How to forge a resilient mind

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, the ability to navigate challenges, setbacks, and pressures is paramount for success. While academic achievements and technical skills are crucial, they alone may not guarantee triumph in the face of adversity. That’s where mental toughness comes into play. So, developing mental toughness is a necessary skill for students as it equips them with the resilience, perseverance, and determination needed to overcome obstacles and thrive both academically and professionally.

Understanding mental toughness:

Mental toughness is not an innate quality; rather, it is a skill that can be cultivated over time. It refers to the ability to remain focused, motivated, and confident amidst setbacks and stress. It involves developing a strong mindset, emotional control, and the willingness to continue in the face of challenges.

Ms Rachna Oberoi, TGT English educator at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar describes it as, “A crucial aspect for students in the modern era as it helps them navigate academic, personal, and professional challenges.” A tough mind helps manage stress, adapt to change, and maintain overall well-being. “By cultivating mental toughness, students can enhance their chances of success and lead fulfilling lives,” she opines.

Truly, stress and pressure are unavoidable in a student’s life but one needs to be strong-willed to survive and thrive in this competitive world. “Children should speak to their parents and teachers whenever they feel low. Accepting yourself as a unique individual and nurturing a positive view of yourself makes you feel confident and unflappable. Along with this, nurturing gratitude for whatever you have can also strengthen your mindset,” says Ms Ashu Raj, an educator at Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai.

Why is it important for students?

Resilience: A strong mind allows students to bounce back from failure or setbacks. It teaches them that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity for growth and learning. By developing resilience, students can cope better with academic pressures, rejections, and disappointments, enabling them to maintain a positive mindset and keep striving for their goals.

Improved performance: Mental toughness positively impacts academic performance. Students with mental toughness are better able to handle stress, manage their time effectively, and stay motivated. They are more likely to persevere through difficult assignments, exams, or projects, leading to improved results.

Enhanced well-being: Toughness of the mind promotes emotional well-being. It helps students manage stress, anxiety, and self-doubt effectively. By building mental resilience, students can develop coping strategies, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and experience a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

How to build mental toughness?

Positive self-talk: Develop a positive internal dialogue. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations and reminders of their strengths and capabilities.

Embrace challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Set realistic goals, break tasks into manageable steps, and celebrate progress along the way.

Develop emotional intelligence: Learn to recognise and manage their emotions effectively. Practice self-reflection, identify triggers, and employ strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.

Cultivate a supportive network: Surround yourself with positive and supportive peers who can significantly impact mental toughness. Build connections, seek guidance, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

To be indomitable equips individuals to embrace new challenges, learn quickly, and adjust to evolving work environments. It can even foster leadership qualities like confidence, decision-making, and effective communication. In addition to this, it enables one to take charge, inspire others, and navigate complex situations.

According to Ms Maninder Kaur, a Social Science educator and school coordinator at Apeejay School, Model Town in Jalandhar, “Being resilient is not about winning, being uncaring or self-centered. It translates to having self-awareness and being confident in your skin. One must build toughness and inner strength to not give up and stay positive even if the odds are against you.”

The educator recommends a few things parents can do to help their kids build a resilient mind:

1. Teach children about self-esteem: Help them become confident about themselves and emotions. Ask them about their day at school and together find three positives, explore why they were good experiences. Discuss setbacks, like missing out on being chosen to be in a play, or losing a game or not being able to do something. Then remind them that setbacks are a normal part of life and they will have the opportunity to try again. Talk about the events they didn’t like during their day and discuss how they reacted to those. Empower them by explaining how they can choose to respond to these events.

2. Help them set and achieve goals: Work with your children to set small goals. For example brushing their teeth, making lunch or packing their school bag. Praise your child’s efforts rather than the outcomes. Remind them that it is OK to not get it right the first time and that every skill requires practice and time.

3. Make them view challenges as an opportunity to learn: Ensure that the young minds understand that it’s OK to fail. Let them know that you failed many times too. Remind them that they’ve learnt something from that experience. This will help encourage ‘have a go at it’ attitude.

4. See the power of YET: Allow your kids to develop self-belief and become confident in their interactions. Tell them it is normal to be scared or have fears in the classroom and accepting these feelings is the first step to overcoming them. Remind them the power of YET! If they say they can’t do something, tell them ‘you can’t do it YET!’ Prompt your kids that everyone has their mind and thoughts. It is good to make up your mind and it is OK to disagree every now and then.

Developing mental toughness is an essential skill for students, as it empowers them to overcome obstacles, embrace challenges, and achieve their full potential. By cultivating resilience, emotional control and a positive mindset, students can excel academically and position themselves for success in their professional careers too. So, invest in mental toughness today for a brighter and more fulfilling future.