Building Your Inner Strength

Rebecca Lewis August 26, 2014

Regardless of our identity, age and our status in life – we are all bound to face challenges. Some people may have tougher obstacles than the others, but no one is exempted from experiencing them.

Defining Inner Strength

Our inner strength determines how good we are when it comes to facing challenges. Also called ’inner will’, it is the strength we have within ourselves that push us to our boundaries. It is having the mental and physical resources to overcome difficulties of all kinds. However, inner strength is entirely opposite with aggression, which is in fact, a sign of weakness. When people think they are not strong enough to handle the situation, they resort to being aggressive or violent towards others. That’s one way of avoiding the real conflict. Furthermore, inner strength doesn’t only involve mental fitness. For us to develop a resilient inner self, we also need to make sure we are being physically fit. You can be the most psychologically resilient individual but if you lose a few days of sleep, you are bound to experience mental breakdown.

Here are some other important tips to develop your inner strength:

Keep challenging yourself.

By allowing yourself to go out of your comfort zone, you are helping yourself build a stronger inner will. Don’t be afraid to take risks, as long as you don’t put both your feet in the water. Dine out at a new restaurant or order the meal you’ve never tried before, engage in a new sport, try a new craft, and learn that something you are unfamiliar with. Taking risks is a good and healthy way to strengthen your inner will and become more capable of facing future challenges.

Focus on your positive qualities.

You may feel insecure about your negative qualities. But you must not overlook the good ones. Are you good at speaking in public? Do you go well with people? Do you have a great sense of direction? Do you remember things easily? Make a list of all your strengths. They make you realise how strong you really are.

Disconnect.

The more you spend time with your computer or mobile device, the more you spend less time connecting with yourself. So make sure you unplug on a regular basis to allow yourself to be more mindful and aware of the moment, and of what’s really happening in your body. A more mindful use of our devices can also help us build inner strength.

Recall past experiences when you showed great strength.

You may feel like your inner will is too weak, but actually, you may be stronger than what you think. Look back in the past and try to recall situations wherein you have shown a great deal of strength, like the last time you stood up for yourself, made a major decision without the help of anyone, or let go of someone or something. A lot of us already have inner strength. We just forget it sometimes.

Give time for peace and quietness.

We are more resilient and capable of making good decisions when our mind is at peace and tranquil. Even during times of difficulties, you can find peace by practising mindfulness techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing and meditation. Try to incorporate a few minutes of meditation in your daily routine and be surprised of how it can expand your inner strength quickly.

Building inner strength is a lifelong task, but can be easier than you think. By working hard to improve your inner will, you will become less and less afraid of facing difficulties, which in turn, keep you closer to success.