In 2006, Dr Cory Middleton completed groundbreaking research into those characteristics that bring about mental toughness. The research involved in-depth interviews of over 30 world sporting champions, providing the scope to learn about mental toughness from Australia’s great sporting heroes, and for all of us to profit from the sharing of these experiences.
The research revealed that elite performers have an intimate awareness of – self-belief, determination, coping, focus – and above all else a positive and mentally tough mindset which believes goals can be achieved through perseverance and patience. Mental toughness was defined as an unshakeable perseverance and conviction towards some goal despite pressure or adversity. Moreover, attaining mental toughness requires the presence of some or all of the twelve mental toughness components. The Fortius-Mindset™ Map below translates this research into business practice.