getting strong - and not just physically

I'm embarking on a "get strong" project. I want to improve my physical strength and endurance, but in the process, I want to get strong in other ways - emotionally, intellectually, etc. I think these are all connected, and I want to be able to say (without smirking) "I am a strong person". I feel like gaining strength physically can go hand in hand with gaining, for example, emotional resilience. I'm starting a list of strength goals, which range from concrete physical goals - e.g. being able to do 10 "real" pushups in a row - to goals about the kind of person I want to be - e.g. making a difference in my community by checking in with an elderly acquaintance and having a real conversation with them once a week.

I would love to hear others' thoughts on the connection between physical strength and other kinds of strength, such as emotional resilience. Is anyone else out there setting "other kinds of strength" goals?

The post above articulates something I've been trying to coalesce in my head for some time.  I'm not sure if the physical strength is just a metaphor for the emotional strength I'm trying to develop, or if each is necessary in order to achieve the other.  But either way, I am trying to learn about/strengthen my body in order to improve my mind and emotions.  I don't have so much goals in terms of lifting weights.. but I have physical goals like biking my first century and maintaining a steady trajectory of progress with my yoga practice.  I have emotional/moral/intellectual goals like staying single (learning to love being alone), becoming a better listener, not indulging in overreaction when small bad things happen.  

I feel that I've been trying to become a better, more independent, emotionally stable, kinder person for .. oh.. more than 10 years without making perceptible, sustainable progress.  I think it's just too abstract.  But physical strength is not abstract, so I think I'm using that quest as a way of getting a grasp of how to go about the other quest.

Thanks for your post.  It reminded me of why I was doing this.

For me, my weight loss journey was only the beginning of a process of making myself a better person.  I've set goals for weight loss, I've set goals for exercise, and now I am setting goals in my personal life as well.

I think becoming a stronger person physically does help you become stronger emotionally.  When you see what you are capable of when you put your mind to it, you begin to turn your mind to other things, as well.  And knowing you can affect outcomes is awesome indeed.

Thanks for commenting. I think that you've hit on something when you talk about seeing what you're capable of. Hmm, lots to think about!

Your comment "physical strength is not abstract, so I think I'm using that quest as a way of getting a grasp of how to go about the other quest" really rings true for me. I too have been trying to "self improve" in a non-perceptible way for a really long time, and am craving some outward evidence of "strong". And I agree - I'm not sure if gaining physical strength is just a metaphor or a necessary step in gaining emotional strength. But this is reminding me that the sense of well-being I had when I was in good shape did seem to give me an inner strength as well. I somehow feel more vulnerable to the inevitable ups and downs of life in my current less-physically-fit body. Hips2ships, best of luck with your cycling and yoga practice - that sounds like a well-rounded fitness plan, for both body and mind. Keep us posted on how you're doing!

I think you really nailed this connection! I agree that it is all heavily interconnected. Technically, if you look at it all on paper, I've had a pretty icky year, in an undebatable sort of way....just one thing after another and sort of during the worst time possible times.  Yet the further I get along in this process, the more I find myself using that exact word 'stronger' to describe how I'm feeling to others. Yes, I forget that we're not speaking the same language  - they're not here on CC Land! But its really how I feel despite the challenges, and I've been able to really reframe everything into a positive/optimistic attitude  - and for the most part have been able to add new good habits as opposed to falling back on bad ones.  There's just a deep down inner confidence right now that things are going to better, I'm better, and that I'm moving in the right direction for the long term. (Or maybe I'm just in denial, ha! But for now I still believe its new strength!) 

I definitely believe that physical, mental, and emotional health are all connected and equally important. I like taking a step back sometimes and try to view myself from an outsider's perspective. I am not only working on improving my physical self, but also on becoming a better person. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way!! :)