What if mental toughness is not about pushing harder, but knowing when to stop. In this episode, Chris unpacks how the traditional grind-it-out definition of toughness quietly leads to burnout, injury, and mental exhaustion. Drawing from a moment during training for his first 70.3 Ironman, he explores the blurred line between discipline and self-destruction, the psychology behind overtraining and overworking, and why grit without mental health is a losing strategy.

We talk about rest as a skill, self-compassion as a performance tool, and how real toughness is built by listening, recovering, and choosing sustainability over ego. This episode is for anyone who has ever confused resilience with exhaustion and wondered why pushing harder stopped working.

You can also read the full article for more insights - The Ultimate Guide To Mental Toughness: Rest, Recovery, And Self-Compassion

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Short essays and practical frameworks on mental health, boundaries, and decision-making at work.Built for humans navigating complexity, not hustling harder. Includes early access to tools, essays, and select subscriber-only resources.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.