Mental Toughness, in its essence, is emotional control. On a scale of 1-7, 7 being best, how would you rate yourself? Watch this short video I taped before debating a doctor on FOX NEWS in front of millions of viewers. I’ll look forward to your comments.
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7 thoughts on “Mental Toughness Rating”
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Great post, Steve. I rate myself at about a 5.5 on a scale of 1-7. When I get myself in an emotional knot, I practice what the Navy SEALs call “Box breathing”:
– Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds and hold for 4 seconds.
– Do that for 4 minutes.
Its amazing how quickly things mellow and and calm down. Its a great way to stay in control of the situation mentally (and physically).
Keep up the great work and keep kicking ass!
~JT
You did a great job controlling your emotions before debating Dr. Cathleen London on Fox. I agree with you about getting yourself into as many pressure situations in order to practice performing under pressure and controlling your emotions.
I have had many practice moments over the last 13 years as a small business owner but by far and so far the most intense and most fun pressure situation I’ve experienced was when I was asked to speak to the entire school district at their Welcome Back meeting for 700 people. 700 restless and bored teachers who didn’t want to be there. I was actually warned by one of the school board members to expect rude and restless behavior from them and she told me not to take it personally.
I practiced meditation first thing in the morning to calm myself down because my nerves were so stressed out and frazzled and I was convinced I was headed for disaster but the moment I chose to sit quietly and breathe, everything shifted and I stayed in that place right up until the moment the Superintendent introduced me.
It was awesome and very surreal. I was completely in control, my nerves had calmed down completely and I had a very fun 20 minutes in front of the restless teachers who were quiet and captivated by my story. I had the time of my life delivering my signature speech to my largest and most critical audience yet.
I love pressure situations. They might make me manic for a minute but that’s half the fun. Learning to overpower my emotions and gaining control is the very best part of it all because once I’m there, I perform like a dynamo. I’m looking forward to doing more of it. 🙂
I believe the time aspect is crucial. It takes failing and getting back up again into account. To me the question would be: In the long term perspective, what is your level of performance?
You are most definitely a very wise man, Mr Siebold, with incredible insight to the human condition. I greatly enjoy all your blogs etc and am able to glean many helpful strategies for life in general from you. Perhaps there is only one thing you are lacking, my Friend, an all-encompassing faith in someone that will keep you and your emotions steady every day. I know you have mentioned faith before, but for me He is the key to stability. God is the key to renewing my mind with pure thoughts, of giving me the strength to be able to control my emotions, and of guiding me to proper desires for life as a whole. Apart from Him, I cannot have nor maintain my mental toughness. Thank you so much for all you do and may God continue to bless you!
Walking 3 days a week at 7000 steps each day.
Watch and be with my breathing.
I use physical exercise to gain the edge for working under pressure. Love trail running. It lowers the stress levels hugely.