13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Book Summary by Amy Morin is a transformative self-help book that outlines the harmful habits that hold people back from achieving mental strength. As a licensed psychotherapist, Amy Morin draws from both professional and personal experiences to guide readers through actionable steps for building resilience, emotional control, and inner strength.
To preserve their strength and well-being, mentally strong people refrain from thirteen self-destructive practices, which are listed by Morin in this book. Morin shows how kicking bad patterns like putting your power away, dreading change, and looking for acceptance from others can lead to a more powerful and satisfying existence with helpful counsel and perceptive examples.
This book provides readers with practical methods for developing mental toughness, overcoming obstacles in life with assurance, and creating long-lasting success and satisfaction.
Book Summary Contents
- 1 Core Concept: Mental Strength is About What You Avoid
- 2 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: Take Back Your Power Embrace Change Face Your Fears and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success Table Of Contents
- 3 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Book Summary
- 3.1 Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
- 3.1.1 1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
- 3.1.2 2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power
- 3.1.3 3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change
- 3.1.4 4. They Don’t Focus on Things They Can’t Control
- 3.1.5 5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone
- 3.1.6 6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
- 3.1.7 7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past
- 3.1.8 8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
- 3.2 9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success
- 3.3 From the Back Cover
- 3.1 Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
- 4 Conclusion: A Blueprint for Inner Resilience
- 5 About the Author: Amy Morin
- 6 Attachments & References
Core Concept: Mental Strength is About What You Avoid
Mental strength isn’t just about adopting good habits—it’s also about eliminating destructive ones. Morin presents 13 things that mentally strong people deliberately don’t do. Each chapter explores one of these habits in depth, explaining how avoiding it leads to improved emotional well-being and success.
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: Take Back Your Power Embrace Change Face Your Fears and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success Table Of Contents
DEDICATION
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS MENTAL STRENGTH?
CHAPTER 1
THEY DON’T WASTE TIME FEELING SORRY FOR THEMSELVES
CHAPTER 2
THEY DON’T GIVE AWAY THEIR POWER
CHAPTER 3
THEY DON’T SHY AWAY FROM CHANGE
CHAPTER 4
THEY DON’T FOCUS ON THINGS THEY CAN’T CONTROL
CHAPTER 5
THEY DON’T WORRY ABOUT PLEASING EVERYONE
CHAPTER 6
THEY DON’T FEAR TAKING CALCULATED RISKS
CHAPTER 7
THEY DON’T DWELL ON THE PAST
CHAPTER 8
THEY DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES OVER AND OVER
CHAPTER 9
THEY DON’T RESENT OTHER PEOPLE’S SUCCESS
CHAPTER 10
THEY DON’T GIVE UP AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE
CHAPTER 11
THEY DON’T FEAR ALONE TIME
CHAPTER 12
THEY DON’T FEEL THE WORLD OWES THEM ANYTHING
CHAPTER 13
THEY DON’T EXPECT IMMEDIATE RESULTS
CONCLUSION
MAINTAINING YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH
REFERENCES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
COPYRIGHT
ABOUT THE PUBLISHERS
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Book Summary
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
Mentally strong people take responsibility for their actions and emotions. They don’t dwell in self-pity but instead seek solutions and focus on what they can control.
2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power
They don’t let others dictate their self-worth or control their behavior. They set boundaries and maintain their autonomy.
3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change
Change is embraced rather than feared. They understand that growth requires adaptability and courage.
4. They Don’t Focus on Things They Can’t Control
Rather than obsessing over external circumstances, they focus on their attitude, effort, and reactions.
5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone
They recognize that trying to gain universal approval is a path to frustration. Instead, they prioritize authenticity.
6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
Mentally strong individuals evaluate risks wisely. They’re not reckless but are willing to step outside their comfort zone when necessary.
7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past
They learn from the past but don’t let it define them. Moving forward is their priority.
8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
They reflect, learn, and apply lessons to prevent repetitive failures.
9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success
Rather than envying others, they’re inspired by success stories and use them as motivation.
10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure
Failure is seen as a stepping stone. They persist, adapt, and try again with renewed strategies.
11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time
Solitude is used for self-reflection, goal setting, and growth. They’re comfortable being alone with their thoughts.
12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything
They believe in earning their success rather than expecting life to be fair or easy.
13. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results
Mentally strong people understand that meaningful change takes time. They are patient and consistent in their efforts.
From the Back Cover
Master Your Mental Strength
Revolutionary new strategies that work for everyone from homemakers to soldiers and teachers to CEOs
- Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself
- Don’t give away your power
- Don’t shy away from change
- Don’t focus on things you can’t control
- Don’t worry about pleasing everyone
- Don’t fear taking calculated risks
- Don’t dwell on the past
- Don’t make the same mistakes over and over
- Don’t resent other people’s success
- Don’t give up after the first failure
- Don’t fear alone time
- Don’t feel the world owes you anything
- Don’t expect immediate results
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Inner Resilience
Amy Morin’s 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do is more than just a list—it’s a mindset. This book encourages readers to eliminate self-defeating behaviors and adopt a resilient, empowered approach to life. Whether you’re recovering from a setback or seeking to strengthen your mental habits, this book provides practical, research-backed advice to help you thrive.
About the Author: Amy Morin
Amy Morin is a renowned psychotherapist and mental strength trainer, celebrated for her international bestselling books in the 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do series, which have sold over 1 million copies and are available in more than 40 languages.
She is also the award-winning host of the Mentally Stronger podcast and delivered one of the most popular TEDx talks of all time. Recognized by The Guardian as the “self-help guru of the moment” and named a “thought leadership star” by Forbes, Amy Morin combines her expertise with a unique lifestyle, residing on a sailboat in the Florida Keys.
For more insights and resources, visit her online at amymorinlcsw.com.
Attachments & References
- Get Your Copy Of The Book: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: Take Back Your Power Embrace Change Face Your Fears and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success
- Explore Similar Books
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: verywellmind.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quote sources: Goodreads
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