I help individuals develop mental strength for a career: These are 7 habits they avoid.

Experts believe emotional intelligence is a key factor in achieving success and happiness. I view it as only one aspect of a greater and more powerful concept: mental fortitude.

The ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively, particularly during difficult situations, is a crucial factor for success and leadership in today's world. In my opinion, it is the next level of emotional intelligence (EQ), amplified.

For decades, I have trained mentally strong leaders and written a book on the subject. Through my research and experience, I can say that mental strength requires discipline in what you say and do, as well as what you refrain from saying and doing.

Mentally strong people never do these seven things:

1. They don't wilt in the face of setbacks

People with mental strength recognize that our character is not determined by the challenges that bring us down, but by our ability to rise again.

They view mistakes as minor stumbles, not significant missteps, and therefore handle them with caution to minimize their negative impact.

They seek out opportunities to learn and develop when confronted with challenges, while remaining focused on the most effective course of action.

2. They don't get caught in the 'Static Trap'

The Static Trap is:

• Refusing to acknowledge the existence of an issue, remaining unyielding, disregarding warning signs, and taking no action.
• When the issue is eventually acknowledged, people often make excuses and point fingers to blame others, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.
• Continuing to be complacent or moving too slowly to address the real issue, remaining static even once it's clear something's gone wrong.

Mentally strong individuals don't shy away from tackling real problems. They understand the importance of addressing issues promptly and don't let them linger. Instead of denying or burying their heads in the sand, they actively engage in problem-solving mode.

3. They avoid mistakes of motive

Acknowledging and learning from mistakes is what being mentally strong entails, not avoiding them altogether.

Mentally strong individuals avoid making mistakes of motive by not engaging in ill-intentioned actions, such as taking credit for someone else's work.

When you're tempted to act from a selfish or unhelpful place, pause and ask yourself if your intent is genuine. If not, adjust your course.

They always maintain a balance between seeking respect and earning it.

Obsessing over whether you are receiving the respect you feel you deserve can lead to unproductivity. You may spend too much time trying to rectify past wrongs or dwelling on how much recognition you receive.

Instead of focusing on earning respect, mentally strong people use the Give-Resist-Exude framework to focus on the actions that will ultimately earn them respect.

• It's wise to prioritize giving more than receiving. Offer praise, credit, and knowledge freely. Put in the extra effort of 10%. Keep your word and give it. And remember, respect is not given unless it is given to others.
• What should I avoid? For instance, credit-grabbing, gossip, negativity, and blaming.
• What should I convey? Professionalism, accountability, mastery, transparency, and authenticity.

To earn respect, give, resist, and exude confidence.

5. They don't over- or underestimate their skills

Believing you're great at everything you know a little bit about doesn't necessarily mean you're mentally strong. Similarly, tamping down your belief in yourself in areas where you excel doesn't necessarily make you mentally strong.

Inaccurate self-assessments can lead to problems in either direction. Overestimating your skills may result in underpreparation and overconfidence, while underestimating your abilities may cause you to miss out on career-enhancing projects and risks.

Individuals with mental fortitude are mindful and truthful when evaluating their abilities prior to attempting a task, allowing them to obtain the necessary assistance or confidence boost.

6. They're not wildly inconsistent

Your fluctuating behavior and decisions without any clear pattern can cause confusion and uncertainty, leading people to view you as unfair. This inconsistency can damage trust in relationships and result in people avoiding interactions with you.

Mentally strong individuals control their emotions and refrain from acting on unhelpful impulses.

Their priorities are evident, and they consistently fulfill their commitments.

7. They don't try to please everyone all the time

Frequently striving to satisfy others may result in hiding your true self, leading to exhaustion.

Instead of trying to be everything to everyone in your world, be mentally strong and focus on being true to yourself.

By setting healthy boundaries, you will achieve better balance, feel more confident, and be able to help others in a more authentic way.

Scott Mautz is a well-known speaker, trainer, and LinkedIn Learning instructor. He was previously a senior executive at Procter & Gamble, where he oversaw several of the company's largest multi-billion-dollar businesses. He is the author of "The Mentally Strong Leader: Develop the Skills to Control Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Actions." Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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