Tough: Building True Mental, Physical & Emotional Toughness for Success & Fulfillment

Olympic weight lifting coach Everett offers an insightful study of toughness: what it is, why it matters, and how to achieve it. Everett has witnessed feats of great physical endurance by people who have trouble handling minor emotional setbacks, as well as instances where those with no physical prowess endure tremendous mental or emotional strains. These experiences led him to consider the elements that constitute toughness, which he boils down to four key attributes: character, capability, commitment, and capacity. Though physical and mental toughness are related, Everett argues that gaining toughness is more often a cerebral matter than a physical one. Journaling is key to Everett’s program, as is meditation, which provides the foundation for leveling out emotions. On the physical side, Everett suggests exercise routines for all body types and training levels (including squats, dead lifts, presses, and climbing exercises) and recommends controlled breathing and relaxing the body in order to mitigate stress responses. Everett’s can-do attitude shines brightly throughout: “true toughness is more than the ability to merely survive an experience—it’s the ability and intent to thrive through and after it.” Capturing the tone of an upbeat personal trainer, Everett’s robust guide will help whip any self-help reader into shape. (Self-published)