Being strong does not depend on your physical abilities, but on your mental strength. How many times have you had to think about toughness, wondering if you were strong enough? Well, to be tough, you might need a little practice.

Whatever your career aspirations, there's no denying that a little mental toughness can help you achieve your professional goals and succeed in all areas of life.

It's true - mental toughness, when managed well, helps you command the respect of colleagues and peers, defend your point of view on projects, negotiate effectively and give you the confidence you need. to know that you are capable and worthy of succeeding.

In fact, some of us seem to have natural reserves of mental strength in abundance and ready to use, while others need a little more help. If you're one of those people who needs a little mental toughness help, don't worry, we've got you covered.

When you hear the term "Navy SEAL" you automatically think of toughness, both physical and mental.

After all, the Navy SEALs are the best of the best, the toughest of the tough, individuals who are selected to try to be part of this elite group.

Although tenacity is a minimum requirement to be selected for the Navy SEALs, the truth is that only a very small percentage of people from this elite group make it through the training, and calling this process rigorous does not does not do justice.

That said, when you meet someone who has been successful and has become a SEAL, their tenacity isn't just a no-brainer – to put it mildly. And when they're ready to share strategies for building mental toughness, you better listen!

Mark Divine, a 20-year Navy SEAL veteran, recently shared his thoughts on developing lasting mental toughness on mindbodygreen.com.

Mark Divine is a firm believer in the primacy of mind over body, which means that if you set yourself a specific goal or task, nothing can stop you from achieving it. He discussed four fundamental tips anyone can use to build a rock-solid mindset.

1. Determine your goal

To be able to focus all your mental energy in a specific direction in life, you must first determine and find what that purpose is. Mark Divine has created the following list of helpful questions you should ask yourself to determine your purpose in life:

• What have you been conditioned to think you are meant to do with your life?
• What do you think you are supposed to do with your life?
• What do you feel you are meant to do with your life?
• Is there a little voice of doubt deep inside you that suggests you're on the wrong track?
• Does that same voice push you forward with the feeling that you are on the right track?
• What ONE thing do you think you are here for? What ONE thing would you focus on if nothing was holding you back?
• What would you do differently if you knew you only had a year to live?

You need to ask these questions and answer them as honestly as possible to achieve your life purpose. Once you have a goal, it's easy to imagine yourself achieving it, and the simple act of doing so can help build your confidence and mental toughness, allowing you to move forward.

2. Focus on yourself

Mark Divine claims that deep self-focus is the key to gaining true self-awareness in life, which ultimately leads to what he calls an "unbeatable spirit", which is the foundation of mental toughness. A nuanced, multi-faceted self-awareness can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes you've made in the past that may have held you back from achieving your goals.

Divine suggests that a great approach to developing self-awareness and an unbeatable spirit is to take a few minutes each day to meditate, reflect inwardly, and journal. It will allow you to connect to your true inner self and grow stronger.

3. Determine your path

Once you have a real purpose, born out of true introspection and self-awareness, Mark Divine suggests you figure out your path to success. Most goals have several possible paths, but the truth is that not all of them are necessarily suitable for your situation.

Confronting the reality of your current situation will help you determine the most effective path forward, which will help you flex and build your mental muscles.

4. Support your goal with healthy living and outside support

Mark Divine believes that a strong and healthy mind requires a strong and healthy body. Proper nutrition and plenty of exercise are key to building a rock-solid mindset that will allow you to achieve your life goals.

He also recognizes that, as with most things in life, having a strong support system in place can go a long way towards success. A group of positive, like-minded friends, family, and co-workers can make all the difference in your life and in your progress toward the goals you set for yourself.

There you have it, strategies for building your mental toughness and achieving your goals, from someone who knows what to do.

Take full advantage of Mark Divine's advice to develop a strong mindset, and before long, nothing will be able to stop you! Do something for yourself.