Do you know how A.J. Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles football player, was caught reading a book called “Inner Excellence” during his playoff game? That’s pretty cool. The author, Jim Murphy, has some interesting ideas about what makes people mentally strong.
Murphy says inner excellence isn’t about showing off how much money you have or buying fancy things – it’s about figuring out what truly matters to you. Think of it like this: instead of just focusing on winning the game, it’s about enjoying every practice and becoming a better player.
He gives us four main tips that anyone can use, whether you’re a football star or a student:
1. Try your absolute best each day, but remember – some days, your “best” might look different than others, and that’s okay! If you only feel 50%, give it your all with what you’ve got.
2. Stay in the present moment. It’s like when you’re so focused on playing a video game that you forget about everything else – that’s when you usually do your best!
3. Practice being grateful for the little things in life. Murphy says this helps make you mentally stronger – pretty neat, right?
4. Focus on what you can control, like your daily routines, instead of worrying about stuff you can’t change.
The cool thing is, this advice isn’t just for athletes – it works for everyone! Whether studying for a test, learning an instrument, or just trying to be a better friend, these ideas can help you feel more substantial and live a more meaningful life.
The Hidden Signs of Remarkable Inner Strength: A Fresh Perspective
We often think of strength in terms of physical prowess or outward achievements. But true strength – the kind that sustains us through life’s storms – runs much deeper. From psychological research and real-world observations, here are the subtle yet powerful indicators that someone possesses extraordinary inner strength.
1. You’re Comfortable with Uncertainty
While many people frantically seek guarantees and certainties, those with exceptional inner strength have made peace with life’s unpredictability. They understand that uncertainty isn’t just inevitable – it’s where growth happens. This doesn’t mean they never feel anxiety about the unknown. Rather, they’ve developed the capacity to function and even thrive amid ambiguity.
Consider how they approach major life decisions: instead of paralysis from fear of making the wrong choice, they gather available information, trust their judgment, and move forward knowing they will handle whatever comes next. Stay booted-up. Get a good pair of kicks to walk or run around the block.
People with remarkable inner strength don’t just “bounce back” from failure – they have fundamentally reframed what failure means. To them, failure isn’t a verdict on their worth but valuable data for future attempts. They understand that innovation and growth require experimentation, and experiments often fail before yielding breakthroughs.
This perspective allows them to take calculated risks and pursue ambitious goals without their self-worth being tied to the outcome. When setbacks occur, they ask, “What can I learn from this?” instead of “What does this say about me?”
3. You Practice Conscious Vulnerability
Perhaps counterintuitively, those with exceptional inner strength aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. They understand that authentic connection requires opening up and choosing to do so deliberately and wisely. This means sharing their struggles with trusted confidants, admitting when they need help, and being honest about their limitations.
Their strength isn’t about maintaining an impenetrable facade but having the courage to be seen as they are.
4. Personal Values anchor you
While others might be swayed by popular opinion or temporary circumstances, people with deep inner strength operate from a clear set of personal values. These values serve as their north star, helping them navigate difficult decisions and maintain their course during turbulent times.
This doesn’t mean they’re inflexible – instead, their strong foundation allows them to be more adaptable while staying true to their core principles. Surround yourself with people who have values that align with yours. Learn about the 9 principles of the Blue Zone.
5. You Have Emotional Sovereignty
Those with exceptional inner strength maintain what psychologists call “emotional sovereignty” – the ability to own their emotional responses without being controlled by them. They feel their emotions fully but don’t let those emotions drive their decisions or actions.
This manifests as the ability to:
- Sit with uncomfortable feelings without rushing to suppress them
- Respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively
- Maintain perspective during emotional turbulence
6. You’re Selectively Resilient
Unlike the common perception that resilience means bouncing back from everything, those with true inner strength practice selective resilience. They know when to persist, when to pivot, when to push through, and when to let go. This discernment is itself a sign of exceptional strength.
They invest their energy wisely, choosing their battles based on what truly matters rather than trying to be unshakeable in every situation.
7. You Create Space for Others’ Growth
People with remarkable inner strength don’t feel threatened by others’ success or growth. Instead, they actively create space for others to develop their own strength. This might mean:
- Mentoring others without trying to create carbon copies of themselves
- Celebrating others’ achievements genuinely
- Sharing knowledge and resources generously
8. You Have a Growth-Oriented Relationship with Time
Rather than viewing time as an enemy to race against, those with deep inner strength see it as an ally in their development. They understand that meaningful change and genuine growth require time and are willing to invest that time thoughtfully.
This patience extends to themselves and others, creating space for genuine transformation rather than quick fixes.
9. You Navigate Complexity with Grace
Those with exceptional inner strength embrace nuance in a world that often seeks simple answers to complex questions. They can simultaneously hold seemingly contradictory ideas and navigate complex situations without reducing everything to black and white.
This cognitive flexibility allows them to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining core stability.
10. You Practice Active Self-Compassion
Perhaps most importantly, those with remarkable inner strength practice active self-compassion. This goes beyond basic self-care to include:
- Treating themselves with the same kindness they’d offer a good friend
- Acknowledging their humanity and imperfection without harsh judgment
- Taking concrete actions to support their own well-being
The Journey Forward
Remember that inner strength isn’t a destination but a continuous journey of growth and development. These signs aren’t meant to be a checklist but guideposts for understanding and nurturing your inner resources.
By recognizing these qualities in yourself and consciously developing them, you strengthen not just yourself but your capacity to contribute positively to the world around you. After all, true strength isn’t just about personal resilience – it’s about creating ripples of positive impact in the lives of others.
mybluegenes.com