10 Habits of Strong Mindset People (That You Can Develop Too)
Sep 30, 2024
By Will Moore
Ever wonder how some people seem to conquer life's challenges effortlessly? The secret isn't luck – it's mindset. A powerful mindset isn't about constant positivity; it's about developing a 'growth owner' mentality that transforms your entire life.
I discovered this firsthand while battling ADHD. What I once saw as a weakness became my superpower, fueling creativity and hyperfocus that skyrocketed my grades and entrepreneurial success. How? By adopting the habits of the strong-minded.
Ready to level up? Let's dive into 10 battle-tested strategies that will help you reframe obstacles, build mental toughness, and unlock your full potential – no matter where you're starting from.
Upgrades You’ll Earn from This Blog:
Learn to overcome challenges and bounce back quickly.
Master techniques for managing stress and staying positive.
Align your goals with your passions for sustained progress
Are you ready to level up your mindset and transform your life? Let's dive in!
10 Habits of Strong Mindset People
Building a strong mindset isn’t about being perfect or unbreakable; it’s about developing resilience, adaptability, and a growth-driven mentality. Mentally tough people consistently practice habits that help them face challenges, overcome setbacks, and keep moving forward. These habits are not reserved for a select few—they can be learned, practiced, and developed by anyone committed to personal growth.
"Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t." — Rikki Rogers
Below are the key habits that mentally strong people consistently practice to build and maintain their resilience, focus, and emotional well-being. Start incorporating these into your own life to have a strong mindset.
1. They Dive into Challenges Headfirst
Strong-minded individuals don’t back down when life throws obstacles their way. They dive into challenges with a growth mindset, seeing each difficulty as an opportunity to learn and grow. Rather than avoiding uncomfortable emotions, they lean into them, using their mental toughness to push through.
For them, fear isn't something to shy away from. It’s a tool that fuels their drive to overcome obstacles and come out stronger on the other side. Facing adversity helps them sharpen their mental muscle and develop new cognitive and emotional skills to tackle whatever life throws their way.
Learn more, Why is having a fixed mindset a hindrance?
How You Can Too: The "Obstacle Reframing" Technique
Learn to shift your mindset from "Oh no!" to "Let's go!" by reframing challenges as exciting opportunities for learning and growth. Here's how to build resilience:
Identify the challenge — What’s the specific situation you’re facing?
Recognize your initial reaction — Are you feeling fear, anxiety, or other uncomfortable emotions?
Ask yourself — "What can I learn from this?" or "How will overcoming this make me mentally stronger?"
Visualize success — Imagine yourself conquering this challenge and how you'll feel afterward.
2. They Bounce Back Like a Super Ball
Resilience is at the core of mentally strong people. When setbacks happen, they don’t let them derail their progress. Instead, they bounce back swiftly, learning from past experiences and using them to build greater mental stamina. Strong-minded people know that setbacks are part of everyday life, and they use these moments to regain focus and move forward.
Through the practice of self-compassion, they allow themselves to feel negative emotions but don’t let them take control. By shifting into problem-solving mode, they channel their emotional responses into action and learn to adapt to changing circumstances.
How You Can Too: The 24-Hour Rule
One powerful technique that resilient individuals use is the 24-hour Rule. This approach helps manage stress effectively while ensuring you extract valuable lessons from every setback. Here's how to implement this rule:
Acknowledge the setback — Allow yourself to feel the disappointment or frustration.
Set a timer — Give yourself 24 hours to experience these negative emotions fully.
Reflect and learn — During this time, ask yourself what you can learn from this experience.
Plan your comeback — After 24 hours, shift into problem-solving mode and focus on moving forward.
3. They Talk to Themselves Like a Best Friend
Self-talk is crucial for maintaining a strong mind. Mentally tough individuals practice self-compassion and treat themselves with kindness, just as they would a close friend. They silence their inner critic by reframing negative thoughts and turning self-doubt into self-confidence. This habit helps them stay focused on their goals without being bogged down by negativity.
Their positive self-talk isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about nurturing a mindset that builds mental strength and self-esteem. By speaking kindly to themselves, they develop the emotional resilience needed to tackle tough times with grace.
How You Can Too: The "Flip the Script" Technique
The "Flip the Script" technique is a powerful tool for transforming negative thoughts into supportive internal dialogue. Here's how to implement this method:
Catch your inner critic — Notice when you're experiencing self-doubt or negative self-talk.
Pause and reflect — Ask, "Would I say this to a friend?"
Reframe the thought — Turn the negative statement into a supportive one.
Practice regularly — Make this a daily habit to strengthen your mental muscle.
4. They Chase Goals That Light Them Up
Passion drives mentally strong people. They chase goals that truly excite them because they know this fuels their motivation and determination. When their goals align with their core values, they feel an intrinsic sense of purpose that propels them forward, even in the face of adversity.
By practicing effective goal setting, they focus on what genuinely matters to them and avoid being distracted by superficial objectives. This alignment allows them to harness both mental strength and emotional resilience to keep pursuing their dreams, no matter the challenges.
How You Can Too: The "Excitement Meter" Method
The "Excitement Meter" method is an effective way to ensure your goals align with your passions and values. Here's how to implement this technique:
List your goals — Write down all the goals you're currently pursuing or considering.
Rate your excitement — On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about each goal?
Investigate low scores — For goals below 7, ask yourself why they're on your list.
Adjust or replace — Modify low-scoring goals to make them more exciting, or replace them with goals that truly light you up and help you stay focused.
5. They High-Five Their Failures
Strong-minded individuals view failure as an inevitable and essential part of growth. Instead of fearing failure, they embrace it, recognizing it as a chance to learn and improve. They see each failure as a lesson that brings them closer to success, and they celebrate the courage it takes to step outside of their comfort zone.
This habit helps them build the mental toughness needed to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. By celebrating failure, they shift their mindset to focus on progress, not perfection.
How You Can Too: The "Failure Friday" Ritual
The "Failure Friday" ritual is a powerful technique for transforming your relationship with failure. Here's how to implement this method:
Set aside time — Every Friday, schedule 15-30 minutes for this ritual.
List your failures — Write down any failures or setbacks from the past week.
Identify lessons — For each failure, note what you learned or how you grew.
Celebrate growth — Give yourself a high-five, dance, or do something fun to celebrate these lessons.
Plan ahead — Use these insights to adjust your approach for the coming week and build confidence.
6. They're Thankful for the Little Things
Gratitude is a daily practice for mentally strong people. They understand that focusing on the positives, no matter how small, can dramatically shift their mental state and enhance emotional well-being. By taking a few moments each day to practice gratitude, they boost their mental health and maintain an optimistic outlook, even in difficult circumstances.
How You Can Too: The "Three Good Things" Game
The "Three Good Things" game is a simple yet powerful technique for building a gratitude habit. Here's how to implement this method:
Set a daily reminder — Choose a consistent time each day for your gratitude practice.
Reflect on your day — Think about the past 24 hours.
Identify three positives — List three good things that happened, no matter how small.
Write them down — Jot these items in a journal or a notes app.
Reflect on why — Briefly consider why each good thing happened or why you're grateful for it.
Listen to our podcast on Gratitude with Bryan Abasolo
7. They Treat Their Brain Like a Muscle
Mentally strong people see the brain as a muscle that requires constant exercise. They adopt a growth mindset, understanding that they can always improve their skills and intelligence through effort. By continuously learning and challenging themselves, they develop new cognitive and emotional skills that enhance their overall mental fitness.
Through the practice of lifelong learning and personal development, they stay mentally sharp and are better equipped to adapt to changing circumstances.
How You Can Too: The 1% Rule
The 1% Rule is a practical approach to cultivating a growth mindset and building mental strength. Here's how to implement this method:
Choose a skill to improve — Select an area you want to develop.
Commit to daily practice — Dedicate time each day to work on this skill.
Focus on small improvements — Aim to be just 1% better than yesterday.
Track your progress — Keep a log of your daily efforts and improvements.
Reflect monthly — Review your progress to see how small daily improvements add up to significant mental and physical capabilities.
8. They Guard Their Energy Like a Treasure
Strong-minded people understand that their energy is a finite and precious resource. They recognize that maintaining high levels of mental stamina is crucial for peak performance and well-being. By carefully managing where they invest their energy, they ensure they have the resources needed to pursue their goals and handle life's challenges.
Learn more about how to find balance in life.
How You Can Too: The "Energy Audit" Technique
The "Energy Audit" is a powerful tool for identifying and eliminating energy drains in your life. Here's how to implement this method:
Track your activities — For one week, log all your activities and interactions.
Rate your energy — After each activity or interaction, rate how it affects your energy on a scale from -5 (very draining) to +5 (very energizing).
Analyze patterns — Review your log to identify consistent energy boosters and drains.
Make adjustments — Plan to do more of what energizes you and less of what drains you.
Learn to say "no" — Practice declining activities or commitments that consistently drain your energy.
9. They Hang Out with People Who Level Them Up
Strong-minded individuals understand that they are greatly influenced by the people they spend time with. They actively seek out relationships that challenge, inspire, and support their growth. By surrounding themselves with positive, ambitious, and growth-oriented people, they create an environment that naturally elevates their thinking and actions.
This habit isn't about abandoning old friends, but about being intentional in cultivating a support system that aligns with your goals and values. The right social circle can provide motivation, accountability, and diverse perspectives that accelerate personal and professional growth.
How You Can Too: The "Circle of Five" Rule
The "Circle of Five" rule is a strategic approach to curating a growth-oriented social circle. Here's how to implement this method:
Assess your current circle — List the five people you spend the most time with.
Evaluate their influence — Reflect on how each person impacts your goals and mindset.
Identify growth catalysts — Think of people who inspire you or exemplify your aspirations.
Make connection plans — Devise ways to spend more time with growth catalysts.
Gradual shifts — Slowly increase time with positive influences and decrease time with negative ones.
Read More: How to Win in Life
10. They Treat Their Body Like a VIP
Mentally strong people recognize the intricate connection between physical and mental well-being. They understand that taking care of their body is crucial for maintaining mental clarity, emotional stability, and the energy needed to pursue their goals. By prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, they create a solid foundation for mental resilience and peak performance.
This habit isn't about achieving a perfect physique, but about respecting and caring for your body as an essential component of your overall success and well-being. When you treat your body like a VIP, you're better equipped to handle stress, make clear decisions, and maintain the stamina needed for long-term achievement.
How You Can Too: The Non-Negotiable Wellness Triad
The Non-Negotiable Wellness Triad focuses on three key areas of physical health that directly impact mental strength. Here's how to implement this method:
Prioritize sleep — Set a consistent sleep schedule aiming for 7-9 hours per night.
Move daily — Commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, even if it's just a walk.
Fuel wisely — Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods and staying hydrated throughout the day.
Track your triad — Keep a daily log of your sleep, movement, and nutrition habits.
Reflect weekly — Review your log to identify patterns and areas for improvement in your physical and mental health.
How to Build a Strong Mindset Using an Innovative AI-Based and Gamified System
You've learned about the 10 habits of mentally strong people. Now, let's talk about how to build these habits into your life using a proven system. Developing mental toughness takes time and consistency, but with the right approach, you can make it easier. You can gradually build discipline and consistency to overcome obstacles with greater ease.
Here's how to use Moore Momentum's 4 Momentum-Boosting Methods to make these habits stick:
1. Make It Obvious
What it means: Set up clear visual or situational cues that remind you to practice your new habits.
Example: If you want to practice gratitude daily, place a journal by your bed or set an alarm as a reminder to write down your "Three Good Things."
2. Make It Easy
What it means: Start with small, manageable actions that are easy to complete. When something feels simple, you're more likely to do it consistently.
Example: Want to start exercising daily? Begin with a 5-minute workout instead of committing to an hour.
3. Make It Fun and Rewarding
What it means: To keep habits going, they need to be enjoyable or come with a reward. When you associate a habit with positive feelings, you're more likely to continue.
Example: Pair exercising with something you love, like watching your favorite show or listening to a great playlist.
4. Make It Automatic
What it means: Automate your habits so they require less mental energy. Set up reminders or systems that prompt you to complete the habit.
Example: Use a habit-tracking app or set up recurring alarms to remind you to practice self-talk, gratitude, or physical activity.
Plugging Into an AI Prompt
After learning about the 10 habits of strong mindset people, you may be wondering how to integrate these habits into your own life. The good news? You can use AI to generate personalized habits that align with your specific challenges, strengths, and lifestyle, helping you develop the resilience and mental stamina that strong-minded people embody.
Example AI Prompt:
"Using my challenges, strengths, and lifestyle factors below, suggest personalized habits I can adopt to build a strong mindset and enhance my resilience."
Insert your lists of:
Challenges: Identify the obstacles you often face, such as procrastination, fear of failure, or difficulty maintaining focus.
Strengths: Consider the natural abilities you can leverage, such as creativity, problem-solving, persistence, or leadership skills.
Lifestyle Factors: Reflect on practical aspects of your life, like how much time you have for self-improvement, your energy levels throughout the day, and activities that align with your goals and values.
Conclusion
Building a strong mindset isn’t about being invincible—it’s about developing resilient mindset, mental toughness, and the emotional skills needed to handle life’s challenges. By adopting the habits of mentally strong people, anyone can gain the mental and physical strength to stay focused, overcome obstacles, and keep moving forward. These habits are simple and actionable, offering a clear path to personal growth and better well-being. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your mindset and life improve.
Do You Want to Measure Your Mindset Strength?
Now that you've learned about the 10 habits of mentally strong people, you might be wondering: "Where do I stand?" That's where the Core Values Quiz comes in.
This quiz isn't just any personality test. It's specifically designed to assess your current mental toughness across all 5 Core Areas of Life, with a special focus on the Mindset Core we've discussed throughout this article.
Here's how the Core Values Quiz relates to building a strong mindset:
Mindset Score — Get a clear picture of your current mental strength. Are you already practicing some of these 10 habits? The quiz will help you find out.
Holistic View — See how your mindset impacts the other core areas of your life—Career & Finances, Relationships, Physical Health, and Emotional & Mental Health.
Starting Point — Use your quiz results as a baseline. As you implement the habits we've discussed, retake the quiz to track your progress and see your mental toughness grow over time.
Take the Core Values Quiz Now!
It only takes 1-2 minutes, but the insights you gain could be the catalyst for your mindset transformation. Remember, in the journey to becoming mentally stronger, self-awareness is your first step. Are you ready to see where you stand and start your leveling-up journey?
FAQs
How to develop a strong mindset?
To have a strong mindset, focus on developing mental toughness and practicing healthy mental habits daily. Surround yourself with a supportive environment, overcome obstacles with resilience, and maintain mental health through mental fitness exercises. Regular self-talk and stepping out of your comfort zone will help you stay mentally tough.
What is having a strong mindset?
A strong mindset means staying resilient in tough times, embracing mental toughness, and pushing through discomfort. It involves developing mental strength to overcome obstacles while maintaining mental health. Strong-minded people focus on personal development and mental fitness, using healthy mental habits to stay mentally tough in everyday life.
What is a strong-minded person?
A strong-minded person demonstrates mental toughness, mental stamina, and the ability to handle difficult circumstances. They use mental strength to stay focused, manage stress, and practice self-awareness. These individuals overcome negative emotions, develop emotional well-being, and maintain physical health as part of their personal growth journey.