[This is part one of multi-part series related to my experiences in searching for a new career opportunity.]
I read an article on CNN today which really hit home with me. The article was about the rescue of two boys who were lost at sea for nearly two months – having recently been found by a tuna ship off the coast of Fiji. The story is nothing short of a miracle. While the concept of faith is perhaps an underlying factor in their survival, the final sentence of the article is a very powerful one:
“They’ve got a lot of gusto, a lot of strong mental spirit,” Fredricsen told the Morning Herald. “Physically they are very [distraught] but mentally they are very strong.”
When I attempted the summit of Mt.Rainier in 2007, the main reason I was unable to accomplish this goal had everything to do with a lack of mental toughness and very little to do with physical capability. This was very surprising to me. The fact that these boys’ survival was based primarily on their mental strength says a lot – not only about them but about me as well.
I am physically very strong. Mentally, however, I think there is opportunity for improvement. Of course, the degree of “weakness” depends upon a number of factors – and there are certain circumstances where I can be quite resilient when many others cannot. In any event, this ability to adapt can be strengthened – and this identification is the first step towards a stronger “mental infrastructure.”
Using my personality type (INFP) as the basis for this journey is key. Without going into elaborate detail about the aspects of this personality type, I was able to locate ten INFP-specific “rules” to achieve greater success and become mentally stronger.
In scanning this list, and looking back over the past year, it’s safe to say that my ability to “follow” these rules has varied depending upon the situation. Fortunately, given the degree of personal introspection I’ve invested over the past two years (e.g. this blog), nearly all of these rules are ones that I employ on a daily basis. But, there are two major exceptions:
- Express Your Feelings. Don’t let unexpressed emotions build up inside of you. If you have strong feelings, sort them out and express them, don’t let them build up inside you to the point where they become unmanageable!
- Assume the Best. Don’t distress yourself by assuming the worst. Remember that a positive attitude often creates positive situations.
The first one has been the most difficult for me – primarily because I tend to internalize everything I’m feeling before expressing those feelings. In certain circumstances, this can be a positive but in many cases it causes me significant stress – particularly if those same feelings remain “hidden.”
The second is another area for improvement. While my ability and desire to help others can be seen as having an optimistic outlook, I’ve found that this level of optimism is in contrast to what I sometimes feel in my personal and professional lives. I need to take steps to employ a similar perspective independent of the situation.
While this CNN article prompted me to share these thoughts, they have been there for some time. Given my experiences over the past several weeks, I’ve felt this lack of mental toughness to be something that I really need to pay close attention to. When you strive for success on a daily basis, any and all barriers need to be managed accordingly – and increasing my mental strength is my primary barrier right now.
