One day, a curious child asked his father, Gatotkaca inquired of Bhimasena, "Father, who is a strong person?""A strong person can be defined in multiple ways, depending on the type of strength you're referring to—physical, emotional, mental, or even moral," Bima replied."Physical strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights—it’s also about endurance, health, and managing stress through physical activity. Ross Edgley’s 'The Art of Resilience' highlights how training the body enhances not only physical strength but also mental toughness. His experiences demonstrate how physical challenges build resilience through discomfort and recovery. Physical fitness impacts mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing focus. Developing and maintaining fitness routines helps people stay committed, even when motivation falters. Physical strength is a tool to develop inner discipline and emotional regulation, which supports resilience.Edgley begins by debunking the myth that resilience arises solely from controlling every circumstance. Instead, he advocates for acknowledging and accepting those elements outside of one's control, thereby freeing up energy to concentrate on influencing what can be changed. This alignment with Stoic philosophy underscores the importance of mastering internal domains while accepting external realities.Central to Edgley's approach is the idea that resilience grows through confrontation and transcendence of difficulties. By voluntarily stepping into uncomfortable zones, individuals can amplify their capacity to endure and flourish under pressure. This willingness to face adversity transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion.Contrasting qualities like speed and strength are shown to coexist harmoniously according to Edgley. This principle encourages seekers of resilience to integrate disparate attributes rather than selecting between them exclusively. This balanced approach fosters holistic development, preparing individuals for varied scenarios encountered in life.Maintaining physical health through regular exercise and proper nutrition contributes to overall well-being and resilience. The ability to endure physical challenges or hardships can also be seen as a form of strength. Physical fitness impacts mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing focus. Developing and maintaining fitness routines helps people stay committed, even when motivation falters.Physical strength is a tool to develop inner discipline and emotional regulation, which supports resilience.Contrary to common beliefs about strength being synonymous with stoicism, emotionally strong individuals often show vulnerability. They understand that expressing emotions can be a sign of courage rather than weakness. They can empathize with others, allowing them to connect deeply while maintaining healthy boundaries. This balance enables them to support others without losing sight of their own needs. Strong individuals are willing to take risks, whether in relationships or career choices. They pursue their passions despite fears or past failures, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and fulfilment.An emotionally strong person is resilient, managing their feelings effectively in times of crisis or stress. They are not immune to negative emotions but are skilled at processing them constructively. Emotional strength involves:Self-awareness: Understanding and recognizing emotions, thoughts, and triggers.Adaptability: Shifting perspectives to handle change without emotional breakdown.Vulnerability: As Brené Brown discusses in 'Daring Greatly', emotional strength isn’t about suppressing emotions but embracing vulnerability to foster authentic connections.Mental strength refers to perseverance in the face of challenges, discipline, and focus. According to Angela Duckworth’s "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance", mentally strong people maintain long-term motivation toward their goals, even when progress is slow. Their attributes include:
- Optimism and belief: Even when faced with setbacks, they maintain a belief in their ability to improve.
- Growth mindset: They see challenges as opportunities for learning.
- Focus and self-discipline: Jocko Willink in "Discipline Equals Freedom" argues that discipline is the foundation of mental toughness, helping individuals take control of their emotions and actions.
Mental strength is about making intentional choices despite discomfort and maintaining consistency over time. Strong individuals manage their emotions effectively, understanding that they are responsible for their responses to situations. They do not let external factors dictate their feelings or actions. They embrace change and are flexible in their thinking. Instead of resisting new circumstances, they welcome positive changes and adjust their strategies accordingly.Strong people do not fear failure; instead, they view setbacks as opportunities for growth. They persist in the face of challenges and learn from their mistakes, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. They possess a high level of self-awareness, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses. This trait allows them to navigate social interactions and personal challenges with grace and confidence.Moral strength is the ability to live by one's values and stand firm in the face of ethical dilemmas. One foundational aspect of moral strength is integrity, which refers to aligning one's actions and decisions with their core values and ethics. Strong people demonstrate integrity, acting in alignment with one’s principles, even when it’s hard. Another aspect is Empathy, balancing personal values with compassion for others.Courage, as Ryan Holiday explores in "The Obstacle Is the Way", moral strength involves embracing responsibility and taking action in the face of fear or uncertainty.In "The Obstacle Is the Way", Ryan Holiday invites readers on a journey shaped by ancient Stoic wisdom, showing how hardship can be the catalyst for greatness. Inspired by figures like Marcus Aurelius, the narrative flows through three distinct phases: Perception, Action, and Will—all necessary steps for transforming obstacles into opportunities.Imagine standing before an overwhelming challenge, filled with fear and frustration. Holiday suggests that what separates the strong from the weak is how we choose to view these obstacles. The emotionally reactive person sees failure, while the Stoic perceives a lesson. In this phase, the focus is on remaining calm, objective, and rational when facing difficulties. As Holiday notes, emotions cloud our judgment, but by shifting perspective, we can control how we react.He brings to life real stories: Thomas Edison, watching his life's work burn in a laboratory fire, didn’t grieve but smiled and remarked that the disaster had cleared out old mistakes. It’s this detachment that allows us to see clearly—even in crisis.Knowing how to perceive the world correctly is not enough; one must act decisively and persistently. Holiday describes action as a kind of methodical persistence—one that recognizes progress often feels slow and discouraging. Through deliberate effort, however, each small victory accumulates into something greater.We are reminded of the Apollo 13 mission. When an explosion disabled the spacecraft, the astronauts and ground control did not lament their situation. Instead, they focused on what could be done with the resources they had, demonstrating that creativity and commitment can overcome even seemingly insurmountable challenges. Holiday encourages readers to start where they are, focusing on immediate, manageable steps rather than waiting for perfect conditions to act.The final lesson is to develop an indomitable will. Life will place obstacles beyond our control—illness, loss, injustice—and we must learn to accept these situations without complaint. It is not resignation, but rather an acknowledgement that resisting the inevitable is futile.Holiday emphasizes that true strength comes from within: the ability to keep going, even when circumstances are harsh. Amelia Earhart is a prime example. Faced with societal limitations and repeated failures, she pushed forward with an unyielding will, ultimately becoming a pioneer of aviation.Holiday's narrative makes it clear that the obstacle is not the end but the way forward. Just as the Stoics taught that adversity is an opportunity for self-improvement, Holiday invites us to embrace discomfort and uncertainty as tools for personal growth. By perceiving difficulties as neutral, taking focused action, and developing inner resilience, we transform obstacles into paths of triumph. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."Holiday’s message is clear: Every challenge holds the seed of opportunity, waiting only for us to cultivate it through courage, clarity, and discipline. A morally strong person navigates the world with a deep sense of purpose, refusing to compromise on their values, even under pressure.Another crucial element is resilience, which enables individuals to navigate through difficult circumstances without compromising their ethics or principles. “Relentless” by Tim Grover discusses how developing an unstoppable mindset can help overcome obstacles while staying true to one's core beliefs. Although not specifically focused on morality, it offers practical advice on building mental toughness that aligns with ethical behaviour when faced with adversity.Grover—known for coaching elite athletes like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade—delivers a raw, no-nonsense narrative about what it takes to achieve and sustain greatness. In Grover’s world, the path to success isn’t for the faint-hearted. He introduces to the concept of the “Cleaner’s Mindset”, a type of person who pushes beyond limits, refuses to make excuses, and thrives in the face of pressure. Through his narrative, Grover explores what separates good from great—and what makes someone truly unstoppable. A Cleaner never needs to be told to push harder; they self-motivate and consistently pursue mastery. As Grover describes, Michael Jordan embodied this mentality by showing up early to practice, even when no one was watching.
- Grover categorizes people into three mentalities:
- Coolers: Good performers who follow the rules and meet expectations.
- Closers: Great performers who excel under pressure but need guidance.
- Cleaners: The rare few who set the rules, push beyond expectations, and deliver results no matter the cost.
Grover warns his readers that the relentless mindset demands sacrifice—relationships, comfort, and often balance. It’s not for those seeking approval or external rewards. Grover emphasizes that greatness requires obsession—the kind that borders on unhealthy by conventional standards. He argues that instincts and personal trust are more reliable than outside opinions, stressing that relentless people follow their own path regardless of criticism or setbacks.Kobe Bryant’s obsession with improving his game serves as a compelling example, highlighting how true excellence requires a relentless focus.Grover doesn't sugarcoat the challenges: success demands embracing pain and discomfort. He reiterated that setbacks are not failures but necessary steps toward success—if one refuses to quit.Grover’s narration pushes his readers to abandon excuses, embrace discomfort, and cultivate an inner drive that makes them unstoppable.A strong person is self-sufficient and does not rely excessively on others for validation or support. They are capable of making decisions independently and taking responsibility for their actions.In sports or strength competitions, a strongman in this context refers to an athlete who competes in strength-based events, like lifting or carrying heavy objects (e.g., Atlas stones, sandbags), pulling trucks, planes, or other heavy vehicles; deadlifting massive weights, overhead pressing large objects (like logs or kegs).In politics, a strongman is a leader who rules with an authoritarian style, often relying on power, force, or charisma to maintain control. Such leaders sometimes bypass democratic processes or use fear to stay in power. Examples of historical figures considered strongmen include Mussolini in Italy and Stalin in the Soviet Union."Tell me more about a strongman from a political perspective, father!" asked Gatotkaca.
Citations & References:
- Ross Edgley, The Art of Resilience, 2020, HarperCollins
- Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, 2014, Portfolio
- Tim S. Grover & Shari Wenk, Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable, 2013, Scribne
