Brain Ammo: 5 Ways to Build Your Mental Toughness

Mental toughness is like a muscle—you’ve got to train it to make it stronger. Over time, I’ve found a few strategies that really help me build resilience and keep moving forward. Here are my top five:

Don’t Dwell on Things: When something goes wrong, I allow myself to feel it, but I don’t stay there. Dwelling only drags me down, so I focus on what’s next instead.

Embrace Discomfort: Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. I try to lean into challenges, whether it’s a tough workout, a new skill, or an uncomfortable conversation. Every time I push through, I get stronger.

Stretch Your Comfort Zone: I’ve learned that taking small steps outside my comfort zone builds confidence. Whether it’s trying something new or taking a calculated risk, it strengthens my resilience.

Stick to Commitments: Discipline builds toughness. When I say I’ll do something—like getting up early to create or sticking to a goal—I follow through, even when I don’t feel like it.

Positive Self-Talk: I make a conscious effort to silence my inner critic. Instead of tearing myself down, I remind myself of what I’ve accomplished and what I’m capable of.

Mental toughness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, growing through challenges, and believing in your ability to adapt. Every step makes a difference.