The author uses her personal experiences of loss and her background as a clinical psychologist to create a guide that will help the reader build up their mental resilience. She identifies 13 everyday habits that hold people back and how to overcome them using a three-step approach: controlling your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. By managing self-destructive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, the reader can learn to overcome these habits and become more successful in their lives. The book reinforces the benefits of improving mental strength, such as reducing stress levels and improving relationships with loved ones.
Each chapter of this book follows a clear and consistent pattern – quotes, real-life case studies, self-assessment checklists, advice on improving mental strength, and tips on what to do or not do. The author draws on her clinical experience to include real-life case studies accompanied by advice on overcoming habits that prevent one from building mental strength. Every case study is unique and allows the reader to see that they can overcome obstacles by shedding bad habits and improve their mental health no matter what situation they face in life. The checklists in each chapter help the reader identify whether they relate to a certain kind of behavior or not. The reader is encouraged to self-reflect and decide whether these habits harm their relationships with others. At the end of each chapter, a set of tips on what to do helps steer the reader in making decisions that will bolster their mental strength.
Her approach is easy to follow, and she reinforces throughout the book that changes in mental strength do not happen overnight. The key is to practice, reflect on areas where you can improve your mental strength, and move forward. One example is how language can prevent one from building up mental resilience. Instead of “I have to go to work,” change it to “I am choosing to work.” A simple change in language can empower and allow one to take more control in their lives while building up mental strength. This guide is a book that readers will repeatedly reach for when facing challenges or situations that would typically prevent them from enjoying a successful life. The book concludes with a final chapter on maintaining mental strength, including additional coaching and advice on how taking small steps every day will lead to better mental strength.
While some of the advice in the book may feel like common sense to the reader, the author makes strong connections with overcoming bad habits to leading a successful life when one is in control. The exercises included in this book will also encourage readers to put this advice into practice using simple strategies.
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do offers valuable advice on building mental strength and making small and meaningful changes to lead a fulfilling and successful life.
