The Three C's

Susan Kobasa is a psychologist who observed groups of people going through the same life situations - some thought their situation was horrible and life became horrible because of those things, others would find their greatest life successes from going through the same situation. What made these people different was that they had the following three qualities. I've seen this in a lot of you, even my own family members. I admire it and am excited to practice it now with more awareness in my own life. (each of them starts with a C, so it's easy to remember)

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1) Control - realize what you can and cannot control - you can't always control your circumstances, you can never control others (even your own kids or spouse or roommates), you can't control what goes on in the world - the only thing you can control is yourself and if you are making a positive impact.

2) Commitment - you are involved in your own life, not a spectator waiting for something to happen.

3) Challenge - make lemonade with rotten lemons - consider that the things appearing to be stumbling blocks in your life can (with a change of attitude) be stepping stones. (I think this is what it means to become stronger because of your weaknesses).

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This is Susan Kobasa's definition of Hardiness - the three C's. I learned about this in my stress management class and the following was an activity our teacher had us do =>


Make five personal life goals, but they must be things you have control over - this can help you realize what you really have the potential to do in your life and the changes you can make.


Next, write down five things that you are grateful to have experienced in the last 24 hours - this gratitude leads to Hardiness.