Recently, I've been observing incidents that are similar in pattern that have happened in my own life, and in people (in their midlife, of course) who are close to me. Something to do with making the wrong decision (or less ideal, perhaps), and another is being stuck in a position where one isn't able to make a big decision simply because he is frozen in overwhelming fear of the unknown. What are we all lacking?
First, let me paint the picture of two things; one is courage, and the other is mental fortitude. Two very similar concepts yet they're not the same, however, they need each other in order to achieve the maximum result in pursuing of goals.
Courage is the inner strength to confront fear, adversity, or uncertainty with determination and resilience. It empowers us to take bold actions, face challenges head-on, and stand up for our beliefs, even in the face of daunting obstacles. It is the 'I know it's hard, and I'm scared. I don't know what's up ahead but I'll do it anyway' beat in the heart that encourages us to take action outside the comfort zone we desperately need to expand.
Mental fortitude refers to the robustness of our mind and the ability to endure hardship, setbacks, and stress with unwavering determination. It involves staying focused, maintaining emotional stability, and persisting in the pursuit of goals, fostering resilience in the face of life's trials. It's the 'I'll commit to the decision I made, even now I'm screwed but I will endure the consequences in order to teach myself a few things about the part of me I didn't know I have'.
A stroke of paint on a blank canvas is courage. The uncomfortable madness of seeing it not coming out as you had planned and now this mess cannot be undone, but you keep at it until the painting is finished– is mental fortitude.
Resilience and persistence are the main characters in both courage and mental fortitude. They both require resolute determination to keep going despite challenges and adversity.
"Per Aspera ad Astra". Through difficulties to the stars. – Latin proverb.
Suffer the consequences, sit with it, and observe what brought you here, what was wrong with that decision, or what could be improved. The most important question to ask is, if you were given another chance to choose again, would you make the same decision? This should reassure you how you feel about the decision made and whether to stick with it or seek the alternative.
Keep your words, and make them sacred every time you promise yourself something.
Then you'll see that, walking your walk and talking your talk is something easier said than done. Endure the pain that comes with the consequences of the wrong decision you've made if your aim is to cultivate greater mental fortitude and uphold the integrity of your commitments.
See the suffering simply as the price you pay for placing the wrong bet; accept that and learn from it. This enduring will enable you to make progressively wiser and more accurate decisions in shaping your life's trajectory in the future.
It is a valuable lesson, not a free-falling failure. After that, watch yourself pick up the pieces and make beautiful art out of it.
Do it enough times and you'll see how sharper and more accurate your decision-making is, and how unbelievably stronger your heart muscle will be.
"Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare."– Angela Duckworth.
I can honestly say that I've made it this far up the mountain, not because of my calf muscles, but because it is the remarkable strength of my heart muscle that has brought me up to this pinnacle with the most stunning view of the sunrise I've ever seen.
Understand that life will not get easier or more forgiving, it doesn't work that way and it never will. We can only train our hearts to be stronger and more resilient; rise and fall, rise and fall– like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, and repeat. I hope the next decision you make will be in your favor and contribute to your strength and growth in every possible way you can.
Until next time, happy enduring.
