Tough Mentalism

"You need to have a tough mentalism in life; this business called life is hellacious."-Leke Alder

The term "tough mentalism" grabbed my attention in Leke Alder's Random 77 article, where he described the fighting spirit of Farooq Oreagba, the "newly-crowned" Nigerian King of Steeze. Oreagba gained fame for his demeanour in a picture taken during the Ojude Oba Festival 2024 in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. This concept of tough mentalism can be succinctly summarised by a sentence in Alder's article: "If you're going through tough stuff, soak it in. It's for your own good."

From personal experience, I understand how challenging times can easily knock a person down, making it difficult to rise again. However, there is an enduring truth in the famous line from Kelly Clarkson's song, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." This implies that instead of being permanently defeated by difficulties, we can choose to recover and flourish.

Closely related to tough mentalism are concepts like resilience, perseverance, and the ability to endure hardship. Resilience, in particular, is a key aspect of tough mentalism. It involves the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, or significant stress. Resilience doesn't mean that a person doesn't experience difficulty or distress. Rather, it means that they have developed strategies to cope with and overcome these challenges.

Perseverance is another vital component. It involves a steadfast persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Perseverance requires a strong will and determination to keep moving forward, even when the road is tough and full of obstacles. It’s about maintaining a persistent effort in the face of setbacks and continuing to strive towards your goals.

In the context of tough mentalism, enduring hardship means more than just suffering through difficult times. It means actively engaging with those challenges, learning from them, and emerging stronger and more capable. This approach transforms adversity into a tool for personal growth and development. When we endure hardship with a mindset of tough mentalism, we are not merely surviving; we are thriving and evolving.

A vivid example of tough mentalism can be seen in the lives of people who have faced significant adversities yet have managed to rise above them. Consider the story of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison under the apartheid regime in South Africa. Despite the harsh conditions and the long years of confinement, Mandela emerged from prison with a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness, rather than bitterness. His tough mentalism allowed him to lead his country towards a peaceful transition to democracy.

Another example is J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Before her success, she faced numerous rejections from publishers and experienced significant personal hardships, including poverty and depression. However, her resilience and perseverance led her to become one of the most successful authors in history. Her story is a testament to the power of tough mentalism, showing how embracing and overcoming challenges can lead to remarkable achievements.

In everyday life, tough mentalism can be seen in people who face chronic illnesses, the loss of loved ones, or severe financial difficulties, yet manage to maintain a positive outlook and continue to pursue their dreams. These individuals often inspire others with their strength and resilience, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Developing tough mentalism requires cultivating a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This involves changing the way we perceive and respond to difficulties. Instead of seeing adversity as something to be avoided, we can learn to embrace it and use it to our advantage.

One way to develop tough mentalism is through mindfulness and self-reflection. By taking the time to reflect on our experiences and emotions, we can gain a better understanding of our strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness allows us to identify areas where we need to improve and to develop strategies for coping with future challenges.

Another important aspect is building a support network of family, friends, and mentors who can provide encouragement and guidance during difficult times. Having a strong support system can help us stay motivated and resilient, even when facing significant adversity.

Physical health also plays a crucial role in tough mentalism. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help us maintain our physical and mental well-being, making us better equipped to handle stress and challenges. Taking care of our physical health can improve our mood, increase our energy levels, and enhance our overall resilience.

In addition to these strategies, setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable steps can help us stay focused and motivated. By achieving small, incremental successes, we can build confidence and momentum, making it easier to tackle larger challenges.

Tough mentalism also involves maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. This doesn't mean ignoring or denying the reality of difficult situations, but rather choosing to focus on the potential for growth and improvement. Positive thinking can help us stay motivated and resilient, making it easier to navigate through tough times.

Finally, tough mentalism is about embracing challenges with a mindset of resilience, perseverance, and endurance. It involves viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth and using it to strengthen our character and abilities. By developing strategies to cope with and overcome difficulties, we can emerge from tough times stronger and more capable. Whether facing personal hardships or professional setbacks, tough mentalism empowers us to bounce back and thrive, turning challenges into stepping stones towards success.

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