ABSOLUTE ASCENDANCY

Commencing operation . . .

Mastermind – What it means to be strong

Overview

It is a concept that I have analysed periodically for a long time now.

The meaning of strength.

I do not think I am alone in this pondering either. Is strength purely determined via one’s physical attributes, or does it go beneath the surface? If there is more to strength than meets the eye, then at what point do generalisations relating to strength lose validity?

I don’t believe I have comprehensive answers to the above, but I can at least try and reason out my rationale.

Physical Strength

Anyone looking at a hulk-like figure would assume they were strong, and such an assumption is likely valid, though dependent on the type of testing used to determine strength. The hulk-like human could easily lift 300 pounds of weight, but how dynamic is that power? The marathon runner carries on for miles on end but is unlikely to be able to lift heavy. The fighter possesses dynamic power but lacks endurance.

The fact is, there are many facets of physical strength as there are for the other categories detailed further below. Just because someone looks strong, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are, or that they are strong in all ways, physically. I do not have an imposingly large figure, but possess explosive power so I can generate dynamic strength when striking. That is what I have trained my body to be able to do. I cannot lift particularly heavy, however, nor would I hold up in a marathon race.

Emotional Strength

Going beneath the surface, a strong person could be one who is considered to possess certain traits which constitute having great emotional strength. Perseverance, willpower, and being void of desires. These only scratch the surface of emotional strength, and I know not how long the list is.

Just as with physical strength, there are many facets of emotional strength, and each individual will possess varying degrees of emotional strength depending on their life experiences and the situation at hand.

For example, the UK has undergone a couple of heatwaves over the past weeks. The room where I do my home workouts becomes mercilessly hot and humid during the summer heat. Training in such intense conditions requires much more emotional strength than physical, I assure you of that much. Just standing in my training room is enough for my body to perspire and become sticky with sweat. I joke to myself that it’s time to train in the inferno to try and become motivated.

However, if you placed me in a situation where I would need to provide emotional support to someone, I would be up a creek without a paddle, and out of my depth. I wouldn’t know what to say or how to handle such emotionally draining situations best, and I know this due to past experiences.

Mental Strength

Relating to the computational prowess of the mind, mental strength refers to how quickly and accurately the brain can perform analytical duties and problem solve. The capabilities of what one might call a thought engine or mental machine.

Some people take longer to come up with a solution, not because their mental strength is lacking, but because they are deep thinkers. Others can quickly come up with a solution, but it may not be as bulletproof. It is wrong to assume someone is stupid because they seem ‘slow’ or dim-witted – their true potential may be beneath the surface.

Conclusion

What it means to be strong. I think the answer is complicated but likely constitutes a combination of physical, emotional and mental strength. What does strength mean to you? If it attains to your physical body then determine a physical appearance, you wish to have, and strive to make it happen. If you want to focus on traits that lie beneath the surface, then focus on activities which can train those areas.

Which is more important to you – outward or inner strength?

Mission complete – Overlord Drakow signing out.