The Theory of Inner Strength is based on the idea that we each have a reserve of power inside that emerges when we need it most.
Whatever it is, we definitely like the idea of it.
Run a quick search online you’ll come up with over seven million hits referencing the concept and describing it in any (or all) of the following terms.
Confidence and power from inside. * Resoluteness of will. * Integrity of character. * Ability to rise above fear. * A combination of Resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. * A deep, unstoppable belief in yourself. * Internal energy that embraces faith and hope to move one toward a purposeful life.
Even psychologists are vague when using the term inner strength, defining it simply as a wide range of mental and emotional behaviors, skills, and attitudes that help to keep one stable and adaptable.
So, we have this elusive resource that we struggle to define but has the ability to make a positive difference in our lives.
The obvious question is how do we tap into this reservoir of strength?
The Theory of Inner Strength
Let’s start with the first known formal reference to Inner Strength which appeared in a series of gender-sensitive studies beginning in 2000.
The subjects for this study were women with chronic health conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and transplantation.
Specifically, researchers wanted to know to what extent the women were able to find the determination and strength to positively move through their challenging events.
They concluded that some measure of inner strength exists in all of us, however, it is the experience of going through a difficult event that enables us to access that energy.
In other words, pressure forces our hidden strengths to surface.
Essential Keys to Boost Inner Strength
Among the endless articles, books, and seminars on the subject of inner strength advice on how to increase your capacity ranges from practicing mindfulness to using affirmations, exercising, or just being a nicer person.
But if we go back to the studies associated with The Theory of Inner Strength researchers looked for consistent attitudes and behaviors among the women who responded to their experiences in the most effective and resilient ways.
They identified 3 essential keys that work together to boost one’s capacity for inner strength.
Meaning
The meaning you give to life represents your interpretation of your beliefs and experiences. It affects your thoughts and behaviors; it colors your view of the world and everything that happens to you.
Right now, we are up to our eyeballs in ongoing disruption and uncertainty courtesy of a global pandemic, economic turmoil, and demands for political and social reform.
For many people, one of the most disturbing side effects of this journey is the sense that they are losing what little control they have over their lives.
But it is within your power to reframe your perception of this period by leaning into the uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
When you’re able to fully grasp the potential for this ability to positively affect your attitude toward your circumstances it is incredibly empowering and that’s why it’s an essential element of boosting inner strength.
The meaning of life differs from person to person, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment.
~Dr. Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist, and a Holocaust survivor
Engagement
When facing a major life event, it’s tempting to dig in and cling to comfortable familiarity for as long as possible.
But it’s only when we are fully engaged, mindful of our senses, feelings, and experiences, that we experience the boost of energy from our inner strength.
Lean into your challenges instead of hiding from them. Embrace situations where you have to find solutions, but do it in a way that is not overwhelming — challenging but not demoralizing.
Instead of pursuing perfection, aim for hope, and small attainable goals. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and enhance your sense of well-being.
Accountability
The notion of taking full responsibility for one’s life circumstances may be tough for some people to accept. After all, it does somewhat bump up against the reality that there are plenty of things that we have no control over.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that we do have control over our own choices and behavior and that includes how we respond to life in general and adversity in particular.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t about placing blame, but rather learning to understand – and accept – the consequences of our choices.
Of course, we can always opt not to take responsibility, after all, that would involve fewer unknowns and less risk of discomfort.
The problem is there is always a price to pay for the choices we make, and in this regard, it means relinquishing your power and accepting the victim card, which inevitably results in issues of low self-esteem, and lack of self-trust.
In the end, it takes just about the same amount of energy to follow either path, but the rewards for taking personal responsibility include the ability to quickly adapt to challenging situations, increased confidence, and self-esteem.
Possibly the most important benefit of all is a greater sense of ownership over the quality and direction of your life.
Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see it is just a tiny spark that whispers ever so softly. ‘You got this. Just keep going.’
~Author Unknown
Closing Thoughts
Building your capacity for inner strength is not complicated, and for better or worse, now is the perfect time to commit to doing the work.
When we finally get through this storm, and we will get through it, we will each have a choice.
You can struggle to fit the pieces of your life into a place of comfortable familiarity or open yourself to new norms and a fresh start by taking what you’ve learned about yourself and the world around you and creating a better future.
Related:
Will you be the passenger or the driver in your life journey?
About Marquita A. Herald
Marquita is an author, resilience coach, and the chief evangelist at Emotionally Resilient Living. She’s also an unapologetic workaholic who loves red wine, rock n’ roll, road trips (and car dancing!), peanut butter cookies, and (especially) a dog named Lucy.
She’s saddened and frustrated by excuses and cruelty and believes authentic compassion is the most powerful force in the world.
To learn more about Marquita and the mission of Emotionally Resilient Living Start Here.
