refined through relentless life experimentation
It beckons the question: Is there any facet of life that wouldn't gleam brighter if you could harness these benefits.
Mental Fitness, Recovery and Elevation: Same Same but Different
“Health” and “illness” are the two most common words which follow “mental”.
Why?
Prevention often overshadowed by the allure of immediate gratification, we take notice when it needs fixing.
To me, the distinction is clear: "Mental Health" means remedial action, a reactive stance. In contrast, an MFP fitness champions a proactive ethos, akin to a mind's gymnasium, fortifying against life's inevitable trials.
I first applied mental fitness principles to lift my game back up to my baseline. But by continuing the techniques and building an MFP, through day-to-day study and lived experience was how I begin to optimise my game.
What with the challenges that my mental fitness practice help me achieve?
From mastering fatherhood alongside entrepreneurial ventures to enhancing endurance in grueling Spartan races, the application of mental fitness has been transformative.
Helping others find their path lead to me becoming a Mental Fitness Coach
The Reason has to be STRONG – the Power of “Our Why”
"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Viktor Frankl's narrative in "Man’s Search for Meaning" transcends survival; it's an ode to the boundless potential within each of us. It turns almost every issue we face in modern life into something akin to “Daddy, Daddy, my pony isn’t fast enough”.
“…. suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.” - Viktor Frankl
Our “why” – the reason we are willing to put in the hard yards to elevate ourselves, achieve new highs, needs to be bullet proof to get us through and restart us when we cant be arsed.
It's the bedrock that sustains us through the rigors of daily excellence, be it trading Netflix for study or donuts for hill sprints.
As the Mayo Clinic puts it, our daily triumphs and lessons from the past pave the path to fulfillment. Mayo Clinic advises, "Purpose and success are found in daily achievements and learning from the past."
Bridging Epochs: Ancient Wisdom or Modern Science ? BOTH!
"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." - Lao Tzu
My mental fitness journey commenced long before delving into the scientific. Stoicism, which is at the heart of most western psychology (and morals, beliefs….religions?) resonated and gave meaning to moments.
When my daughter needed reading practice, every morning at breakfast we did a “Daily Stoic”. It had more depth than Jack and Jill. As my father lay unconscious in palliative care, I read him “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius.
These great figures from Millenia ago struggling with the same challenges we face today gives a sense of shared struggle, the understanding we are all human at the core.
Too much science? Read Stoicism, Buddhism and Japanese martial arts law. Use it to learn more about you.
Stress and Behaviour Change
"It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it." - Hans Selye
We need some stress in our life, without it, we wouldn’t get out of bed.
Chronic stress undermines self-efficacy and motivation, degrading our bodies and our brains. The challenge today is the continual “extreme stress responses” simulated through living in the modern world which ultimately, decrease our health span and reduce the quality of life.
So the right response? Start with awareness, strength follows.
But to finish, you have to be ready to challenge your beliefs
Unlocking success through hard work
Psychological Flexibility: “I’m open to New ideas even though this one is OK”
"The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists." - Japanese Proverb
Optimization isn't merely about correcting what's broken; it's about enhancing what already works. Embodying a "Kaizen Mindset" encourages continuous improvement, even in the face of adversity.
Psychological flexibility, as highlighted by "Psychology Today," is about thriving amidst chaos, embracing life's challenges with open arms, thriving whilst the sh!tshow is going on around you.
“Accepting pain and living a meaningful life despite challenges encapsulates the essence of psychological flexibility, a core aspect of mental fitness.”
As an Executive coach in partnership with www.tec.com.au – our key phrase is “Could be even better if….”.
Optimisation begins with awareness – happens with action
Acknowledging our limitations is merely the opening act; transformation is catalyzed by action. The Transtheoretical Model of Change serves as a project roadmap on how we can elevate beyond our current situation and potential.
Building Mental Toughness: It’s a Muscle – Work it baby
“"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." – Marcus Aurelius
Mental fitness transcends physical boundaries, encompassing every facet of our being. There’s a tonne of quotes modern day quotes relating back to Marcus Aurelius
“"You must be willing to do what others won't if you want to accomplish what others don't" – Orrin Woodward
When I travel, this comes with me. The reminder – the thing I don’t want to do is the thing I most HAVE to do. Our individual path to greatness is paved with challenges we dare to overcome.
Success happens after we get back up.
"Fall seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese Proverb
According to PositivePsychology.com, inner excellence is achieved through self-mastery and overcoming mental blocks. The relentless pursuit of excellence, much like the unwavering determination of a karateka in pursuit of mastery, underscores the essence of mental fitness.
Stoic principles and Japanese psychology, particularly concepts from karate, emphasize the importance of perseverance, resilience, and mental discipline in overcoming life's challenges. These philosophies advocate for confronting difficulties with courage and mindfulness, embodying the spirit of continuous improvement and mastery over one's thoughts and actions.
"Resilience is like a muscle," says Andreas Michaelides. It is built over time through thoughts, actions, and behaviors that prepare us for any storm.
This echoes the Stoic belief in the power of enduring and growing from adversity.
Turn challenges into golden opportunities and withstand anything life throws your way.
What’s your next move?
Embracing mental fitness is about more than just tackling immediate challenges; it's a lifelong commitment to growth, resilience, and self-improvement.
That improvement can be on the sporting field, in the board room, at the front of the auditorium or in being a better dad. The way we do one thing, we do all things.
By integrating the key ideas and drawing inspiration from stoicism and Japanese psychology, we can elevate our “normal to extraordinary” , breaking through barriers to reach our full potential.