This is a summary review of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do containing key details about the book.

What is 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do About?

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin identifies common habits and beliefs that hold people back and provides practical strategies for developing mental strength and resilience. (Full Summary…)

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Summary Review

“13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” by Amy Morin presents a striking exploration into the realm of psychological resilience and personal growth. In this book, Morin, a seasoned psychotherapist and a university psychology instructor, delves into the intricacies of mental fortitude, offering a fresh perspective on what it truly means to be mentally strong.

The narrative is engaging right from the start, with Morin challenging the reader’s preconceived notions of mental strength. She posits that true resilience is not merely about confronting adversities but also involves a conscious effort to avoid certain self-defeating behaviors. Her approach to this subject is deeply personal and grounded in reality, drawing heavily from her own experiences of loss and grief. This personal touch not only enhances the relatability of the content but also serves as a testament to the practicality of her insights.

Central to the book is the list of thirteen behaviors that mentally strong people avoid. These range from refraining from indulging in self-pity to not resenting others’ success. Morin’s exploration of these behaviors is comprehensive and insightful. Each point is dissected and discussed with a blend of professional expertise and real-world applicability, making the book a practical guide for readers seeking to cultivate mental resilience.

Morin’s narrative style is refreshingly honest and direct. She uses anecdotes from her life, making her points more tangible and relatable. Her ability to interweave personal stories with theoretical concepts is a standout feature of her writing. She not only identifies the elements crucial for mental strength but also provides the reader with actionable exercises and strategies to implement these ideas in their own lives.

The book excels in its accessibility. Morin has a knack for distilling complex psychological concepts into engaging and understandable content. This quality makes the book a valuable resource for a diverse audience, from individuals dealing with personal challenges to professionals striving for better mental health.

The structure of the book further enhances its clarity and usefulness. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the thirteen behaviors, making the content easy to follow and the principles easy to internalize. Morin’s skillful writing ensures that each chapter is both a standalone piece of wisdom and a part of a cohesive whole.

While the book is rich in research and studies, some readers might find the academic elements slightly overwhelming. However, this extensive use of research only strengthens Morin’s arguments, adding depth and credibility to her insights.

In summary, “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” is a profoundly impactful book, offering a nuanced view of mental strength and resilience. Amy Morin combines her personal experiences with professional expertise to guide the reader through a journey of self-discovery and psychological empowerment. Her book stands not just as a guide but as a companion for anyone on the path to personal development and emotional well-being.

Who is the Author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do?

Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker, college psychology instructor, and psychotherapist. She’s also the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast.

How long is 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do?

• Print length: 272 pages
• Audiobook: 6 hrs and 36 mins

What genre is 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do?

Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

What are good quotes from 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do?

“Developing mental strength isn’t about having to be the best at everything. It also isn’t about earning the most money or achieving the biggest accomplishments. Instead, developing mental strength means knowing that you’ll be okay no matter what happens.

“Retaining your power is about being confident in who you are and the choices you make, despite the people around you and the circumstances you’re in”

“We do not heal the past by dwelling there; we heal the past by living fully in the present.”

“When we hate our enemies, we are giving them power over us: power over our sleep, our appetites, our blood pressure, our health, and our happiness.”

“When you learn to let go of the details you can’t control, the amount of time and energy you’ll be able to devote to the things you can control will give you the ability to accomplish incredible feats.”

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies”

― Amy Morin, 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

What are key takeaways from 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do?

Takeaway #1: Mentally strong people are able to shift from self-pity into gratitude.

Life undeniably has difficult times, and no person is immune to them. A mentally strong reaction to these hardships is to reject the notion of defeat and self-pity and to replace it with one of gratitude. The ability to do this is available to everyone. Research and psychological publications both disclose that a capacity for gratitude can better people’s physical health by improving their immune system, sleep, and exercise habits. Grateful individuals have also demonstrated better health and strength than those less grateful individuals.

Takeaway #2: Mentally strong people are able to forgive others.

Forgiveness is a conscious deliberate decision to forgive others for the wrongdoings directed towards them. Behavioral research findings have indicated that when unconditional forgiveness is achieved, subjects benefit from an increased life expectancy and reduced stress, as opposed to individuals that opt to forgive conditionally. Remaining incapable of forgiveness, combined with retaining feelings of resentment and anger, can detrimentally impact lifetime achievement. The ability to forgive and to not permit others to govern your thoughts and actions takes both effort and mental strength. Examples of mentally strong individuals that have worked hard to overcome negativity can be observed daily and by popular icons such as Oprah Winfrey and Madonna. These successful individuals chose to set free past transgressions through forgiveness, and in turn seized the power from those who harmed them, for themselves. This power shift can have massive positive effects on your psychological and physical state, as well as your life. Forgiveness gives you the power to succeed in a life you want and to not follow a predetermined blueprint of what others feel your life is worth.

Takeaway #3. Mental strength and perseverance can get you anywhere.

The ability to persevere, and overcome life’s biggest adversities through mental strength, is fundamental to achieve your personal goals. This is true, even if the circumstances that surround you appear insurmountable. There is a wealth of examples that show the power that personal resilience has on shaping a person’s life. The life story of Judge Greg Mathis is a case in point for how mental strength can propel you towards a better life path. As a young teen, he came into conflict with the law, and had a criminal record. Despite the challenges this posed for him, he was unwavering in his dedication to make a better life for himself. Through sheer will-power and mental fortitude, he overcame the barriers that his criminal record placed in front of him. He pursued a career in law, started a non-profit to help troubled youth; and eventually, he was elected by the city of Detroit to be a judge. Like Mathis, if you want to achieve your goals, you have to take control, and work every single day to get where you want to go, and live the life that you want to lead.

Takeaway #4. Mentally strong people don’t get distracted by what they can’t control.

You will have days where it feels like nothing is going right. But it’s important to not lose sight of the things that are within your control and those that aren’t! Mentally strong people focus on what they can change and don’t waste their time on the things they can`t. Furthermore, research shows this to be the type of mindset that leads to a happier life and better relationships with those around you.

Takeaway #5. Breaking the Habit of Being a People Pleaser

Many people don’t share their authentic emotions because they are afraid of hurting others and think it makes them weak. Being forthright and honest, while still being sensitive to others, is actually a sign of strength. For example, Angela was a people pleaser, especially when dating. When she met a young man, she would change herself to become someone that he liked. Further, she agreed with everything that he said to avoid confrontation. In the end, however, this practice always backfired because she wasn’t being herself. Another example: Moses Gingerich was raised in an Amish community. After becoming an adult, he questioned his commitment to the faith but was conflicted because of relationships. Eventually, he got the courage to walk away from his community. This bold decision led to a fulfilling life as a business owner and husband. Pleasing himself made his happiness soar.

Takeaway #6: Mentally strong people are not afraid of taking calculated risks.

Risk is a necessary part of life. A life without calculated risk can impede growth, hinder efforts to experience new situations and delay the discovery of individual capabilities. Mentally strong individuals analyze risk, by asking questions around what factors may trigger the risk, if timing can affect the risk, and if there is any way to minimize it. Fear and rejection are common risk factors that consistently keep people back in life. By analyzing risk, we think more rationally, are better prepared and can identify unjustified fears more easily, allowing the development of mental strength and risk-taking abilities.

Takeaway #7: Mentally strong people are able to come to terms with their past.

It’s no easy feat confronting a difficult past or unspeakable family history. Creating a new present and moving forward is not an easy or immediate process, and it calls for a mentally strong mindset. Accepting and forgiving your past, examining counterproductive attitudes, and giving yourself the green light to enjoy life again, are all strategies practiced by mentally strong individuals. By looking forward, past experiences can be used positively to improve your present life and the lives of those around you.

Takeaway #8: Mentally strong people are able to learn from their mistakes.

Repeating unhealthy habits is easy and a great deal of self-discipline is needed to stop this pattern of behavior. Mentally strong people consistently examine and learn from their mistakes, which enables them to change their behavior and avoid repeating similar mistakes in the future. You can apply this to your life by asking critical questions honestly and positively, such as, ‘’what did I do wrong?’’, ‘’what do I change next time?’’ and ‘’what can I do better?’’ To ensure you apply this information to your life, focus on how fantastic you will feel on completing your goal. Carry around and regularly peek at a list of reasons not to repeat your missteps and finally make it harder to repeat mistakes by restricting your options.

* Key sources: Amazon, Wikipedia