The Science Behind Mental Toughness | Kolie Crutcher | TEDxMSState

[@erynsee1319]

I love hearing people talk about applying scientific principles to their own mind and energy!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Thanks Eryn. So glad you see how the science of the mind and mental energy principles operate

[@morefunallthetime]

When you're passionate about something, it's a real thing to want to delve further and find new models, new possibilities.

[@leah-buttons]

Good share! Thanks for emailing me!

[@laycienega]

I really love the similarities he draws between being an engineer and writing about the law of attraction.

[@JackGiblenSinger]

Loved the analogy of the ‘if you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl’.

[@hooponopono8528]

'success does not grow linearly, success grows exponentially.' what a quote!

[@themessimadetoday]

I loved hearing him talk about how he wanted to spend all of his time writing - definitely something that resonates with me!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

I am glad this message resonates with you! Our "life" is simply the collection of how we spend our time. So ultimately, our happiness and the quality of our life we be highly dependent on whether or not we spent our time doing what we actually wanted to do.

[@avatbadra]

That passion that means you spend all your time focused on something that isn’t what you are supposed to be doing…You got me, I’m staying for the whole talk now!

[@emilmalthe9861]

I really like the way he breaks down what success is. Simple but true, and makes a lot of space for us to celebrate our progress.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

I'm glad you see the simple truth in success Emil. And you are spot on with the celebration of our progress. Key to this way of thinking is that we should enjoy the process. And when we are engaged in something we love to do, we create many opportunities for celebrations. If we work hard at something we truly enjoy, we can play hard too.

[@nothx3299]

I related to this so much! It's impossible to stay focused and be passionate about something when you know you should be doing something else.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Great point! We owe it to ourselves to live a life motivated by the the quest for unique opportunities personal to us, rather than getting stuck living only for obligations. Our focus and passion springs from this sense that we are engaged in activity that is uniquely opportune for us, not because we are working out of a sense of obligation.

[@nothx3299]

@@koliecrutcher2173 There's nothing quite like being involved with things that align with our values

[@matTveshka]

As someone who has recently reached middle age, it's not that we aren't striving for those things, it's that we've had our bubbles burst, we are jaded and tired and CBF.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Hi Mat. I agree that many of us at some point in our lives, get our bubbles burst and things don't end up the way we expect. The ability to keep moving forward-even if just a crawl-if we feel that it's not worth it anymore is difficult to actually execute upon. It's the gap between the theory and execution that we're trying to close.

[@dreamyboyd4588]

There are so many talks out there about being tough and resilient and persevering. I think the world has done so much of that and there are scars in people’s minds from generations of this thinking. How about gentleness, acceptance and gratitude? Success is subjective, success can be saying no or letting go.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Success is definitely subjective. I completely agree Dreamy. At the same time, if there IS something that a person REALLY wants, they simply will find themselves being tough, resilient and persevering. Not necessarily because they "want to", but more so for the reason that the alternative feeling of giving up on that something, will drive them crazy. True, not every one has something that will make them feel like that. And even for those who do, it is completely subjective from person to person. No one can truly judge another's "success". But a person should "let go" only if they know they no longer desire to have it, not because it's hard to have.

[@billiejeanbrasier]

I'm being reminded that so many of the systems we follow are out dated and yet there is still many who are stuck in their ways.

[@charlievantas]

I feel like I need to watch this a few times to really get it. The message is there, I’m not an engineering type thinker. Something in me though is saying that there is some solid fact and truth here.

[@bradearl16]

Interesting talk, the last minute is where the gold lies in this one

[@glenbeckernotthatoneeither]

Everything has science behind it! Love seeing content that proves it.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

No matter who we are and where we come from, we can stand on SCIENCE. Thank you for your comment on this content Glen

[@bigthinking1715]

Absolutely Kolie, persistence is the key that unlocks all doors!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Great handle Big Thinking! We never truly lose until we quit on ourselves. Closer doors and obstacles must eventually give way to the person who simply refuses to give up.

[@icekunggamer]

I got so much from watching Kolie's talk the whole way through. Sending to a few friends rn. So good.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Great to hear Ice! I sincerely appreciate you listening and taking the time to share with your friends.

[@ameyhousten]

Aww I love all the parallels he made between the principles of engineering and personal achievement! So accurate as well, it's all about electricity and magnetism!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Yes Amey! We're all ELECTRIC LIVING & VIDA ELECTRICA!

[@walet6972]

Much more interesting than the title suggests!

[@suzyqsuzy]

Yes Kolie! I feel like if more people understood the "science" they would be able take the control they need in their lives to move forward.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Exactly Suzy Q! Understanding the "science" puts us in an advantageous position to benefit from the way things naturally occur.

[@parkercbowles]

Well done Kolie for having the courage to take that step and follow where your passion wanted to lead you!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Much appreciated Parker. I hope these words inspire and stay with you any time you need

[@maynardsavery]

Common sense that I had never put together in my mind before. Very helpful and insightful

[@charliechapgould]

What a fascinating talk! Love seeing people transfer their skillset to something their truly passionate about, even if it's a far cry from what their original field was!

[@xavierdistaple8620]

Love the title! Was intriguing enough to make me watch and now that I have I really get why he named it that! So cute.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Thanks a million Xavier!

[@sashapetrovic1678]

Brilliant thinking and one that I am all to familiar with. Taking that leap, knowing that discomfort brings the best kind of comfort, that's the only way forward.

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Beautiful amazing impressive great talk . Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Bless you too Arline. I appreciate your compliment. And I sincerely hope you live the live the life your want as you pursue your dreams

[@berdinaguest]

Be tough, sure, but there's also a lot of merit in being patient, kind, and understanding.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

I agree Berdina. There's a time to be tough. And there's a time to be patient, kind and understanding. Recently, as I was going to a quiet place where I sometimes write... a place where I want to be alone and never want to be disturbed, there was a girl sitting in the area very upset and crying about something. I never saw this girl before in my life, and I didn't know what was bothering her so much. But after I sat down in the area to write, something told me to walk over to her and just give her a big warm hug. She didn't speak English, but in that moment I could tell that a genuine hug from a stranger truly meant the world to her. In the past, I may have just "minded my own damn business", but I agree that we can be tough in dealing with our own life and business situations, yet still be patient, kind and understanding when dealing with people at times. Maybe there's a certain art to this...

[@samarnan]

It's not unheard of for people to do a 180 and change careers. Especially in this information age where we can educate ourselves and know that there's a lot more to life than just making a buck.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Today, we have so many tools at our disposal that our parents and grandparents didn't. Advances in science and technology (especially the internet) have given us the ability to leverage our time and resources in such a way that we can effectively multiply our time and energy, and allow so many more people to do what they love, instead of just working to "make a living" or "put food on the table". We should all be grateful for this. Wonderful point Sam

[@suebakernottly]

Very powerful talk Kolie.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Thank you Sue! I appreciate you taking the time to watch. I hope something you heard helps you in the pursuit of your goals.

[@archiefast]

I really got so much from listening to this the whole way through - at first I was like "oh great" but the truths here are so good.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

I'm glad you got a chance to listen all the way through Archie! Yes, the truths and the science cut out the "mystical" or "hit and miss" aspect that causes people to doubt their ability to actually succeed

[@surasakwichairak]

This is a really concise and informative talk, thank you Kolie! I love the way you've outlined these themes.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

You are most welcome Surasak! I'm so glad you found my talk of such great value. I really appreciate your time and your feedback. Best to you in all of your future endeavors.

[@tibogoth]

Nothing wrong with giving up. Life isn’t a movie with a happy ending. Live your life, follow your bliss, success is relative.

[@yogidevish]

I think there are a lot of factors to success and while mental toughness may be one of them there are lots of others.

[@caroldendy851]

luck is a big one

[@edsaxton1797]

The psychology out there, just changing your approach once out of every 10 times can have a big impact on the brain. More focus on the small efforts leading to big result please- great message!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Definitely Ed. Great point on the 1 out of 10. Your input is much appreciate. Add time and discipline to the small, and the small... becomes BIG!

[@bettamargot]

Well worth watching and sharing!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Betta, so glad you enjoyed and felt this talk was a great use your time

[@asax3994]

If and when the depth of this video is realized, it'll hit 20m views in no time.

[@hichemkahela]

Wow, this was much better than I expected it to be!

[@RafaelZCruz]

Needed this today, thanks Kolie!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

It is always great to hear when the message benefits someone! You're very welcome Rafael

[@robertjoinersr]

The first minute of his speech I'm like - no, I'm not asking you those questions because I gather you've always dreamed of writing and you wanted to find more fulfilment in life.

[@blairfavers]

Very cool story, Kolie! Good on you for making it happen.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Appreciate you much Blair!

[@nadyazt]

I can't help but notice he didn't finish the saying he uses around the 8 minute mark. For those who haven't seen Firefly the next part is, 'if you can't crawl you find someone to carry you.' I wonder how he feels about that part, and where it ties in to his opinions on mental toughness.

[@jessiedallen]

wonderful talk!

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Thank you Jessie. Glad you enjoyed!

[@sandravicente2550]

Thank you, I needed to hear this...

[@Iamcarlosdanger]

Good talk!

[@iamthefootyfan]

Yeah I get it, good ted.

[@alicemonay]

Luck is hard work and focus.

[@turkvestule1668]

Are people really out here expecting life to be fair? Like... how does that happen? Surely you experience enough disappointment growing up to understand that's not the way it is, and yes it does build character or, 'mental toughness' as this man is putting it.

[@AlwayzMedicated901]

Yes sir

[@sanderburton]

I don’t think anyone would admit they want life to be predictable and fair. After all, we are meant to work, earn our stripes and those who come through the trenches are heros, and we can all do that if we set our minds to it…but that is a whole lot of pain. So instead, we complain about how life isn’t predictable and fair so we can say we tried to go through those trenches but circumstances meant we couldn’t be heros and that isn’t our fault. The issue isn’t that people shouldn’t want life to be predictable and fair, the issue is that we worship martyrs instead of accepting that life is suffering.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Good point Sander. Yes, going through the trenches is a LOT of pain. We worship the martyrs, without understanding just how much pain and suffering those who go through the prolonged trip through the trenches actually endure. But simply being alive means having to deal with pain in some form or another. So we may as well deal with the pain associated with something we choose to believe in. In that way, we have a chance at figuring out how to deal with our pain quickly as we move, without getting permanently handicapped by long-term suffering.

[@valenciaponomarenco]

I'm amazed that anyone other than children could think that life was fair. The universe is completely random and chaotic.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

I'm amazed about that also Valencia. Yet many people's actions display a yearning for fairness across the board. But the key is to not allow the unfair situation to serve as an excuse... And the universe is not COMPLETELY chaotic and random. It may "seem" completely random and chaotic. Yes, some thing are: who your parents are, whether you were born a male or female, race or where you were born. Yes, from our own point of view, those things are completely random. Also, people fall ill, have horrific accidents, and no one knows why. "Wrong place, wrong time". And on the flip side, sometimes it's "right place, right time". But some things that "seem" random, are the effects of causes that aren't yet understood or discovered. That's why science and technology is SOOO important. When things "happen" and we don't know why, it's not always due to the chaotic and random nature of things. A reason or cause can exist without being known. And so there's a delicate balance. If we were to be able to somehow take out all of the uncertainty in the world, life would simply be a bore, not worth living. We must adapt to take the good with the bad. And those who do seem to find happiness, peace and success in a chaotic world.

[@makeitso1017]

Keep calm and carry on, right?

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Make It So! You got it!

[@mariannemortimer7724]

I’m hearing electromagnetic and success and thinking…’the secret’???

[@iamtheyesmanallthetime]

I took notes, haha I never take notes, must be a good talk..

[@koliecrutcher2173]

yESmAN!!! (Your name is the perfect reply!)

[@dariasotnykova]

Yes, I love it, proof is in the pudding (science :) )

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Thanks Daria. Yes, the science rules ;)!

[@lorenzuluagafajardo5805]

Hola kolie

[@barunkazedonna]

Maybe there's a better term for what he's talking about? I don't think 'mental toughness' paints this technique in the most positive light.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

If you prefer a different term, other than "mental toughness" Barunka, that's quite okay. It really doesn't matter what you call it. The important thing is to get us to take persistent action in a certain way that leads to results. Personally for me, the term "mental toughness" puts me in the frame of mind to keep on keeping on, especially when I might not "feel like it". When I think of something that is "tough", it holds up and doesn't quit. It's built the right way. So for me, "mental toughness" is what allows the unyielding persistence of action the whole time through to reach the point when exponential growth kicks in. One cannot get to this point of exponential growth without unyielding persistence (I just like to call it "toughness"), and that's what must be understood.

[@jordyndejong]

Does anyone get a Chris Rock vibe with his cadence and tone?

[@koliecrutcher2173]

Ahhh! lol. Chris Rock is definitely a brilliant comedian--one of my favorites! He speaks much truth about every day reality. Thanks for the compliment Jordyn! ;)

[@jonjackson8811]

Very interesting but not about mental toughness. If this is about mental toughness then everything is about mental toughness.

[@amagodatfortnite]

Ah yes, we have all been conditioned to just survive instead of thrive.

[@charliebrownabel]

Lol why does he keep using air quotation marks when he says writer?

[@MsJoyce31202]

He may have known that (about college) but hated to leave certain challenges unmet. Duh. And people are paid to write technical books !!!!!

[@lornabalanag]

Mmmm I agree with some of what he's saying but I don't think this approach is gona work for everybody.

[@koliecrutcher2173]

You're right Lorna. It's not going to work for everybody. However, it works for everybody who works IT. And of course to varying degrees. Not everyone wants, or should want, to become a multi-billionaire. Many people have other things that are much more important to them than becoming uber-rich. People's approach can vary. But whatever keeps one going through difficulties moving towards that which THEY deem worthy. The feeling of overcoming adversity by means of the decision to simply persist is intoxicating.

[@davidangus6502]

Anybody who quits with the excuse of 'life isn't fair' probably wasn't going to achieve that goal anyway. So weak minded. If this is you, watch this video.