MENTORS & THE KEY TO "MENTAL FORTITUDE"

It’s an understatement to say that “we are living in interesting times”. Frankly, I think people are tired of hearing about what we can’t control—instead, let’s focus on techniques we can employ to feel empowered in such “interesting times”.

Mental strength is extremely important to overall success and is a precursor to how you handle stress. Obviously, the physical toll and social/economic consequences of COVID have created stressful situations. We all deal with stress in our own way, but mental toughness/stamina is an essential skill-set needed to get through challenging times.

We all have bad days, “everyone’s got shit, some people’s just stink more than others”. If you’re fortunate, you may be someone who’s able to pull yourself out of difficult situations independently. That may look like giving yourself a pep talk, mindful breathing, or choosing to focus on the positive just for long enough to get your head above water, However, most of us need someone to lean on when times are tough and uncertain. Someone who can restore our mental toughness by reminding us who we are and what we are capable of. That person may be a mentor, a good friend, a spouse—anyone you trust really!

The old saying, “together we stand, divided we fall”, is a profound statement. In my own life, I’ve needed the support of many people to get me to where I am today. It isn’t a sign of weakness to need someone. In fact, I think it shows a lot of courage to say, “I need your help”.

Having a few key people in your life (your success village) can immensely enhance your relationships in business, personal, and with yourself. These people are your mentors and role models. They can offer insight and wisdom from past experience, or they can simply be a person you can just chat with when you need a mental lift. A mentor is there through thick and thin and should empower you to stand in your power—your mental toughness.

It’s safe to assume that anyone whose achieved their goals or managed through a rough patch have someone they can thank. Maybe that person provided steps to follow, advised on how to recover from a bad business decision, counselled on how to start a career, or generously offered emotional support/favours/a listening ear when it was needed most.

Make it a personal goal to work on your mental strength-- it could be one of the best investments you ever make.

Success alone is no fun and failure alone is miserable, but if you have the right “success village” supporting you, mental toughness is achievable. Lean on your mentors, that’s what they are there for.