Being mentally strong means knowing what you want and going for it. It’s about following your dreams and taking on any challenge life throws your way. Keep in mind that courage and determination are key factors in having the strength to accomplish what you desire.

Mentally strong people understand that life isn't about fairness, but about perseverance. While some of us were built this way, some have to learn how to remain focused when we're dealing with a busy schedule.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. – Epictetus

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9 Ways to Stay Mentally Strong in Your Busy Life

#1. Take Control of Your Thoughts and Emotions

You'll have to learn to make the difference between facts and impressions. Stop letting yourself get beat down by other people's thoughts about you. You are the only person who can choose to be affected or not by how others perceive you, so don't give them the power to influence your opinion about you.

As long as you know who you are, and you believe that you acted the right way, then there's no need to feel bad about anything.

You'll always come across negative situations, but how you choose to respond to them will determine if you are mentally strong or not.

#2. Avoid Regrets or Feeling Sorry for Yourself

Dwelling in the past hasn't helped anyone unless they've learned something from their mistakes. Other than that, regrets regarding what you should've done or said won't do you any good. If there's a chance to make things right, go ahead; if it's too late, then move on.

At the same time, you have to accept that laying around and feeling sorry for yourself isn't the way to go. Even if you've dealt with a bad breakup, allow yourself a couple of days for grieving and then power up!

Don't waste time with emotions or facts you can't change, so assume responsibility and let go.

#3. Stop Trying to Please Everyone

Regardless of your age, now is a good time for you to realize that you are not responsible for other people's happiness. Even if they get upset, it's not your job to put things in order or to boost their mood.

Each of us has to deal with problems, and it's not you who should protect and care for everyone, so start putting yourself first.

Also, learn how to say “no” without feeling bad about it, and install boundaries when you have to.

#4. Accept that Sometimes Things Change

Even the best-laid plans can sometimes take a different turn, so instead of feeling bad or fighting the change, learn to adjust to it. People don't like change because it disrupts their life or messes with their goals, but unfortunately, we don't always have the power to stop it.

Mentally strong people know that there's no point in complaining about things that are out of their control. As long as you don't have the power to interfere in a situation and fix it, then there's no point talking about it either.

The only thing that is in your control is how you deal with change and your attitude towards it. Try to keep an open mind and be positive!

#5. Don't Jump before Considering the Risks

Going after what you want is admirable, but doing it disregarding the risks makes you naive. Always postpone a decision until you've made a list of advantages and disadvantages that will come with that decision.

Knowing the difference between a calculated risk and a foolish one will also ensure that you won't have any regrets about it in the future.

Even if they're busy, mentally strong people will take the time to consider all the facts before making a call.

#6. Focus on Yourself, Not on Others

Mental strength means that you'll pay more attention to what you do, how you act and what you say. Concentrating on the misfortunes or successes of others won't help you accomplish anything.

Keep in mind that you have the power to live your life how you see fit. Instead of being jealous of a colleague, try to analyze his/her situation and see if you can't learn something that will benefit you as well.

The key to success is to mind your own business and always strive to improve yourself!

#7. Let Go of Expectations

We usually like to fantasize about positive outcomes that would please us. Although a positive attitude is important, miscalculating the facts can easily turn towards disappointment.

Even when we're dealing with other people, we create expectations. We believe that just because we've helped them out, they should also return the favor when the time comes. The problem here is that we rely on things that are out of our control.

Trusting someone to do the right thing is not the same as believing in yourself. A mentally strong person will deal with the facts, and not let himself be disappointed by false expectations.

#8. Take Things One Step at a Time

While everybody would like to snap their fingers and get what they want, that almost never happens, in reality. Patience is indeed a virtue, and applying it daily takes some time.

Begin by realizing that regardless of how much you may desire something, it will take time, so it's sort of a form of delayed gratification.

Make a plan, stick to it and most important of all, be realistic about it.

#9. Appreciate the Time Spent Alone

Being happy might seem impossible if you don't have someone to talk to, but mentally strong people enjoy the time they have in their own company.

Free time equals productivity, not depression, so adjust your way of thinking accordingly. Take a look on garagegymplanner.com and learn how to build your own gym, for example, or use the spare time you have to master a new hobby, relax or do whatever you'd like.

Take care of your own needs and pamper yourself! If you don’t take care of yourself, there's no point in waiting for others to treat you right.

In conclusion…

Staying mentally strong is difficult, especially when your busy schedule doesn't allow you the necessary time to do everything you’d like to do. The key is to take things at a time and learn to be independent.

Author Bio: Evelyn Kail

Evelyn helps people to live a happy and healthier life. She is an established Health and Fitness author (over 12 years of experience) and editor of garagegymplanner.com. She also loves writing about people and inspirational stories.

from Dai Manuel: Your Lifestyle Mentor http://ift.tt/2mBEUeS