What is Mental Toughness?

When focused primarily on mental toughness in athletes, mental toughness can be defined as having a psychological edge that helps you cope better than your opponents with the intense demands of your sport (like competition or training). Through this learned resilience, athletes can “be more consistent and better” when it comes to mental strength, as seen in maintaining determination, focus, and confidence under pressure.

Even though you may be highly competitive during workouts, you’re likely not a professional athlete—so this interpretation of mental toughness may be a little intense. A more relatable definition is the cognitive and emotional skill of reframing negative thoughts and adverse circumstances. In that framework, mental resilience helps you stay true to your goals, regardless of outside influences or external stressors.

Put together in plain English? Mental toughness (or mental strength) is your ability to be resilient and maintain confidence in the face of pressures, whether those pressures may be the upcoming Olympic Trials or an unexpected work project with a difficult client. 

WHY IS MENTAL TOUGHNESS IMPORTANT?

Mental toughness is the bridge between you and your goals, the extra boost that helps you overcome any obstacles in your path. Yes, mental toughness is important when it comes to sticking to your fitness goals—after all, no one ever said training for a half marathon or building a regular fitness habit would be easy. You’ll need mental strength to overcome early morning alarms, after-work exhaustion, and low motivation.

The mental toughness you build in your workouts will translate to everyday life too. It can help you through periods of personal and professional stress, giving you confidence in your ability to roll with the punches and overcome anything standing in your way. With mental resilience at your side, you’ll see obstacles as opportunities instead of reasons to give up.