Ep# 193: Toxic Obsession With Toughness

Coffee With Dr. Kashey

In this episode, Dr. Kashey discusses the concept of "mental toughness" and its potential pitfalls. He reads and analyzes an article by Professor Michael Easter, which critically examines the societal obsession with mental toughness and the flawed assumptions surrounding it. Dr. Kashey highlights how the pursuit of mental toughness through self-imposed suffering and challenging activities does not necessarily translate into resilience or success in real-life challenges. He further emphasizes the importance of identifying the root cause of one's struggles, addressing the rate-limiting factors, and developing specific skills and techniques tailored to the desired outcome, rather than relying on a generic notion of mental toughness. He also stresses the value of teamwork, support systems, and diverse experiences in fostering genuine resilience and problem-solving abilities.