13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin cover

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do

Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success

by Amy Morin

4.6(8,670 ratings)
15 min read

Brief overview

This book shows how to build mental resilience by identifying and avoiding common pitfalls. Through relatable stories and practical strategies, readers learn how to break negative patterns, manage emotions, and create healthier habits. Expect a roadmap that encourages deeper self-awareness and lasting personal growth.

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Introduction

Life can present unexpected setbacks that test your emotions and rattle your self-confidence. But there is a path toward resilience. This summary provides insight into why certain mindsets hold us back, often without our realization. Whether you’re striving for personal or professional goals, you will find valuable guidance here.

By uncovering the habits and thought patterns that undermine your progress, you can proactively address them. Mental toughness isn’t about denying difficulties; it’s about learning to cope with them in a balanced, effective way. This involves examining your beliefs, emotions, and behaviors thoroughly.

Throughout these pages, we’ll explore concrete strategies for breaking free from self-pity, fear of risk, people pleasing, and more. The key is to identify where you’re giving up power or clinging to unrealistic expectations. With genuine effort, you can begin a healthier, more purposeful life.

In this introduction, recognize your own capacity for growth. Understanding that real change is possible is the first step. Rather than feeling stuck, you can cultivate habits that lead to meaningful connections, emotional well-being, and greater success. Let’s delve into ways to strengthen your mind and transform your outlook.

Reclaim Your Personal Power

A central theme of building mental strength is recognizing how you give away your personal power. Sometimes, it happens subtly, like letting someone’s criticism dictate your self-worth. Other times, it’s more direct, such as living in constant fear of someone’s disapproval. Real growth starts when you see these patterns clearly.

When you invest too much energy in trying to please others, you risk neglecting your own values. You may spend hours complaining about a difficult boss, for example, instead of focusing on solutions. Each minute you dwell on frustrating circumstances is a minute you lose for personal development and joy.

Setting clear boundaries is crucial. This involves speaking up when you sense unfair treatment or refusing to dwell on negative opinions you can’t control. Assertiveness doesn’t mean aggression; rather, it’s a way to respect your own decisions, time, and emotional resources.

Stop handing people the script to your life story. Shape your narrative by choosing where your energy goes.

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What is 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do about?

“13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” explores the core habits that hold people back from emotional and personal growth. By examining everyday pitfalls like self-pity, fear of risk, and people-pleasing, author Amy Morin shows readers how to reclaim energy and build genuine resilience. Each chapter highlights a harmful mindset and offers step-by-step strategies to replace it with so-called “mentally strong” habits.

More than just another self-help manual, this resource draws from real-life examples and Morin’s experience as a psychotherapist. Readers learn to recognize subtle behavioral patterns that sabotage confidence, relationships, and progress. With these insights, they can start shaping a more balanced life and discover how to handle adversity in a healthier, more constructive way.

Review of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do

This book’s greatest strength lies in its practical, solution-focused approach. Each of the 13 chapters pinpoints a sneaky habit—like toxic comparisons or shrinking in the face of change—and breaks down how to address it. Readers receive clear guidance on rethinking unproductive beliefs, so they can act with greater confidence and less self-doubt.

What sets it apart is the blend of heartfelt personal stories and grounded psychology. Morin’s style is approachable, making complex emotional topics easier to absorb. You can apply the lessons quickly, whether you’re handling workplace stress or navigating a personal crisis. The principles also adapt well to various life stages.

If you value self-awareness and actionable tips, this book wears both hats. It pushes readers to face unhealthy patterns without feeling overwhelmed. After finishing the final pages, you’ll have a roadmap for stronger mental habits and a recommendation to keep practicing them for ongoing growth.

Who should read 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do?

  • Busy professionals seeking proven ways to manage stress under tight deadlines
  • Students facing life changes who want practical mindset tools
  • Entrepreneurs balancing risk and reward and looking for healthier coping mechanisms
  • Therapists, counselors, or coaches interested in evidence-based tips for clients
  • Anyone wanting deeper emotional resilience and everyday mental clarity

About the author

Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and expert on mental strength. She is the international bestselling author of "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" and has written several other books on mental strength, including "13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do" and "13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do." Her books have been translated into over 40 languages and sold over 1 million copies. She is also a popular keynote speaker and has given talks to various organizations, including Google and the National Nuclear Security Administration, and her TEDx talk has been viewed over 22 million times.

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