Essay:Quantifying Mental Strength

Our society thrives on our physical fitness and mental fitness. To help us improve our physical fitness, we quantify our physical strength, noting how fast one can run, how long one can jog, how far one can throw a ball, and how much weight one can lift. The approach of aerobics to physical fitness generally depends on quantifying the aerobic aspect of the exercise. We quantify physical fitness, and then use the quantified targets in order to improve.

Mental strength is far more important than physical strength. It is long overdue to quantify -- and improve -- mental strength:

1. Do you frequently have problems with anxiety? Can you reduce the occurrences or intensity?
2. Do ignorant or illogical remarks by others bother you, even when the illogical is pressed upon you by the media, Hollywood or peer pressure?
3. Are you vulnerable to teasing, or can you "mock the mockery"?
4. Can you view yourself objectively, admit when you are wrong, and change towards what is advantageous?
5. Can you speak in front of a large hostile audience?
6. Do you have unexplained difficulties handling social situations?
7. Do you dwell more on your past than on your future, or dwell on other things that are unchangeable?
8. If someone insults you, for how long (in minutes or hours) will that bother you?
9. Is your mind strong enough to deny desires of your body, such as addictions or unhealthy food consumption?
10. Is your mind able to overcome irrational fears, such as fears of rejection, public speaking, public humiliation, failure, flying, dog attacks, guns, heights, close quarters, big crowds, seeing doctors, and others?

One can score himself, and use the score and the tips below to improve.

Approaches to Improving Mental Strength

In public school, a primary approach to mental weakness is to prescribe medication, and that is the approach taken by many adults also. But there are other approaches available.

Christianity, for example, offers a combination of logic, faith, complete love for God (which excludes distraction), and willingness for complete self-sacrifice. Thomas Aquinas added mockery to the available tools that can be used. The personal sacrifice by Jesus Christ for others is a powerful inspiration, as was Abraham's offer to sacrifice his beloved son.

The commandment against worshiping the equivalent of a false god works well in dealing with anything that distracts from faith and love for God.

American Psychological Association tips to improve mental resilience.

Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.

Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You can't change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.

Accept that change is a part of living. Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.

Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly -- even if it seems like a small accomplishment -- that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?"

Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.

Nurture a positive view of yourself. Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.

Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.

Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.

Additional ways of strengthening resilience may be helpful. For example, some people write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to trauma or other stressful events in their life. Meditation and spiritual practices help some people build connections and restore hope.

The key is to identify ways that are likely to work well for you as part of your own personal strategy for fostering resilience.