Lindsay McMahon
"The English Adventurer"

How powerful do you think the human mind is, especially in getting through difficult situations?

Have you ever heard the phrase “mind over matter” used in English?

This is all about the power of the mind and the attitude that you have to get through difficult times.

Today we’re going to look at this phrase, how to apply it in your own life, and why this is so important in helping you through challenges in life.

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Looking At A Common Phrase

So how did we get to this point where we’re looking at this common phrase?

We recently did an episode where our listener, Tahmine from Iran, asked about the phrase “mind over matter.”

They asked about the phrase “déjà vu” which we covered, but now we’re focusing on their question about the common phrase “mind over matter.”

What does mind over matter mean?

This is about the power of the mind to overcome things that may be difficult, even physical things.

What does this phrase mean to you?

Do you remind yourself of this phrase sometimes or have a need to remember it?

It can be very important to remain strong in various areas of your life, and that’s what this phrase looks at.

This is about being strong and being tough mentally, particularly when it really matters.

Breaking Down This Usage

We tend to think of strength in a physical way, but it can be much more than that.

It’s important to have strength in all areas, including mentally.

Mental strength can help to carry you through so many different situations in life.

When you think of the phrase “mind over matter”, it’s putting that mental strength to work.

It’s using your mindset and positive attitude to power through whatever issue may come your way.

It is about recognizing the power of the mind and resilience.

When you see what an important role your mind plays in things, it all makes sense and helps you to focus on this and the very important role it plays.

Connecting This Phrase To Your Life

There are so many areas of your life where you can likely put this phrase to work.

It’s hard to think of this phrase and not consider the pandemic, for example.

People are going through such tough times, and it feels like the whole world is being challenged!

It’s therefore important to think about wellness and the idea of mind over matter.

If you don’t consider this type of attitude, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

It’s like taking things one step at a time to ensure you stay on track, but that you also maintain a positive attitude throughout.

People also consider this mindset when it comes to actual physical health too.

Maybe you are injured or going through a sickness, you might say to yourself “mind over matter” to get through it.

You may use this phrase when you are facing something you don’t want to do, but know that you have to such as “Oh man. I am so exhausted but I want to exercise today. Mind over matter!”

It’s a way to remind yourself that you are strong, even when you don’t necessarily feel that way.

It can also be used for language learning, like when you may feel overwhelmed by everything.

You may feel that you will never learn the lesson of the day, but then you realize just how strong and resilient you are.

This realization and effort will make you push yourself harder, and therefore be able to go further!

You may feel this as a new parent when you are trying to create and stick to a schedule, and you feel exhausted and overwhelmed.

You realize that your time is not your own anymore, but you have to power through.

Though you may have very little sleep or time for anything, you apply the mind over matter approach and know that you can handle this and that you will get through it.

How does this phrase connect to your life?

Are there things personally or professionally that you feel you can push through if you remember to apply mind over matter?

Other Words To Use

Sometimes you may wish to have other words available to you to describe this sort of thing.

Though the phrase “mind over matter” works well, here are a few other options that can work well to describe this mental state.

  • Willpower: This is your ability to stay strong, even in the face of temptation. It’s how strong you can stay so that you don’t stray from your goals. We have actually discussed this before in discussed this in https://www.allearsenglish.com/aee-1250-what-are-michelles-two-worst-habits-english-conversation/ AEE 1250: What Are Michelle’s Two Worst Habits?
  • Endurance: This is the strength and power that you have to push through. It can be used in a physical sense, but endurance also applies mentally too. It means that you can take on a lot and push through with perseverance.
  • Having a backbone: This is about being able to stand up for yourself when necessary. Though you may feel down or frustrated, you know how to stand your ground. You stay true to who you are and what you want, even when it’s difficult.

This all comes down to your attitude, and having a positive and strong outlook.

If you can remain strong, then you can push through anything—remembering that it’s all about your mindset and positive attitude can help you to get past any obstacles in your way.

Takeaway

Mind over matter is so important, and it’s something that can really benefit you.

Be sure that you take time for yourself to relax, and develop your mind over matter skills.

This may be a cultural thing, but it’s a great way to approach big things and create a positive mindset.

Having a positive attitude and strong mindset can only help you in whatever you may encounter in life.

This is the sort of thing that can benefit you in so many different ways, so it’s well worth focusing your efforts accordingly.

If you have any questions, please leave them below in the comments section.

We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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