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My first children’s book, My Strong Mind, was published in October 2017. I wrote it based on stories from my two girls, who were aged 6 and 8 back then. I wanted them to become strong girls! I published My Strong Mind II in August 2019, to help develop strong boys!
Based on my book I created a My Strong Mind school program to develop mental toughness in primary school teachers and students. My program has shown measurable progress in mental toughness as you can read in this case study.
In a series of blogs, I will share some of the evidence-based exercises I use in my school program.
The 4 Cs of mental toughness can be described as:
- Commitment: I promise to do it. I will set a goal and do whatever it takes to deliver.
- Control: I really believe I can do it. I will keep my emotions in check when doing it.
- Challenge: I’m driven to do it. I will take chance and acceptable risk. Setbacks will make me stronger.
- Confidence: I believe I have the ability to do it. I can stand my ground if I need to.
Or in graph form:
I will share a Confidence exercise that goes nicely together with my book.
Confidence describes the self-belief an individual has in their own abilities and the interpersonal confidence they possess to influence others and deal with conflict and challenge.
When faced with a challenge, mentally tough people scoring high in confidence will possess the self belief to deal with the situation and the inner strength to stand their ground when needed. Their confidence enables them to represent their view boldly and be comfortable in handling objections.
Exercise approach
Read My Strong Mind and introduce the 4Cs
- Read My Strong Mind with the children, so they can relate with Kate further in the exercise.
- You can download the 4C overview here and have a short conversation with the children about what every C could mean.
Introduce the Confidence exercise
- This exercise is used to help children think positively about themselves, their
achievements and document this in a fun way. - Share with your child or the class when you were proud or great memories and emphasize that
everyone has positive things to celebrate and to be proud of.
Do the exercise
- Download the exercise here, print it and hand out.
- Give the children enough time to complete.
- When children get stuck, ask them some prompting questions.
- Hang the finished exercise in the classroom or at home on the fridge.
Hope you enjoy the exercise. Let me know how it went.
All the best,
Niels
