The longevity of this Covid-19 crisis is beginning to take its toll. Many businesses are struggling to survive. Our normal means of relating to one another have drastically altered. The novelty, change and uncertainty of this experience has most people tired and fed up.
As I write this, the rate of infection is on the rise again. The government response has been localised restrictions, but the prospect of a second national lockdown is very possible.
“When will this end?” I can’t help but think. I, like many, am beginning to feel the mental strain of this ongoing ordeal.
It’s easy to compare what we’ve gone through to the latter stages of a marathon -when energy levels are depleted, the body is physically fatigued and the mind is focusing on the obstacles. For many, staying positive and optimistic is getting harder.
This got me thinking. “How do endurance athletes keep going when they hit “the wall”? And what can they teach us about at this stage of the crisis?”
To answer this question I looked to the elite athletes of ultramarathons who cover great distances ranging from 50km (31 miles) to 3,000 miles or more. These runners face a multitude of trials that include harsh weather conditions, changing terrains and physical pain. However, the biggest challenge they have to contend with is their mind.
What motivates these runners in the face of such hardships?
One study compared the motivation characteristics of ultramarathon runners to shorter distance marathon runners to determine if there were any differences. Interestingly, the ultramarathoners were more motivated by the life meaning the sport gave them and their personal relationships rather than the personal goal achievement, recognition or self-esteem motivators of their counterparts.
It seems then that these athletes choose to overcome the physical and mental tribulations for the greater purpose and deep satisfaction it brings them.
The American Psychological Association’s (APA) article on building resilience confirms that certain factors foster inner fortitude in individuals. These include:
- Establish and foster good relationships
- Find a sense of meaning & purpose
- Prioritise personal wellness
- Develop healthy thought patterns
- Ask for help when you need it
Increasing personal resilience requires time and practice much like training for a marathon does. It also requires determination coupled with an ability to be flexible with one’s expectations of self.
Although resilience is important when it comes to facing adversity, persistent challenges require something more.
Here again ultramarathon runners stand out. Research has found that they have an increased capacity to tolerate pain. These runners are not deterred by the physical or mental discomfort they must put up with – instead, they view the suffering as a natural part of the challenge. The satisfaction comes from transcending those barriers.
This was an eye opener for me. Perhaps I need to rethink my attitude to discomfort? Maybe I need to see discomfort as part of the achievement process.
I like the idea of viewing the Covid-19 crisis as opportunity for personal reflection and growth; of turning a negative into a positive.
The words of Mahatma Ghandi suddenly come to mind,
“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph: a beginning, a struggle, and a victory.”
So how can we develop our tolerance for discomfort and improve our mental toughness?
According to one article, mental toughness can be fostered by instilling the following behaviours:
- Consistently push past your comfort zone. Look for opportunities that challenge you and be mindful of the strategies your mind uses to get you to quit. In other words, choose things you know will be difficult so you can build your tolerance to the discomfort.
- Counteract your inner voice of resistance. Learn to ignore the discouraging thoughts and practice talking to yourself in a way that empowers and motivates you. That requires self-compassion and a flexible approach to life.
- Accept there are things you cannot control. The only thing you have control over is your response to those events -what you choose to do and how you think and feel.
In short, we all have the capacity to endure hardships. It begins with a choice -to survive, to succeed, to achieve, to thrive. It requires determination, self-discipline and flexibility. And it is accomplished by developing an attitude and behaviours that embrace challenges and are grounded in greater purpose and meaning.