We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. Dalai Lama
Inner peace and mental strength go hand in hand. Mentally strong people are confident in their ability to deal with whatever life throws at them.
That isn’t to suggest they aren’t aware of pain or sadness; they are aware of their emotions on a deep level. They do not, however, squander energy wishing things were different or attempting to change others. They maintain a laser-like focus on their own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
They also prioritize self-development because they recognize that there is always room for improvement. They also give up the things that threaten their inner peace. Then, as the Dalai Lama suggests, they can work on obtaining peace in the outer world. Here’s a look at some of those things.
Dealing With Toxic People
The people you spend time with have an impact on how you think, feel, and act. It takes a toll on your health to interact with people who lie, gossip, bully, or cheat.
People that are mentally strong do not waste their time trying to change toxic people. They establish emotional and physical limits that are beneficial to them when they must be around toxic people – often at work – and focus on spending time with people who aren’t bad for their sense of inner peace.
Stop Blaming Yourself For Everything
Some people tend to think everything is entirely their fault, whether it’s a failed relationship or an accident. This will have a negative impact on how you see yourself and the world around you. But it’s impossible to keep negative things from happening all the time.
Mentally strong people take responsibility for their actions. They understand that they are responsible for their decisions, but they also accept that there are elements beyond their control, such as the state of the economy, the weather, and other people’s decisions.
Stop Chasing Happiness So Hard
It’s a bad idea to think you have to be happy all of the time. Long-term satisfaction is not the same as short-term pleasure.
Mentally strong people are willing to put in the effort required to achieve happiness. They refuse to give in to transitory pleasures or instant gratification. They look for ways to create long-term goals in order to create a brighter future.
Stop Wanting To Stay in Your Comfort Zone
It may appear that the key to feeling happy in life is to stay in your comfort zone. However, avoiding discomfort usually backfires.
Mentally strong people confront their fears, move into unfamiliar territory, and push themselves to their limits. They understand that discomfort is bearable, and that allowing yourself to feel uncomfortable is often the path to having a better life.
Stop Playing the Victim
You won’t be able to be your best if you believe the world and the people in it are out to get you. In fact, blaming external events for all of your difficulties will prevent you from taking responsibility for your life.
Even in the face of tragedy, mentally strong people acknowledge their choices. They concentrate on the aspects of their lives over which they have control, and they refuse to waste time hosting pity parties for themselves.
Stop Trying to Impress People
You can waste a lot of time attempting to persuade others to like you. However, relying on others’ admiration gives them control over you.
People that are mentally powerful are at ease in their own skin. They don’t waste time thinking about whether or not their decisions will be accepted by others. Instead, they concentrate on living by their own values and in the way that works for them.
Becoming comfortable in your own skin isn’t easy for many of us, but it really is worth making the effort to accept yourself as you are every day, as spending your time living, dressing and acting in ways that don’t suit you, but suit others, is always a losing proposition.
Stop Trying to Be Perfect
It is healthy to strive for perfection. Insisting on perfection, on the other hand, is a losing battle. If you set the bar too high, you’ll never feel good enough.
Mentally strong people recognize that they will make mistakes and fail. They have the ability to admit their mistakes and weaknesses, learn from them and move on.
Relating to the last point, they also realize that a pursuit of perfection based on what others feel is perfect is not only often pointless but also a real threat to their sense of inner peace.
Stop Holding Grudges
You might believe that nursing a grudge damages someone else. In actuality, holding on to rage and resentment takes over your life.
Grudges are cast aside by mentally strong people so that they can devote their energy to other important pursuits. However, this does not imply that they allow themselves to be abused by others. It just means they don’t let bitterness fester in their life.
Stop Relentlessly Pursuing Material Things
A bigger house, a nicer car, or more fancy clothing will not bring you peace of mind, no matter how much money you make. You will be sadly disappointed if you expect material items to satisfy your wants.
However, mentally powerful people aren’t always minimalists. They have the ability to enjoy nice things. They do not, however, anticipate their worldly belongings will bring them happiness and contentment.
Believing You Can Do Everything On Your Own
Acting tough, rather than being strong, is what it takes to believe you can handle things on your own. There will be occasions when you need to seek for assistance.
People that are mentally strong are not hesitant to admit when they need help. They receive strength from others, whether they rely on a higher power, seek professional assistance, or lean on a buddy in a time of need. They have a newfound sense of inner peace now that they don’t have to have all the answers.