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Life can be unpredictable, full of plot twists and sudden roadblocks that can derail even the best-laid plans.
And when life decides to go off-script, it’s not always easy to keep our cool and stay strong.
But there are some men out there who seem to navigate life’s turbulent waters with admirable strength and resilience.
These men aren’t superheroes or mystic gurus; they’re ordinary fellas with extraordinary habits. They’ve mastered the art of staying strong not just physically but also mentally and emotionally when life throws curveballs their way. What habits?
That’s what this article is all about: seven habits these men have adopted to stay firm when everything around them seems to be falling apart. These habits are not about looking tough; they’re about being tough from the inside out.
Let’s get to ’em.
1) Embracing change
“There is a kind of river of things passing into being, and Time is a violent torrent. For no sooner is each seen, than it has been carried away and another is being carried by, and that, too, will be carried away.” Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Are you someone who cringes at the thought of change?
You’re not alone.
Change can be daunting, but it’s also inevitable. Men who stay strong even when life doesn’t go as planned understand this. They don’t waste their energy fighting change or worrying about it; they embrace it.
These men see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and learning. They remain flexible and adaptable, always ready to adjust their sails to the changing winds. They believe that nothing is set in stone and that the ability to adapt to new circumstances is a strength, not a weakness.
So, instead of resisting change, they welcome it with open arms, knowing that every change brings new opportunities and experiences. This positive attitude towards change helps them stay strong and resilient even in the face of adversity.
2) Daily physical activity
Do you remember how you used to feel as a kid, running around in the park, climbing trees, and playing sports?
There’s a reason we felt so alive and invincible during those moments – physical activity. Men who stay strong when life doesn’t go as planned understand the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle.
Take my friend John, for instance. He’s a successful entrepreneur with a chaotic schedule, but no matter how busy he gets, he always carves out time for a morning run or a quick workout session. For John, it’s not just about staying fit; it’s about starting his day on a positive note and keeping his stress levels down. It helps him stay focused, energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes his way.
The point is daily physical activity is not just about building muscles or looking good; it’s about keeping your mind sharp and your spirit high.
Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or just taking a long walk, make sure to include some form of physical activity in your daily routine. It’s an investment in your physical health and mental well-being that will help you stay strong when life throws curveballs at you.
3) Maintaining a positive mindset
“What disturbs men’s minds is not events but their judgements on events” Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
Men who stay resilient when life doesn’t go to plan understand that their mindset plays a crucial role in how they handle challenges. They know that while they can’t always control what happens to them, they can control how they respond.
They choose to see the glass as half-full, focusing on solutions rather than problems. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as obstacles. They don’t deny or ignore the difficulties they face; they acknowledge them and then shift their focus towards positive action.
Maintaining a positive mindset doesn’t mean pretending that everything is perfect when it’s not. It means choosing to remain hopeful and optimistic, believing in your ability to overcome whatever life throws at you. planned.
4) Nurturing social connections
This one is often overlooked.
Human beings are social creatures, and having a strong support system can greatly enhance their ability to cope with life’s ups and downs.
These men make an effort to build meaningful relationships with the people around them – family, friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances. They’re not afraid to reach out for help when they need it, or to offer their support to others in times of need.
They understand that sharing experiences, laughter, and even tears with others can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good chat with a friend or a family dinner. Building and maintaining strong social ties can provide you with the emotional support you need to stay strong, no matter what life throws at you.
5) Setting realistic goals
When I was in my early twenties, I had a friend named Sam. Sam was the kind of guy who was always dreaming big – he wanted to start his own company, travel the world, and write a best-selling novel, all by his thirtieth birthday.
But when his thirtieth birthday came and went, none of these things had happened, and he was left feeling frustrated and defeated. Sam’s mistake? It was not that he had big dreams; it was that he didn’t set realistic goals to help him achieve those dreams.
Men who can keep going when life doesn’t go as planned understand the importance of setting achievable goals.
They set long-term goals to keep them focused on where they want to go, but they also set short-term goals to guide them along the way. These smaller, more immediate goals are realistic and measurable, providing a clear path towards their bigger aspirations.
Setting realistic goals gives these men a sense of control over their lives. It helps them stay motivated and committed, even when they face setbacks. And each time they achieve a goal, no matter how small, they gain confidence in their abilities and strength to face future challenges.
So dream big, by all means, but remember to set realistic goals that will help you turn those dreams into reality.
6) Taking time for self-care
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We’re often so busy taking care of our responsibilities that we forget to take care of ourselves. But men who stay strong when life doesn’t go as planned understand the importance of self-care.
These men make it a priority to take care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They understand that they can’t pour from an empty cup. They need to take care of themselves first in order to be able to handle life’s challenges effectively.
This could mean different things for different people – it could be eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, ensuring enough sleep, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, pursuing a hobby, or simply taking some time off to relax and recharge.
By taking the time for self-care, these men ensure that they’re in the best possible shape to face whatever life throws at them.
7) Gratitude
“Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Finally, one of the most powerful habits of men who stay strong when life doesn’t go as planned is cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong in our lives and overlook the things that are going well. But these men make it a habit to recognize and appreciate the good in their lives, even in the midst of challenges. They understand that there’s always something to be grateful for, no matter how small.
They might keep a gratitude journal, where they write down things they’re thankful for each day. Or they might simply take a moment each day to mentally acknowledge their blessings. This practice helps them keep a positive outlook on life and reduces stress and negativity.
Cultivating gratitude helps these men stay grounded and focused on what truly matters in life, rather than getting overwhelmed by temporary setbacks and difficulties.
No matter what life throws at you, there’s always something to be grateful for. And focusing on those things can help you stay strong and resilient in the face of adversity.
The bottom line
Staying strong when life gets tough isn’t about having superhuman strength or an unwavering lucky streak. It’s about cultivating habits that build resilience, foster a positive mindset, and promote personal growth.
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
Now, we’d love to hear from you. Do you have any habits that help you stay strong in the face of adversity? Any experiences or thoughts you’d like to share?
Feel free to drop a comment below. Let’s keep the conversation going!