With each client that I see, at some point throughout the therapeutic journey I speak to them about mental strength. It's something I believe that we all have and can strengthen at any time. Mental strength is the tool we use when we push ourselves forward beyond what we feel we're physically capable of. It's the strength we tap into anytime we challenge ourselves or put ourselves in situations that are outside of our comfort zone. For instance, for someone that struggles with social anxiety it can be going to a coffee shop to sit and have a coffee alone. Like any muscle, it takes time to build strength and happens gradually. The more we push ourselves the stronger our mental strength gets. In my own personal life I didn't fully recognize my mental strength and capability to push myself until I was in my thirties. I had used it before, but never recognized it for what it was and what my abilities are when I utilize it. I understood it fully when I signed up to run in my first half marathon. I prepared for the marathon for a couple of months before hand but wasn't overly committed to my training. My longest run prior to marathon day was 13 km. A half marathon is over 21 km. I remember the morning of the marathon I was questioning what I had signed up for and felt unprepared and insignificant. I joked with a friend that they would likely find me half way through the race curled up in a ditch somewhere crying. On the way in the car (it was over an hours drive) I utilized self-talk. In my head I was having a conversation with myself trying to encourage myself. There was no backing out!!! Just do it! So i did! The race was as hard as i thought it would be but I continued to talk myself through it. I told myself not to stop - keep going. I counted down the kilometres. I didn't stop running for one second even though my body was begging me to. I finished in the top half against experienced marathoners. I was completely physically exhausted long before I crossed the finish line. I didn't get to the finish line with my physical strength - I got there with a constant mental push. When I crossed the finish line I cried - not because i felt a degree of exhaustion I had never felt before but because I did it and I was so proud of myself. I recognize now what a blessing my mental strength is and use it to push myself often when I'm not motivated to do something - even small things. There are times when I have to push myself out the door to an activity when I feel too tired. Tackling chores and cooking at times takes a mental push. Paperwork is my least favourite thing to do! I'm rarely motivated to sit at my desk inactive, staring at the screen, recounting my sessions. I set goals for myself - complete the notes for three sessions and then take a break for 30 minutes before going back to the computer. Reward can be a helpful tool for motivation.
Im also aware that sometimes it's beneficial to listen to our mind and bodies and take a break. I'm not suggesting that it's reasonable to force yourself to do everything and anything that you don't want to do. I'm just shining a light on the fact that we are typically capable of more than we think we are. Mental strength is a gift that we don't always utilize the way we could/should. I see people with physical challenges - like amputees who take part in extreme sports. Their strength is an inspiration to me. They overcome their physical challenges by pushing themselves mentally.
Challenge yourself in small ways - start today! YOU CAN DO IT!!!
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