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Got Physical Strength... What About Mental Strength?

Now that earth's inhabitants have survived the threat of the ominous 2012 global destruction, we now approach the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. For me, the "New Year" is a time of personal and professional reflection. I attempt a concerted effort to outwardly acknowledge my personal and professional successes, failures, strengths, weaknesses, fortunes, and shortcomings.... all in all, I am proud of what I have accomplished this year.

In April, I "charged the hill" in Washington D.C. along with fellow physical therapy students and working therapists at the American Physical Therapy Association's Federal Advocacy Forum. Admittedly, I have very limited awareness of what actually takes place on Capitol Hill; however, after attending the forum I understood that acquiring a basic level of domestic and international political awareness wouldn't hurt. Albeit minor, over the year I have attempted to listen to NPR more often, read other sections of Yahoo! news rather than just the sports section, and attend local meetings discussing community politics. I studied physiotherapy abroad at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland over the summer and garnered an appreciation for healthcare delivery within Scotland's National Health Trust system... not to mention making friends with some intellectually savvy student therapists. Most of all, I am proud I survived the second and third semesters of PT school.

Weaknesses and failures were just as, if not more, abundant that successes; however, I am ok with that. I try to identify my weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings so I can attempt to grow and improve what needs to be addressed. I know... Easier said than done! Growth requires that one has the honesty to acknowledge failure, courage to identify what behavior led to failure, and the commitment to see the changes implemented. Without the right mental toolbox... it's a tough go. However, there are plethora of strategies to help you develop the skills necessary for your personal and professional growth. I would like to share with you my source... The Mental Strength Coach, Gregg Swanson. I find his topics relevant, approach down to earth and strategies easy to implement.I encourage you to consider visiting his website, read through and attempt to plan for how you can improve your mental strength going forward into 2013.

I wish you a healthy and active new year,

- Adam Reece

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