Navigating life’s complexities can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. It’s not always easy.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that mental strength is the secret sauce that helps us weather the storm.
I’ve been around the block a few times, and I’ve met people of all shapes and sizes, with all sorts of strengths and weaknesses.
Among them, mentally strong individuals stand out, not just because of what they do, but because of what they don’t do and what they don’t say.
Now, you might be thinking, “But what does this have to do with what they say?”
Well, it’s quite simple. The words we choose reflect our mindset and our character. What if I told you there are certain phrases you’ll simply never hear from a mentally strong person? Would you be surprised?
Let’s dig in and find out.
1) “It’s not my fault”
Life is a bit like a game of chess. Every move you make shapes the course of the game. And just like chess, in life, our actions and decisions shape our future.
Mentally strong individuals understand this concept better than anyone else. They don’t shy away from taking responsibility for their decisions, whether they lead to success or failure.
This is why you’ll never hear them say “It’s not my fault.” They are fully aware that blaming others or external circumstances for their shortcomings is an easy way out, but it doesn’t lead to growth.
Instead, they acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, and use the lessons to improve their future actions. They know that playing the blame game only serves to stagnate personal growth and progress.
In essence, mentally strong people own up to their actions, always ready to take responsibility. The phrase “It’s not my fault” is simply not part of their vocabulary.
2) “I can’t handle this”
We’ve all had those moments where it feels like the world is crashing down around us. Things get tough, and it seems like there’s no way out. It’s in these moments that our mental strength is truly tested.
I remember a time when I was working on a project at work. The deadline was fast approaching, and it seemed like nothing was going right. It felt like I was stuck in quicksand, the more I struggled, the deeper I sank.
But here’s the thing – you’ll never hear a mentally strong person say “I can’t handle this.” Even in my most desperate moments, I learned to avoid uttering those words.
Instead, they see challenges as opportunities to grow and strengthen their resilience. They might feel overwhelmed, sure, but they always believe they have what it takes to rise above the situation.
For me, I took a step back, broke down the project into smaller tasks, and tackled each one step by step. It wasn’t easy, but saying “I can’t handle this” wouldn’t have helped either. Instead, I told myself “I can and will handle this.” And I did.
3) “I’ll try”
There’s a famous quote by Yoda from Star Wars that goes, “Do or do not, there is no try.” This might seem like an odd place to pull wisdom from, but bear with me.
Yoda’s wisdom is not about blind determination or reckless action, it’s about commitment and resolve. It’s about the mindset that mentally strong individuals embody every day.
The phrase “I’ll try” can often be a safety net, a buffer against failure. But when we say “I’ll try”, we’re already setting ourselves up to accept failure as an option. It’s almost like we’re saying, “I’ll give it a shot, but if I fail, well, I didn’t promise anything”.
But mentally strong people don’t hedge their bets. They don’t say “I’ll try”; they say “I will”. They commit to their actions and see them through, regardless of the outcome.
So, in the immortal words of Yoda, they “do or do not…there is no try”. And that’s what sets them apart.
4) “I don’t have time”
Did you know that we all have the same amount of time each day? Exactly 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. It’s not about how much time we have, but how we choose to use it.
Mentally strong individuals are acutely aware of this. They understand the value of time and the importance of effective time management.
You’ll never hear them say, “I don’t have time.” Instead, they say, “It’s not a priority for me right now.” They don’t make excuses about lack of time; they make choices about where they invest their energy.
They understand that saying “I don’t have time” is a cop-out. It’s a way to avoid commitment and responsibility. It’s not about having time; it’s about making time.
So no matter how busy their schedules may be, mentally strong individuals never use lack of time as an excuse. They prioritize, they manage, and they make the most of the 86,400 seconds they have each day.
5) “I’m not good enough”
Every journey begins with a single step, right? And every expert was once a beginner. It’s a universal truth that applies to every aspect of life.
Mentally strong individuals are no strangers to this truth. They know their worth and they believe in their potential, even when they’re just starting to learn a new skill or venture into unfamiliar territory.
That’s why you’ll never hear a mentally strong person say, “I’m not good enough.” This isn’t about arrogance or overconfidence. It’s about recognizing that everyone starts somewhere and that it’s okay to be a work in progress.
Instead of saying, “I’m not good enough,” they say, “I’m learning,” or “I’m growing.” They understand that self-doubt is a self-imposed barrier that hinders growth and progress.
In essence, mentally strong people embrace the journey of personal growth and never devalue their worth or potential.
6) “That’s impossible”
Life’s full of challenges, some of which may seem insurmountable. It’s like standing at the foot of a towering mountain, looking up at the peak that seems miles away. But as the saying goes, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
Mentally strong individuals don’t look at the mountain and say, “That’s impossible.”
They understand that every big task can be broken down into smaller, manageable parts. They see challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities to stretch their capabilities and grow stronger.
Instead of saying, “That’s impossible,” they say, “How can I make this possible?” They approach each challenge with an open mind and a problem-solving attitude, believing in their ability to find a way or make one.
Mentally strong people never let themselves be limited by the word “impossible”. They focus on possibilities and solutions rather than getting stuck on the seeming enormity of the task at hand.
7) “I don’t need help”
There’s a common misconception that mentally strong individuals are lone wolves, that they don’t need anyone else to achieve their goals.
But here’s the thing – life is not a solo journey.
Mentally strong people understand the importance of reaching out to others when they need help. They don’t see it as a sign of weakness but as an opportunity to learn, grow and build stronger relationships.
You’ll never hear them say, “I don’t need help.” Instead, they’re not afraid to admit when they’re in over their heads and seek advice or assistance. They know that everyone has unique skills and perspectives that can provide invaluable insights.
For them, saying “I don’t need help” is not a badge of honor, but a missed opportunity for growth and connection. They believe in the power of collective wisdom and are always open to learning from others.
8) “I give up”
Life throws curveballs at us, often when we least expect them. It’s easy to feel disheartened, to want to throw in the towel when things don’t go our way.
But if there’s one phrase you’ll never hear a mentally strong person utter, it’s “I give up.” They understand that failures and setbacks are not the end of the road, but stepping stones on the path to success.
Instead of saying “I give up,” they say, “Let’s try another way.” They persist, they persevere, and they push through the obstacles that stand in their way. They know that success is not a straight line but a winding road filled with bumps and detours.
They understand that giving up is the only sure way to fail. So, they keep going, keep trying, keep pushing.
Because for them, the phrase “I give up” doesn’t exist. It’s simply replaced with “I’ll keep going.”
Final thoughts
The journey to becoming mentally stronger isn’t about eliminating certain phrases from your vocabulary overnight.
It’s about gradually shifting your mindset, tweaking your reactions, and adjusting your perspectives.
As the esteemed author and motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer once said, “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”
Consider this when you’re faced with challenges or find yourself slipping into old habits. Pause, reflect, and ask yourself: “Is this what a mentally strong individual would say?”
And remember, it’s a journey. Some days might be harder than others. But with patience, perseverance, and a whole lot of self-compassion, you’ll find yourself growing stronger with each passing day.
