In a world where speed and convenience have become the norm, it’s no wonder that instant gratification and impulsivity are increasingly common. Whether it’s the lure of quick fixes, the desire for immediate pleasure, or the need for instant results, the pitfalls of these behaviors can be significant. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers of instant gratification and impulsivity and offer strategies for finding a healthier balance.

Instant Gratification: The Quick High That Often Leads to Long-Term Lows

Instant gratification refers to the desire for immediate pleasure or satisfaction, often at the expense of long-term goals and well-being. It can manifest in various ways, from indulging in unhealthy foods to compulsive online shopping, and even impulsive decision-making. Here are some of the pitfalls of instant gratification:

1. Impaired Decision-Making: The rush of endorphins from instantly satisfying a desire can cloud judgment, leading to impulsive choices that may not be in your best interest. It can be a recipe for poor financial decisions, unhealthy relationships, or hasty career moves.
2. Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Pain: Prioritizing short-term pleasure can have long-term consequences. For instance, neglecting your health by consistently opting for sugary, processed foods can lead to chronic health problems down the line.
3. Depletion of Resources: Quick fixes can deplete your financial resources. Regularly indulging in instant gratification can lead to overspending, debt, and financial stress.
4. Difficulty in Delayed Gratification: Constantly seeking instant pleasure can erode your ability to delay gratification. This skill is essential for achieving long-term goals, as it involves making sacrifices today for a better tomorrow.

Impulsivity: The Rush to Action Without Thought

Impulsivity is closely related to instant gratification but focuses on the tendency to act on impulse without thinking through the consequences. It often stems from a desire for quick results and can lead to a range of problems:

1. Regret and Guilt: Impulsive decisions can lead to feelings of regret and guilt. You might find yourself questioning why you made a hasty choice when you knew better.
2. Relationship Strain: Impulsivity can strain personal relationships. Saying something without thinking, making snap judgments, or acting impulsively in emotional situations can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
3. Missed Opportunities: Acting on impulse can cause you to miss out on valuable opportunities because you didn’t take the time to weigh the pros and cons or make a well-informed decision.
4. Increased Stress and Anxiety: The consequences of impulsive actions often result in increased stress and anxiety. It’s challenging to find peace of mind when you’re constantly dealing with the fallout of hasty decisions.

Finding a Healthier Balance

Recognizing the pitfalls of instant gratification and impulsivity is the first step toward a healthier, more intentional way of living. Here are some strategies to help you strike a balance:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves staying present and aware of your thoughts and emotions. It can help you pause before acting on impulse and make more thoughtful choices.
2. Set Goals and Prioritize: Establish clear, long-term goals and prioritize them over short-term pleasures. Having a vision for the future can help you make better decisions.
3. Create Accountability: Share your goals and intentions with a trusted friend or family member who can help keep you on track and provide support when temptation strikes.
4. Develop Delayed Gratification: Practice delaying gratification by occasionally choosing the harder, but more rewarding, path. Small successes in this area can build your ability to resist instant gratification.
5. Seek Professional Help: If impulsive behavior is a constant struggle, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in impulsive behaviors and self-control.

In conclusion, the pitfalls of instant gratification and impulsivity are real and can affect various aspects of your life. However, with self-awareness, mindfulness, and deliberate effort, you can find a healthier balance that allows you to enjoy life’s pleasures without sacrificing your long-term well-being and goals.

Mistakes are an inevitable part of the human experience. We all make errors, misjudgments, and poor choices at some point in our lives. However, it is how we respond to these mistakes, and the process of forgiveness and grace, that truly defines our character and personal growth. Learning to forgive ourselves is often a more challenging endeavor than forgiving others, but it is an essential step towards personal healing and growth.

Forgiveness, in its most profound sense, is not just an external act but an internal transformation. It involves letting go of anger, resentment, and self-condemnation, and replacing them with understanding, compassion, and self-love. To understand the process of forgiving oneself, one must first recognize the power of mistakes and the role they play in shaping our lives.

Mistakes are the stepping stones of progress. They offer valuable opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and personal development. Without mistakes, we would never learn, evolve, or become better versions of ourselves. Every error we make is a lesson waiting to be learned, a chance to refine our understanding and choices. However, in the midst of making mistakes, it can be easy to forget this and instead focus on the guilt, shame, and regret that often accompanies them.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool for breaking free from the emotional chains of guilt and shame. It allows us to release the negative emotions tied to our past mistakes and move forward. When we forgive ourselves, we grant ourselves permission to heal and grow. We recognize that, as humans, we are fallible and that making mistakes is part of our shared human experience. This understanding opens the door to personal transformation and self-compassion.

Forgiving oneself is a process, not an event. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and time. Here are some steps to help you navigate the path to self-forgiveness:

1. Acknowledge the Mistake: The first step in forgiving yourself is to honestly acknowledge the mistake you made. This is an essential part of taking responsibility for your actions and their consequences. Avoiding or denying your mistakes will only prolong the process of forgiveness.
2. Understand the Lesson: Reflect on what led to the mistake and what you can learn from it. Mistakes often provide valuable insights into our behaviors, values, and desires. Embrace these lessons as opportunities for personal growth.
3. Accept Your Humanity: Remind yourself that you are human, and humans are inherently imperfect. Mistakes are a natural part of the human experience. Accepting this fact can ease the burden of self-blame and shame.
4. Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same compassion and kindness that you would offer a friend who made a mistake. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself in a gentle and understanding manner.
5. Make Amends: If possible, make amends for your mistake. Apologize to those you may have hurt or take actions to rectify the situation. Taking responsibility and making amends can help in the process of forgiveness.
6. Release Negative Emotions: Let go of negative emotions such as guilt and shame. These emotions can be self-destructive and hinder personal growth. Understand that you are not defined by your past mistakes; you are defined by how you choose to respond to them.
7. Embrace Grace: Grace is the divine or spiritual aspect of forgiveness. It involves recognizing that you are worthy of forgiveness and love, despite your imperfections. Embracing grace means forgiving yourself as a whole person, not just for specific actions.
8. Practice Self-Care: Engage in self-care activities that promote emotional well-being. This may include meditation, therapy, exercise, or spending time with loved ones who support your journey to self-forgiveness.
9. Set New Intentions: After forgiving yourself, set new intentions for your life. Use the lessons from your mistakes to guide your future choices and actions. This forward-looking approach can be a source of motivation and growth.
10. Patience and Persistence: Self-forgiveness is not always immediate. It may take time, and you may encounter setbacks along the way. Be patient with yourself and persist in your efforts to let go of the past.

In the process of forgiving yourself, it is important to remember that you are not that person anymore. You have grown, evolved, and learned from your mistakes. The person who made those errors is not the same as the person you have become through self-awareness and personal growth.

Forgiving oneself is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing practice. It requires nurturing a sense of self-worth and self-acceptance. By forgiving yourself, you open the door to a brighter, more compassionate, and empowered future. It is a journey that leads to a more profound understanding of your humanity and the grace that is inherent in the act of forgiving.

Introduction: As we journey through life, age brings with it a wealth of experience and wisdom. However, it can also present physical challenges that might make the idea of self-defense seem daunting, especially for those over the age of 40. But don’t be mistaken – self-defense is not solely about brute force and agility. It’s about leveraging your strengths, adapting techniques, and cultivating a mindset that empowers you to protect yourself effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore how people over 40 can embrace self-defense while acknowledging and working around their physical limitations.

1. Embrace Your Strengths: Self-defense is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you can do exceptionally well. Age brings a deeper understanding of your body and its capabilities. Leverage your life experiences and wisdom to your advantage – it’s your unique strengths that will form the core of your self-defense strategy.
2. Prioritize Mobility and Flexibility: While you may not move as swiftly as you used to, prioritizing mobility and flexibility can significantly enhance your self-defense capabilities. Regular stretching routines and exercises designed to improve joint mobility can aid in maintaining range of motion, allowing you to adapt more effectively during a confrontation.
3. Learn Practical Techniques: Self-defense techniques should be tailored to your individual abilities. Enroll in classes that offer techniques suited for people with varying levels of physical fitness. These classes often emphasize leverage, balance, and technique over brute force, making them accessible to individuals of all ages.
4. Master Situational Awareness: One of the most powerful tools in self-defense is situational awareness. Being alert and attuned to your surroundings can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations altogether. This awareness buys you time to assess and respond appropriately, regardless of your physical limitations.
5. Focus on Effective Strikes: Rather than relying solely on complicated techniques, focus on mastering a few effective strikes. Simple yet powerful strikes to vulnerable areas such as the eyes, nose, throat, and groin can provide an effective means of defense.
6. Practice Mental Preparedness: Physical strength is only one aspect of self-defense – mental preparedness is equally vital. Cultivate a strong mindset, empowering yourself with confidence and the knowledge that you are capable of protecting yourself, regardless of age.

Conclusion: Age is not a barrier to self-defense; it’s an opportunity to harness your unique strengths and adapt techniques to suit your physical limitations. Empower yourself with knowledge, confidence, and a well-rounded approach to self-defense that takes into account your life experiences. By embracing your strengths and cultivating a proactive mindset, you can effectively defend yourself and live life to the fullest, regardless of age.

Remember, the goal of self-defense is not to engage in physical altercations, but to ensure your safety and well-being. Consult with professionals who specialize in self-defense for people with physical limitations to create a personalized plan that works best for you.

In a world full of Debbie Downers and the Poor Little Ole Me Crowd, strive for the Positive Powerhouse you were created to be.

Introducing the “Positive Powerhouse” – individuals who radiate optimism, embrace challenges, and inspire others with their unwavering positivity. These vibrant souls light up every room they enter, infusing life with energy, enthusiasm, and a can-do attitude.

They see obstacles as opportunities and setbacks as stepping stones towards growth. With a perpetual smile and an uplifting spirit, they spread infectious joy, turning mundane moments into memorable experiences. Their zest for life is contagious, sparking a chain reaction of positivity that transforms not only their own lives but also those around them.

In the face of adversity, a “Positive Powerhouse” remains undeterred, transforming setbacks into stories of triumph. They tackle challenges head-on, armed with an unshakable belief that they can overcome anything. Through their perseverance, they prove that a positive mindset can turn dreams into reality.

The “Positive Powerhouse” doesn’t merely avoid negativity; they actively cultivate positivity. They understand that every thought, action, and word carries the power to shape reality. With unwavering determination, they choose to see the silver lining, finding beauty even in the midst of chaos.

Their optimism isn’t blind; it’s a conscious choice. They acknowledge the existence of hardships but refuse to let them define their outlook. They choose to uplift, inspire, and create a ripple effect of positivity wherever they go.

In a world sometimes clouded by pessimism, the “Positive Powerhouse” stands as a beacon of hope. They remind us that each day is a canvas waiting for strokes of positivity, and each setback is a chance to rewrite the narrative. So let’s embrace their spirit, amplify their energy, and become architects of a brighter world, one positive thought at a time.

Stay positive and keep spreading good vibes!

6 greatest fighters – It is difficult to definitively say who the “greatest fighters of all time” are, as this can be highly subjective and will depend on the criteria used to define “greatness.” Here are six fighters who have achieved significant success and are often considered among the greatest in their respective fields:

1. Muhammad Ali: Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Ali was known for his quick footwork and hand speed, as well as his ability to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He won 56 of his 61 professional fights, including 37 by knockout.
2. Bruce Lee: Lee is considered one of the most influential martial artists of all time and is credited with helping to popularize martial arts in the West. He was known for his impressive physical speed and strength, as well as his innovative techniques and philosophies.
3. Mike Tyson: Tyson was a dominant force in the world of boxing in the 1980s and 1990s, and is known for his aggressive style and powerful punches. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20.
4. Anderson Silva: Silva is a former mixed martial artist and is considered one of the greatest fighters in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He holds the record for the longest winning streak in the UFC and is known for his impressive striking ability and athleticism.
5. Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Mayweather is a retired professional boxer who is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. He is known for his defensive skills and undefeated record, with 50 wins and zero losses.
6. Georges St-Pierre: St-Pierre is a retired mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight Champion. He is known for his well-rounded skills and dominant wrestling ability, and is considered one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport.

The other day I was reading a very interesting article concerning a shark attack that occurred way back in 1916. It played off along the North East coast of the U.S. and concerned a great white shark that had been terrorizing the New Jersey beaches.

Now everybody knows and accepts that a shark is a creature of the sea and needs salty water to survive. Therefore nobody thought that a shark may attack them in freshwater, but that is exactly what happened later that year.

This particular shark remained close to the shore and eventually swam up a river stream around Raritan Bay, attacking a couple of bathers upstream.

Shortly before the attacks occurred, a retired Sea captain, by the name of Thomas Cottrell saw this shark swimming upstream while crossing a bridge. He couldn’t believe his eyes, but nevertheless got into his boat and raised the alarm. Not surprisingly nobody believed him. “A shark in a river? C’mon, get real, It’s not possible.”

But you know what? As incredible as it seemed there was a shark in the river and all those who didn’t heed the warnings were in danger of being attacked.

Eventually this shark killed two people. The first victim was a teenager who may or may not have heard Cottrell’s warning. Shortly after this attack another man jumped in the water to look for the victim, even though he was told there is a shark in the water. He too was attacked and died from a severe loss of blood.

While reading this I couldn’t help thinking about September 11 and see the parallels between these two stories.

When asked by the U.S. Congress and the media, why “clues” which should have been picked up were disregarded, the heads of the FBI and CIA as well as members of the Bush administration replied, “We didn’t think they would use airplanes as missiles.”

Had the FBI and CIA believed that something like what happened on 9/11 was possible they might have put measures into place which would likely have prevented this from happening. But they didn’t, even though the hijackers left dozens of “clues.”

Similarly if the swimmers at the US East Coast had believed Captain Cottrell when he told them there was a shark in the river, chances are that nobody would have been killed by this shark on that day.

But because they believed it is “impossible” for a shark to be found in freshwater they disregarded the warning altogether, just as the US law enforcement agencies did, resulting in many paying with their lives.

On the other hand there are human beings who overcame extraordinary odds and accomplished great feats. Every day we hear stories of people who were told by the so-called “experts” they didn’t have what it took, yet made it regardless.

The lesson here is that anything is possible, both the good and the bad. By believing or not believing in something doesn’t mean you will not be affected by whatever happens. But it means that based on what you believe, you may take some action which may save you from something terrible or may get you out of a terrible situation.

There are many of us who are in terrible situations, including poverty, unhappiness, debt, etc. Those of us who have changed their situation, did it because they believed they could make it.

Those who don’t obviously don’t believe that they can change their situation otherwise they would have done something about it, right?

How many opportunities have you missed just because you thought it wouldn’t work or wasn’t possible. Just think what you could do if you believed that you could do anything, even realize your dreams?

What great talent do you have which you have done nothing about, because you probably believed you can’t do it.

I hope to have shown you through this short article that anything is possible. And that by just believing, “I Can,” your battle is already half-won.

Practice Mindfulness

Using mindfulness to build focus is probably one of the best techniques. The key step involved is to sit in a quiet place and take a deep breathe in. After that, you are required to hold your breath for a few seconds and then exhale. It is during this pause that you need to bring your mind back to the thing that it needs to be on.

Your mind tends to drift away every once in a while because the lifespan of human concentration is merely 8 seconds. It is due to this reason that you need to make this exercise a habit so that you can benefit from it. It also serves as a reliever of stress and can rid the body of any negative energy. Once you harbour positive energy in the body and you shift your brain’s function to one task, your focus will automatically improve.

Since we are all creatures of habit, integrating the right habits into your workday will help immensely. Once something becomes a habit, it also becomes easy. If focusing becomes a habit, it will come to you naturally and will let you have multiple benefits on a daily basis.

Why Self-Confidence Matters

It often seems that confidence is elusive, like a smoky mirage. Sometimes, it feels magical and wonderful; other times it can be frustrating.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret: you can build up your self-confidence without having to resort to any crystal. ‘How?’ you ask.

It’s simple.

Start by recognizing that confidence is a skill you can learn. You set a goal and take small steps each day to work towards it.

Keep reading to find out more about self-confidence and why it matters.

What Is Self-Confidence?

Self-confidence isn’t tangible. You can’t touch it and say, “This is confidence.”

It’s something we get a feeling for when we, or others, have it.

Likewise, we can recognize when someone lacks it. Even when they try to attempt to compensate for it, we sense it and feel bad for them.

The good news is that self-confidence is a soft skill, which means you can learn it and apply it to your daily life. It’s not fixed, like your height for example. It’s mainly based on your mindset and the actions you do to follow through.

You can boost your confidence and self-esteem by trusting your abilities. Seeing yourself succeed in your mind is the first step in making better decisions. Then, when your decisions make your life better, your confidence gets a nice little boost. And round and round it goes.

Bear in mind that confidence is infectious. Even though we can’t see it, we still sense other people’s confidence levels in the way they behave and speak.

When someone is confident, they exude excitement and energy. You’re motivated to work hard and feel that same energy.

The downside is it goes both ways. When one person lacks confidence, it can deflate everyone around them. They just get the sense that there’s no point in trying.

Why Does Self-Confidence Matter?

There are different reasons why being confident can improve your life. Below, you’ll find a few examples of how it can make you a happier, more fulfilled individual.

Allows You to Take Positive Risks

We all need confidence to bring balance and a sense of direction in our lives. Making a conscious decision to develop your confidence will allow you to take positive risks. It gets you out of your comfort zone and puts you on the path to success.

The trick is understanding your own strength. You have to believe that you can master whatever skill you’re striving towards. Yes, it’ll be weird and difficult in the beginning. Yes, you’ll make mistakes along the way. So what?

That’s what life is about. This is what boosts your self-esteem and makes you better at everything you do.

Empowers You to Embrace Your Failures

We all make mistakes. We all fail and meet obstacles in our lives.

The key is to understand that failures are a necessary part of progress. Read that again and really take it in.

Often, we feel that when we fail, it’s the end of the journey. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

To fully embrace your failures, you have to think of them as detours. When you’re forced to change lanes or take a detour that doesn’t mean the entire journey is over. It just means you’re taking a different path, but you’ll get there eventually.

Now, why do some people succeed after failing and others don’t? Those who manage to learn from their mistakes. They go over what went wrong and find a way to fix it.

In other words, they use their failures to their advantage. They use them to prop them up and give them the push they need to keep going on their path.

Let’s take a second to think about Thomas Edison and Michael Jordan. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of these two names? Success? Fame? Glory? All of the above?

How about failure? You’re probably saying to yourself, ‘These are two of the most prominent members of society. They haven’t failed.’

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but they have—many times, in fact. Yet, they’re smart enough to use their failures as stepping stones to aim higher and work harder. Imagine our much our lives would have been impacted if these two men had given up every time they failed!

One of Edison’s quotes about refining the light bulb is, “I haven’t failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Enables You To Trust Yourself

Many times, we can be our own worst enemies. We critique every move, every word, and every thought over and over again.

In moderation, it can be a great incentive to do better. Although, this only works if we treat ourselves with the same kindness and empathy, we show others. Sadly, it doesn’t happen very often.

The best way to break out of that negative self-talk is to have faith in yourself. Have faith in your decisions. Even if you made mistakes in the past, that doesn’t necessitate future failures.

Own up to your bad decision, embrace it, and move on. That’s now part of your DNA; it’s helping shape a stronger, more resilient person.

Imagine it being part of your arsenal or a superpower. Now, you’ve turned your mistake into something that can make you more resilient and less anxious.

A Final Note

Self-confidence is an integral part of who you are. Understanding why it matters can mean the difference being happy and being miserable.

Having that self-assurance can help boost your relationships and career. You’ll also be able to inspire others to become happier, more fulfilled individuals.

Why Self-Confidence Matters

It often seems that confidence is elusive, like a smoky mirage. Sometimes, it feels magical and wonderful; other times it can be frustrating.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret: you can build up your self-confidence without having to resort to any crystal. ‘How?’ you ask.

It’s simple.

Start by recognizing that confidence is a skill you can learn. You set a goal and take small steps each day to work towards it.

Keep reading to find out more about self-confidence and why it matters.

What Is Self-Confidence?

Self-confidence isn’t tangible. You can’t touch it and say, “This is confidence.”

It’s something we get a feeling for when we, or others, have it.

Likewise, we can recognize when someone lacks it. Even when they try to attempt to compensate for it, we sense it and feel bad for them.

The good news is that self-confidence is a soft skill, which means you can learn it and apply it to your daily life. It’s not fixed, like your height for example. It’s mainly based on your mindset and the actions you do to follow through.

You can boost your confidence and self-esteem by trusting your abilities. Seeing yourself succeed in your mind is the first step in making better decisions. Then, when your decisions make your life better, your confidence gets a nice little boost. And round and round it goes.

Bear in mind that confidence is infectious. Even though we can’t see it, we still sense other people’s confidence levels in the way they behave and speak.

When someone is confident, they exude excitement and energy. You’re motivated to work hard and feel that same energy.

The downside is it goes both ways. When one person lacks confidence, it can deflate everyone around them. They just get the sense that there’s no point in trying.

Why Does Self-Confidence Matter?

There are different reasons why being confident can improve your life. Below, you’ll find a few examples of how it can make you a happier, more fulfilled individual.

Allows You to Take Positive Risks

We all need confidence to bring balance and a sense of direction in our lives. Making a conscious decision to develop your confidence will allow you to take positive risks. It gets you out of your comfort zone and puts you on the path to success.

The trick is understanding your own strength. You have to believe that you can master whatever skill you’re striving towards. Yes, it’ll be weird and difficult in the beginning. Yes, you’ll make mistakes along the way. So what?

That’s what life is about. This is what boosts your self-esteem and makes you better at everything you do.

Empowers You to Embrace Your Failures

We all make mistakes. We all fail and meet obstacles in our lives.

The key is to understand that failures are a necessary part of progress. Read that again and really take it in.

Often, we feel that when we fail, it’s the end of the journey. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

To fully embrace your failures, you have to think of them as detours. When you’re forced to change lanes or take a detour that doesn’t mean the entire journey is over. It just means you’re taking a different path, but you’ll get there eventually.

Now, why do some people succeed after failing and others don’t? Those who manage to learn from their mistakes. They go over what went wrong and find a way to fix it.

In other words, they use their failures to their advantage. They use them to prop them up and give them the push they need to keep going on their path.

Let’s take a second to think about Thomas Edison and Michael Jordan. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of these two names? Success? Fame? Glory? All of the above?

How about failure? You’re probably saying to yourself, ‘These are two of the most prominent members of society. They haven’t failed.’

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but they have—many times, in fact. Yet, they’re smart enough to use their failures as stepping stones to aim higher and work harder. Imagine our much our lives would have been impacted if these two men had given up every time they failed!

One of Edison’s quotes about refining the light bulb is, “I haven’t failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Enables You To Trust Yourself

Many times, we can be our own worst enemies. We critique every move, every word, and every thought over and over again.

In moderation, it can be a great incentive to do better. Although, this only works if we treat ourselves with the same kindness and empathy, we show others. Sadly, it doesn’t happen very often.

The best way to break out of that negative self-talk is to have faith in yourself. Have faith in your decisions. Even if you made mistakes in the past, that doesn’t necessitate future failures.

Own up to your bad decision, embrace it, and move on. That’s now part of your DNA; it’s helping shape a stronger, more resilient person.

Imagine it being part of your arsenal or a superpower. Now, you’ve turned your mistake into something that can make you more resilient and less anxious.

A Final Note

Self-confidence is an integral part of who you are. Understanding why it matters can mean the difference being happy and being miserable.

Having that self-assurance can help boost your relationships and career. You’ll also be able to inspire others to become happier, more fulfilled individuals.

Mental Toughnes

   Think you’re tough? Think you’ve got what it takes to be a street warrior? While you may the physical strength and skills to match, mental toughness can often be something that eludes many individuals.

Mental toughness is having the natural or developed psychological edge that enables you to:

1) Generally, cope better than your opponents with the many demands (competition, training, and lifestyle) that sport places on a performer; and,

2) Specifically, be more consistent and better than your opponents in remaining determined, focused, confident, and in control under pressure.

            Can you take insults without having to throw them back? Can you accept being shoved in the back without needing to turn around and pummel the guy who did it? Can you stand by and watch someone else save the day, steal the glory, or rescue the girl?

            Mental toughness is one of the most difficult psychological aspects to develop in any type of warfare, and being mentally tough doesn’t guarantee that things won’t get to you once in a while. You still are human and your emotions are what keep you from becoming an unfeeling machine.

            There are going to be losses. That is a guarantee. It might not happen today, or tomorrow, but eventually you’re going to experience loss. Everyone loses at something at one time or another. How you respond to those losses is what defines your mental toughness.