What is Mental Toughness?
When you hear the phrase "mental toughness", what first comes to mind: persevering in the face of adversity? … motivating yourself to do something you know you have to do—but don't really want to do? … (re)gaining control of—and responsibility for—yourself?
Although these and other colloquial descriptions capture aspects of mental toughness, they don't provide a robust and consistent definition. Leading academic researchers in the field, Doug Strycharczyk, CEO of AQR International, and Professor Peter Clough define mental toughness as:
The personality trait which determines in large part how people deal effectively with challenge, stressors and pressure … irrespective of circumstances.
The Benefits of Developing Mental Toughness?
Academic research shows the primary benefits of increased mental toughness are greater levels of:
- Performance: Studies show that mental toughness explains a significant part—up to 25%—of the variation in performance of individuals.
- Positive behaviour: Greater engagement and “can-do” mentality.
- Wellbeing: Better stress- and self-management.
- Aspirations: More ambitious, greater willingness to take on and manage risk.
Can Mental Toughness be Developed?
Research shows that an individual's level of mental toughness is not fixed—it is a relatively plastic personality trait that can be developed. One proven way to develop this trait is by working with a coach.
Mental Toughness Questionnaire: MTQPlus
Strycharczyk and Clough, together with other researchers, developed the "4C's" model of mental toughness — representing Control, Commitment, Challenge and Confidence — which measures mindset along eight factors.
Source: The 4C's Model and MTQPlus Psychometric Assessment | AQR International
Control — Believing that you control your destiny
- Life Control: I really believe I can do it.
- Emotional Control: I can manage my emotions and the emotions of others.
Commitment — Being able to stick to tasks
- Goal Orientation: I welcome new and different experiences, I stretch myself.
- Achievement Orientation: I'll do whatever it takes to keep my promises and achieve my goals.
Challenge — Seeing challenge as an opportunity
- Risk Orientation: I welcome new and different experiences, I stretch myself.
- Learning Orientation: I learn from what happens, including setbacks.
Confidence — Having high levels of self-belief
- Confidence in Abilities: I believe I have the ability to do it, or can acquire the ability.
- Interpersonal Confidence: I can influence others, I can stand my ground if needed.
Mental Toughness Development Packages
Assessment
The Mental Toughness Assessment Package is an introduction to the concept of mental toughness and the 4C's Model, and includes a one-hour coaching session review of your MTQPlus Individual Development Report.
Value to You:
- Gain insights into your existing strengths.
- Identify areas for development.
- Generate initial ideas for how to develop in the chosen areas.
Package comprises:
- Completion of the MTQPlus online psychometric assessment.
- Assessment results returned to you with suggestions for how to develop your mental toughness in your Individual Development Report.
- Review of your Individual Development Report and initial coaching on identified development areas with a professionally-trained and accredited coach (one hour).
Delivery:
- The MTQPlus assessment is delivered online and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
- The one-hour coaching session is delivered via Skype or ZOOM.
Your Investment:
CHF 279 (excl. VAT).
Coaching
The Mental Toughness Coaching Package is for individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of and further develop their mental toughness through coaching over an extended period (typically 3 to 6 months).
Value to You:
- In-depth analysis of the areas you wish to develop your mental toughness.
- Tailored development plan and coaching.
- Ongoing accountability-partnering to support you in achieving your coaching objectives.
Package comprises:
- Completion of the MTQPlus online psychometric assessment.
- Analysis and interpretation of your MTQPlus psychometric assessment results.
- Personal coaching tailored to your identifed areas for development and objectives, with a professionally-trained and accredited coach.
- Practical exercises and strategies to help you develop your mental toughness.
Delivery:
- The MTQPlus assessment is delivered online and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
- The coaching sessions are delivered either fortnightly or monthly via Skype or ZOOM over a three- to six-month period, as agreed, with the option to purchase additional coaching sessions.
Your Investment:
According to the desired coaching duration. Please contact us for a quote.
Workshop
The Mental Toughness Workshop Package is for teams and groups to understand the mental toughness concept and co-create development plans with fellow participants.
Value to You:
- Introduction to the mental toughness concept and opportunity to take the MTQPlus psychometric assessment.
- Identify areas in which you and your team can increase their mental toughness.
- Harness the power of fellow workshop participants through co-creating individual and team development plans.
Package comprises:
- Workshop presentation introducing the concept of mental toughness and the 4C's Model.
- Completion of the MTQPlus psychometric assessment (either prior to the workshop or during — depending on workshop duration).
- Review of the assessment findings in the Individual Development Report — individually and in small groups.
- Discussion of assessment results and ideas for increasing performance in the areas identified.
- Workshop participants leave with a plan of activities and strategies they can undertake to help develop their mental toughness in the chosen areas for development.
Delivery:
- The MTQPlus assessment is delivered online and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
- The workshop is provided in-person at your office location or other agreed venue.
- Follow-on coaching is available to support individuals and teams in achieving their identified development objectives.
Your Investment:
According to the scope of your specific requirements. Please contact us for a quote.