Why Physical Strength Is Nothing Without Mental Toughness
Jan 30, 2025
Read time: 2 minutes
Physical strength isn't enough to succeed. Here's what really matters.
In 2017, I learned a lesson that cost me a spot in Queensland's top 300 athletes.
The competition was simple: Powerade would test students at every Queensland university. The top performer from each uni would win front-row Broncos tickets and advance to the state finals.
At Griffith University, I started strong:
- Fastest sprint times on the board
- Highest vertical jump recorded
- Top scores in agility tests
Then came the Cooper test – a 12-minute running challenge.
My mind whispered: "You can miss one lap. Be clever. Save energy."
I listened. Big mistake.
While I played it "smart," my competition kept pushing.
He wasn’t faster. He wasn’t stronger.
He just didn't quit.
I lost my spot in the finals that day. The tickets too.
The Wake-Up Call
I felt terrible for a week after that loss.
Each night, I replayed that moment. The voice. My choice. Second place.
That failure taught me something: Physical ability means nothing without mental strength.
The Bhagavad-gita puts it clearly:
"For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends. But for one who has failed to do so, the mind will remain the greatest enemy."
My mind betrayed me that day. It offered comfort. I accepted. One moment of weakness cost me the finals.
Your body follows what your mind decides.
Strong muscles can't overcome weak decisions.
The Change
I started training my mind through meditation. Three things became clear:
- The voice telling you to quit isn't you
- Mental clarity beats physical power
- Your mind strengthens with practice, like any muscle
The Test
Recently, I entered a jiu-jitsu competition. That same voice showed up in the final round.
This time was different.
I knew: The voice isn't me. I'm the driver now.
Result? Double gold medals.
Not because my technique was better. Because my mind was stronger.
The SEAL Proof
In his book "Can't Hurt Me," David Goggins describes what he witnessed during Navy SEAL training.
He watched the strongest candidates quit during Hell Week. Perfect bodies, elite athletes, physical specimens. They all rang the bell.
Why? Their minds broke before their bodies.
Goggins wasn't the strongest. He wasn't the fastest. But he refused to quit.
He understood: Physical excellence means nothing when your mind gives up. The second you seek comfort, you lose.
Most people quit when they hit 70% of their true capacity.
But your breaking point lives in your mind, not your muscles.
Mental strength isn't natural talent. It's a skill you build.
Want to test your current mental strength?
Take the 3-minute assessment here.
You'll learn:
- Your current mental strength score
- Where you stand compared to peak performers
- Specific steps to build mental toughness
To making a difference,
Dr Yannick
