Over the years I have kept these four principles close by and they have kept me on the right pathway. These can be seen in many successful people, both in business, sports and everywhere in-between.

I believe once you really grasp them you will have all you need to succeed. I call this mental toughness.

FOCUS is where you have a clear understanding of what you want and are focused on that goal, regardless of any obstacles placed in front of you. You learn the skill of staying tuned to the task at hand and not the inevitable distractions.

COPING is were you have the capacity to continue working on what is important regardless of interruptions or obstacles, while also a rock solid ability to handle much more than the average person.

SELF-BELIEF is your ability to know that you have the know how and the capacity to do what is required and that you do not waiver from this resolve at any time. This remains true even when everyone around you says to give up or that you cannot achieve your goal.

MOTIVATION is the final ingredient to mental toughness. This is what gets champions out of bed and allows them to stay focused on the goal at hand. They have an ability to find motivation in everything they do. For example even when athletes train they are always trying to beat their best time. This is why they can train for hours and not even realise as they are trying so hard to beat their best time. Even when they compete they will always say the medal is good but what’s more important was beating their own personal best time.

Manny Mezzasalma
Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited