I guess there are all types of ways to arrive at a point where you are mentally tough. Life's experiences will do that. I tell the high school basketball players I coach, that mental toughness is an act of focusing on the goal and task at hand. Not getting sidetracked by other things. In Randonneuring however, I find if I am focusing on the distance or pedaling, I don't do as well as when my mind wonders. Especially when pain and/or fatigue are the enemy. My focus is on other things to mentally escape the pain. I think many do this in their real life experiences.