Before you throw more time at the problem, throw more focused action at the problem. You don't need more time, you need fewer distractions. - James Clear

A valuable skill in life is to be larger than the situation.

When you're feeling stressed or rattled, the situation is consuming you. It feels bigger and more important than it needs to be. This is when your emotions are likely to get the best of you.

But when you are larger than the situation, you can mentally "step outside and above it." Yes, there are problems to be solved. Yes, you need to take action. But the chaos is happening externally and you are still in the driver's seat internally. You're in control of the moment, the moment is not in control of you.

Mental toughness is often framed as the perseverance that gets you across the finish line:

• Find a way to make it happen
• Push through the pain
• Grind it out to the end

But most days, mental toughness isn't about crossing the finish line. It's about getting to the starting line:

• Show up when no one is watching
• Keep your eye on the ball
• Do a little bit every day

Mental toughness is not skipping the days that are easy to skip.

The hard way is the fast way.

Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it over the next time.