When you hear the word toughness, where does your mind automatically go?
I think of athletes, soldiers, mothers and all the other people that are required to be physically and mentally tough for their job, family or simply because they like the challenge.
These people step into a role that's greater than their current position requires. And that takes guts. It takes being tough. Taking on a new lifestyle or undergoing a large challenge will force you to act in new ways and test yourself.
Toughness is just like muscle in that it needs to be trained. You won't be tough after 1 challenging task, just like you wouldn't add muscle after 1 workout. It's the daily repetition, the testing and the failing over and over that makes you tough.
Think about the last game you played. You more than likely have come across a part of the map or level that's given you lots of trouble. Did you quit playing that game forever? Probably not. After a little break I imagine you turned the game back on and kept trying until you got it. You came after it from a new angle and it worked.
You were mentally tough and kept persisting. That skill can be applied to your health and fitness as well.
Failure is the first step to success. So the first challenge I present to you in building toughness is to try something new. Try something you've never done. It doesn't have to be life changing but it does have to be new and a little intimidating.
What are you challenging yourself with today?
Recent Intellect Articles
Floating through your fitness journey might feel safe, but it can quietly undo your greatest victories. Learn how to stay intentional and keep evolving.