So you want to build a strong mind. Well, the task is notably different than building a strong body (yet starting with either will most likely open a doorway to the other), therefore one must first narrow down the definition itself.

What is strength? Where does it come from? While the term is most commonly applied to the physical, history has shown us, time and again, that true strength is something much deeper — something that always finds its provenance in the mind.









While it is indeed simple enough to body-build — nearly anyone can follow a strict regimen of exercise and diet and gain great physical strength while retaining weak powers of observation — if you want to build a strong mind, you must first realize that it is impossible to possess true strength in character and action without first becoming intimately aware of one’s own character of thought.

And this is often a process that involves letting go of things, rather than building them up.

The following is a list of 13 specific mental habits that are better left behind when one decides they’d like to build a strong mind.

It was put together by Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and adjunct college psychology instructor, and quickly spread to become highly popular across the web due to its clarity, vision and tone. It is shared here with her permission.

1) Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Yourself

Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. They instead take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t always easy or fair.

2) Don’t Give Away Your Power

Those who have developed mental strength don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone else power over them. They don’t say things like, “My boss makes me feel bad,” because they understand that they have control over their own emotions and, if one wants to not only build a strong mind but keep it exercised, they have a choice in how they respond.

3) Don’t Shy Away from Change

Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.

4) Don’t Waste Energy on Things You Can’t Control

You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.

5) Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone

Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They’re not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. Thos who have learned how to build a strong mind always strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn’t make them happy.













6) Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks

They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.

7) Don’t Dwell on the Past

Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.

8) Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over

Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future. If you truly want to build a strong mind, this point is essential.

9) Don’t Resent Other People’s Success

Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people’s success in life. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.

10) Don’t Give Up After the First Failure

Mentally strong people don’t view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.

11) Don’t Fear Alone Time

Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don’t fear silence. They aren’t afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren’t dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.

12) Don’t Feel the World Owes You Anything

Those who have managed to build a strong mind don’t feel entitled to things in life. They weren’t born with a mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.

13) Don’t Expect Immediate Results

Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new business off the ground, mentally strong people don’t expect immediate results. Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.