Our lives are a rollercoaster of variability. One moment we’re gliding along enjoying the moment, then an unexpected challenge pops up and we’re plunging full speed into the unknown. How well we cope with this challenge depends on our inner strength.
Inner strength is our internal magic, or superpower, that gets us through tough times. Other words for inner strength are determination, perseverance, tenacity, or stick-to-itiveness. Think of your inner strength as behaviors, skills, and attitudes that keep us adaptable in life.
Here are three practices to build your superpower of inner strength:
#1 Get to know your strengths
When we understand and use our strengths, we made sounder decisions and feel more confident and creative. One of my strengths is the ability to break a complicated task down into smaller pieces. My time spent in Artistic Rollerskating and Tae Kwon Do had allowed me to refine this talent by logically breaking down intricate movements into smaller, achievable goals.
I am an avid checklist user. This is my comfort zone. Not having a structured plan to deal with a challenging situation causes me additional stress. Knowing this, I use this strength to figure out and work through tough times.
What are you good at and enjoy doing? What generates exciting results for you? Think about what you enjoyed as a child. Can you bring those talents back into your life?
#2 Open yourself to new experiences
Getting out of your comfort zone can be scary, but the rewards are worth it. Inner strength involves mental resilience and flexibility. Find something you’ve never done before that you find exciting or inspirational. New experiences build creativity, an important aspect of inner strength.
#3 Love yourself
Growth happens over time. Be patient with yourself. Love yourself. Don’t let the bumps in the road deter you from investing in building your inner strength. Life is a journey.
I like this quote from Shaun White: “The greatest moments in my life have all come after the greatest challenges.”
By challenging and building your inner strength daily, you’ll have the ultimate magic and superpower to face the obstacles life throws your way.
