Doing Hard Things: Rethinking What It Means to Be Mentally Tough

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What does it really mean to be mentally tough?

For many of us, toughness has always meant pushing harder, working longer, and ignoring discomfort. But what if real resilience isn't about grinding through challenges—it's about learning how to respond to them with greater awareness?

In this re-released episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg and Brian Schubring revisit Do Hard Things by performance expert Steve Magness. Together, they explore why emotions aren't obstacles to overcome, why self-awareness may be the foundation of resilience, and how leaders can develop the kind of toughness that leads to healthier teams, stronger relationships, and more sustainable performance.

Whether you're leading an organization, parenting your kids, training for your next race, or simply trying to navigate life's inevitable challenges, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to do hard things. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why traditional definitions of mental toughness often fall short 
•  How emotions provide valuable information instead of getting in the way 
•  The difference between reacting and responding during stressful situations 
•  How "zooming in" and "zooming out" can help you gain perspective 
•  Why embracing your own identity is essential to resilient leadership 
•  Practical ways to build emotional awareness and navigate difficult moments with greater confidence

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The Leadership Vision Podcast is a weekly show sharing our expertise in discovering, practicing, and implementing a Strengths-based approach to people, teams, and culture. Contact us to talk to us about helping your team understand the power of Strengths.