45 pages • 1 hour read
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success
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Important Quotes
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness.
“And focusing on what not to do has made all the difference. Good habits are important, but it’s often our bad habits that prevent us from reaching our full potential. You can have all the good habits in the world, but if you keep doing the bad habits alongside the good ones, you’ll struggle to reach your goals. Think of it this way: you’re only as good as your worst habits.”
(Introduction, Page 7)
This quote establishes the book’s central premise that eliminating destructive behaviors is often more crucial than adding positive ones. Morin argues that negative habits can sabotage even one’s best efforts, making it essential to identify and remove these barriers first. For example, someone might work hard toward their goals, but if they consistently engage in self-pity when facing setbacks, that single destructive habit could undermine their progress.
“We work hard to do the things that we think will make us better, but we forget to focus on the things that might be sabotaging our efforts.”
(Introduction, Page 8)
This observation highlights a common blind spot in personal development where people focus exclusively on adding beneficial practices while ignoring counterproductive behaviors. The quote suggests that self-awareness about one’s self-sabotaging patterns is the first step toward meaningful change.
“It’s not that people are either mentally strong or mentally weak. We all possess some degree of mental strength, but there’s always room for improvement. Developing mental strength is about improving your ability to regulate your emotions, manage your thoughts, and behave in a positive manner, despite your circumstances.”
(“What Is Mental Strength?”, Page 9)
Morin reframes mental strength as a skill that exists on a spectrum rather than a fixed trait, making it accessible and achievable for everyone. This perspective removes the pressure of perfectionism and instead encourages incremental progress through conscious practice. The quote emphasizes that mental strength isn’t about avoiding difficult emotions but about developing better strategies for managing them effectively.
