Unlocking True Mental Strength: Insights from Human Performance Expert Steve Magness
Discover powerful strategies to push your limits healthily and build lasting mental resilience with Steve Magness, a leading expert in human performance, featured on The ZAMONA Podcast.
Amy Morin, LCSW, is a renowned psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her influential works, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have been translated into over 40 languages worldwide. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," remains one of the most viewed presentations globally.
On The ZAMONA Podcast, Amy Morin interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and inspiring individuals to uncover the mental strategies that empower them to excel in life.
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About Steve Magness
Steve Magness is an internationally acclaimed human performance expert who has mentored elite professional sports teams, including top NBA franchises, on mental skills development. He co-authored the bestselling books "Peak Performance" and "The Passion Paradox" alongside Brad Stulberg. Steve is also the author of "The Science of Running" and his latest work, "Do Hard Things," explores the art of embracing challenges with resilience.
Defining Mental Strength with Steve Magness
Steve’s ability to run a mile in just over four minutes exemplifies his physical and mental fortitude. He exemplifies the skill of pushing beyond mental barriers without risking injury—a hallmark of true mental strength. His extensive research in human performance, both on the track and beyond, informs his practical insights on sustaining passion and peak performance.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
- The neurological reasons our minds resist leaving comfort zones
- Valuable lessons gained when confronting difficult challenges
- Embracing failure as a natural and essential part of growth
- Steve’s preferred techniques for transforming self-talk
- Effective methods to reshape your internal dialogue
- The critical importance of mastering emotional regulation and actionable skills to do so
- Why deliberately exposing yourself to harsh conditions isn’t necessary for toughness—and what to do instead
- The authentic meaning of mental toughness and how to cultivate it
Understanding the Balance Between Mental Health and Mental Strength
Many misconceive mental strength as merely the absence of anxiety. However, low anxiety often signals living too far within comfort zones, driven by fear of failure. Conversely, true mental strength does not require self-imposed harshness or punishment. Instead, it’s about proactively and thoughtfully embracing challenges within a supportive environment. Steve’s philosophy of "doing hard things" empowers individuals to nurture resilience while maintaining well-being.
Inspirational Quotes from Steve Magness
Steve Magness
"All those feelings—emotions, doubt, fatigue, insecurities—that come at you, that’s all information. And you get to decide whether it’s information that is valid and useful in this situation." — Steve Magness
- "Real toughness is acceptance. It’s accepting the difficult, the possibility of failure, the struggle, and the doubts. Once you accept reality, you can navigate it effectively. Denial only blocks your path."
- "Emotions are our body’s communication system, signaling when to pay attention or when danger might lurk. Sometimes, though, this system triggers false alarms like panic or anxiety as a protective response."
10 Effective Ways to Build Resilience
More About The ZAMONA Podcast
The ZAMONA Podcast is accessible on all major streaming platforms. If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others prioritize their mental wellness.
Helpful Links and Resources
- Follow Steve Magness on Instagram: @SteveMagness
- Explore Steve’s latest book: Do Hard Things
- Visit Steve’s official website: SteveMagness.com
If you found this episode inspiring, check out these related episodes:
- Psychological Strategies for Lasting Change with Professor Katy Milkman
- Top Mental Strength Lessons from Our First 100 Episodes
- How to Manage Unhelpful Thoughts Effectively
Learn practical journaling techniques to enhance mental strength through The ZAMONA Podcast and motivational resources.

By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and internationally bestselling author known for her impactful work on mental resilience. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have reached audiences in over 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most watched worldwide.
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