Mentally Strong People: The 13 Things They Avoid

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Mark Cole

BY AMY MORIN (Bible verses by Mark Cole) ~

Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and
behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life. Check out these things that
mentally strong people dont do so that you too can become more mentally strong.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)

1. They Dont Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves

Mentally strong people dont sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how
others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and
understand that life isnt always easy or fair.

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who
love God and are called according to His purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT)

2. They Dont Give Away Their Power To Other People

They dont allow other people to control them, and they dont give another person power
over them. They dont say things like, My boss makes me feel bad, because they
understand that they are in control over their own emotions and they have a choice in
how they respond.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,
which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather
than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For
whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. (II Peter 2:19 ESV)

3. They Dont Shy Away from Change

Mentally strong people dont try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change
and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in
their abilities to adapt.

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for
knowledge.

(Proverbs 18:15 NLT)

4. They Dont Waste Energy on Things They Cant Control

You wont hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams.
Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that
sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.

You cant control the weather, the stock market, or make the bad economy good.
You cant control people.
You cant control the way they treat you.
You cant make someone love you or do right by you.
You cant run someone elses life. You dont have that kind of power!
You cant prevent accidents from happening.
You cant prevent your own death.
You cant control God * (but you can trust God).

(*from Biblical Keys to Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health by Dan White)

5. They Dont Worry About Pleasing Everyone

Mentally strong people recognize that they dont need to please everyone all the time.
Theyre not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They strive to be kind and fair,
but can handle other people being upset if they didnt make them happy.

Paul ~ Even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our heart.
(1 Thessalonians 2:4)

6. They Dont Fear Taking Calculated Risks

They dont take reckless or foolish risks, but dont mind taking calculated risks. Mentally
strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision,
and theyre fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.

Jesus ~ But dont begin until you count the cost. For who would begin
construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough
money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before
running out of money.(Luke 14:28-29 NLT)

7. They Dont Dwell on the Past

Mentally strong people dont waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could
be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what theyve learned from it.
However, they dont constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days.
Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.

Paul ~ I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the
past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 LB)

8. They Dont Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over

Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past
mistakes. As a result, they dont keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead,
they move on and make better decisions in the future.

Paul ~ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the
law of sin and death. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by
the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:1-3, 6-7)

9. They Dont Resent Other Peoples Success

Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other peoples success in life. They
dont grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize
that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own
chance at success.

Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15
ESV)
Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. (Job 5:2)

10. They Dont Give Up After the First Failure

Mentally strong people dont view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure
as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it
right.

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my
strength and my song; He has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:13-14)

11. They Dont Fear Alone Time

Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they dont fear silence. They arent
afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They
enjoy their own company and arent dependent on others for companionship and
entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.

Jesus got up very early in the morning, while it was still dark and went off to a
solitary place where He prayed. (Mark 1:35 NLT)

12. They Dont Feel the World Owes Them Anything

Mentally strong people dont feel entitled to things in life. They werent born with a
mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them
something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.

If a man will not work, he shall not eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to
poverty.(Proverbs 21:5 NLT)

13. They Dont Expect Immediate Results

Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new business off the
ground, mentally strong people dont expect immediate results. Instead, they apply their
skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.

Paul ~ Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and

character, hope. (Romans 5:3-5).

Solomon ~ Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth
from hard work grows over time. (Proverbs 13:11 NLT)