Welcome to Sharudin Jamal Blogspot

More than two decades ago, I was diagnosed of having a peculiar illness known as Bipolar Affective Disorder. My world as I knew it crumbled; I lost my business, then my job and later my sense of purpose. It was during this dark moments I rediscovered the joy of running and writing. Most of the articles here are about my rekindled pleasure of hitting the tarmac, my coming to terms with the illness and my discovery of the meaning of life.

I always on the lookout for inspirations to write in these three areas with the hope that they will shed new ray of hope to others who are in the same position as I am.

Do keep in touch if you feel connected through these essays.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

11/4/19 Developing Mental Toughness

The mind is a powerful tool.  It can make or break you.

We need to flex our minds like it is a muscle.  What are the key ingredients to be mentally tough?

Firstly we must have a firm belief that we will succeed in any endeavor that we choose.  This belief in ourselves is paramount to strengthen our mind to propel us forward.  It exudes confidence and free us from any self-doubt.

Next we need to be in the State of Knowing.  We must trust our instinct completely so that whatever goals we set, we will achieve.  This State of Knowing is having faith that we were born to win.  No matter how challenging the adversity, we will endure.  Its a power deep inside of us that translates to the notion that we will make it no matter what.

Also, never underestimate the power of Unconditional Love.  I had experienced wonders after I finally lived through True Love very recently in my life.  Should I had it in my forming years, I would have gone much further in life.  It is never too late to feel empowered by love.  A healthy relationship can make you while a bad one can break you to pieces.

With Unconditional Love comes the feeling of certainty.  Nothing is achieved without certainty.  As mentioned by Morihei Ueshiba, the feeling of certainty cannot be described by words.  Move towards enlightenment.


Mental Toughness requires for us to be physically fit.  Nothing radiates positive vibes like an able body.  It is the body that influence the mind,  The mind is just a servomechanism.  Sound mind comes from a sound body.  It is the vessel that carries the passenger.  Without a healthy body even the best of minds falters.  If the body is the vehicle, the fuel is the food you put in.  You are what you eat.  No doubt about it.  Take good care of the body and the body will take care of you.

Finally, you need to be in an environment that is conducive to be Mentally Tough,  This is the Kung Fu part of it.  We cannot be complacent in our daily living.  Just like the coral reefs, the ones constantly exposed to the waves are the most vibrant.  If you look at the corals at the center of the Great Barrier Reef, they are pale and lifeless.  We need to challenge ourselves on a daily basis,  We need to be Sisyphus to be at the top of our game:


At the same time we need to have our hope high like Icarus:


The other word for Mental Toughness is RELENTLESS.  When the going gets tough the tough gets going,

Stay away from the naysayers and the small thinkers.  Their intention maybe good but they are normally govern by fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD).  Those who are mentally tough are steadfast in their missions to succeed.  No matter how long it takes.  It is a goal driven action powered by passion and most importantly the belief that failure is not an option.


If you think this is pep talk or some motivational crap, think again.  Nothing great was ever achieved without the proper mindset.  Once you condition the body to excel, you need to condition your mind to carry though.  This is the foundation of Mens Sana in Corpore Sano or in Arabic, Al Aqli Salam Minal Jismi Salam; sound mind in a sound body.  We need both to move forward.

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