Editor’s Note: Originally published Sept. 10, 2019

“Adversity is a test of your toughness, not your talent.” – Tim Kight.

Are you tough? I like to think I’m tough enough. But I could be tougher. There’s no chance to pass through this life without facing adversity.

I’ve heard it said that toughness is a skill. We develop skills through repetition. We refine them through practice. We harden them into habits. Thinking about toughness, I began a list. You should, too.

Tough people show up. They are where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there. They don’t explain how hard it is to be there. They just show up.

Tough people get off the mat. They bounce back from disappointment. When they fall, they are quick to gather themselves and get back up.

They play “hurt”. Conditions don’t have to be perfect. Health not 100%. No drama. No complaint. Just playing the best way they can.

Tough people do the hard things necessary to improve. No matter what you take up, there will come a time when the next step is harder to take. It takes more work. It takes more time. But taking that time and doing that work is the only way forward.

Tough people have thick skin. They are coachable. They don’t shrink from candid feedback. They learn from it. They seek advice, criticism, and challenges.

Tough people play hard. They have learned the impact of concentrated effort. They have developed the stamina to play the whole game.

Tough people focus on what’s next. They have their eyes forward. They have learned that neither your accomplishments nor mistakes matter in the present. They know they are only as good as they are now.

Tough people understand the power of inspiration. They know their toughness inspires toughness in others. They are tough. They call others to be tougher, too.

That’s my list of tough. What would you add?