Rudyard Kiplings’ IF is the best poem ever written.

If you grasp all of the lessons within, “you’ll be a man, my son”

Let’s go through the epic guide to mental toughness

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If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
--
Starts off 🔥🔥🔥. Emotional control, especially in the storm. When everyone is panicking do you have a steady hand?
Be the Oak tree. Stable and strong, dependable and unflappable.

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too
--
Mentally strong, not being swayed by the opinions of others, but at the same time open minded to new information. You must know the truth at all times and trust your judgment.

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise
--
Patience. Ignore gossip, ignore opinions and stay humble

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same
--
Think big, but get to action
And don't be fooled by the temporary highs and lows.

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:
--
Know yourself and your core principles, do not be pushed off balance by enemies.

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss
--
My fav. Go for it. Let it rip and accept risk and failure Suck it up/go for it again. No complaining

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: Hold on!
--
See it through, especially when you want to give up Find your strength and finish the job.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
--
Treat everyone with respect. Don't fall for the BS.
You are your only judge

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
--
Get to work. We have 1 life. Use your time wisely and productively.

After hundreds of reads it still can give me chills. Inspirational words that I would like to see the next generation enjoy and embrace. Strength is beautiful.

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