Part Three
In our last two columns, we answered Jocelyn G.’s inquiry on how we could prepare ourselves to face day-to-day challenges as we go about our PR work.
We replied that to say that PR is challenging is an understatement, and every day brings about things that will surprise even the most seasoned practitioner. And we have to prepare for this.
We got a little help from an article, 10 Exercises That Will Help You Develop the Mental Strength You Need to Crush Your Goals in Inc.com, by Amy Morin for our response.
The first column listed and discussed the first five:
- Reframe negative thoughts;
- Create goals;
- Set yourself up for success;
- Do at least one difficult thing a day; and
- Tolerate discomfort for a greater purpose.
Last week’s column rounded up the other five exercises that will help us get mentally fit:
- Balance your emotions with logic;
- Fulfill your purpose;
- Look for explanations, not excuses;
- Use the 10-minute rule; and
- Prove yourself wrong.
But how can we make this part of our lives? We can learn from people who have become experts in avoiding negative states of mind which Christina DesMarais writes about in her Inc.com article, 8 Habits of Mentally Strong People.
DesMarais begins by asking us to “think of a time when you’ve felt frustrated, anxious, afraid, angry, or heartbroken,” which she describes as “not a place one wants to remain in because these feelings are uncomfortable.”
While she acknowledges that it’s not possible to avoid negative states of mind entirely, some people are better than others in coping with it. How to become mentally strong? Here are some habits of mentally strong people which we can adopt in our lives.
1 They don’t ruminate. Ruminating means “revisiting something that bothers you, thinking about it over and over again.” This could be about a flawed business decision, not giving enough time for your family, or simply ignoring a lost opportunity.
Mentally strong people don’t dwell on the past, says DesMarais. Instead, “they go to the source, fix the problem if possible and then stop stewing about it.” They know that “continually rehashing any situation is a waste of time.”
2 They give strangers the benefit of the doubt. Mentally strong people don’t let themselves get annoyed by the imperfections of others. Everywhere we go, we’ll encounter people who do things you wouldn’t—driving badly, speaking badly or simply behaving badly.
DesMarais says, however, that “there’s always a back story you’re not privy to. Maybe the guy who cut you off in traffic is trying to get to the hospital where a loved one is sick, giving birth or about to die.”
We are all imperfect and have our own backstories. Let’s be more understanding and open-minded with others.”
3 They practice and hone their discipline. Lack of discipline can often lead to weakness. “The temptation to indulge in the wrong things or not to do the right thing is common to all humankind,” says DesMarais. “Whether it’s fasting, exercising, or avoiding certain situations, mentally strong people understand that nearly every battle is won in the mind.”
4 They choose their friends carefully. It’s best to avoid drama-makers or negativity-broadcasters, who DesMarais describes as “kryptonite for anyone who want to be solid minded.” She adds that “mentally strong people know that these energy vampires ruin a person’s sense of peace.”
5 They practice generosity. Mentally strong people “don’t worry about not having enough for themselves,” she says. “They trust themselves to know that their future is secure.” And may we add, they trust in God and are big-hearted. “Miserliness grows out of fear,” DesMarais observes.
6 They’re good at empathizing. Mentally strong people can see “that the individual who drones with lengthy stories is really looking for others to validate their worth, “says DesMarais. “Or they can discern when someone isn’t great at dealing with emotions and adjust their own responses accordingly.” In short, they’re experts at emotional intelligence “and good in figuring out why people behave a certain way.”
7 They take care of their bodies. Good physical health is the gateway to mental strength. “How you feel physically affects how you feel emotionally, says DesMarais. “Mentally strong people have a habit of daily exercise, are not prone to overindulgence, and are disciplined regarding what kinds of things they put into their mouth.”
8 They don’t hold grudges. The hurts and grievances bitter people can’t let go of “are like a disease that hinders the ability to be happy, productive, confident, and fearless,” says DesMarais. “Mentally strong people understand that with forgiveness comes freedom.”
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie F. Dizon, the senior vice president for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the former local chairman.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.
Image credits: Daniela Spyropoulou | Dreamstime.com, Feodora Chiosea | Dreamstime.com