Mental Muscles You Need to Build to Be a Remote Worker
Apr 22, 2025
In this episode Camille dives into a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the remote work world: mental muscles. These aren’t just fluffy mindset tips—these are powerful tools that help you navigate the inevitable fear, overwhelm, and frustration that can come with remote work. Whether you're just starting out or already on your journey, these mental muscles are essential for your growth and sustainability.
Main Points:
- Frustration is Inevitable—But Not the Enemy:
Camille gets real about frustration. It’s not something you can avoid, especially when doing something new like remote work. But the goal isn’t to eliminate frustration—it’s to move through it more quickly by building certain inner skills. - Acceptance is a Power Tool:
Acceptance isn't about giving up. It's about recognizing reality for what it is, not what you think it should be. When you stop resisting what is, you lower your stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline. This clears mental space and reduces emotional overwhelm. - You Can Rewire Your Brain:
Camille shares insights from her psychology background to explain how we can literally shift our brain chemistry. Deep breaths, meditation, journaling, or even just taking a break can help reset your system. These practices aren't indulgences—they’re strategies. - Avoid the “Expert Trap”:
Sometimes, we think we should already know something. That belief can block learning. Even if you’ve worked remotely before, each experience is different. Camille reminds us to drop the expert mindset and embrace the beginner mindset—a muscle that takes practice but leads to real growth. - Be Resourceful, Not Dependent:
One of the biggest mental shifts in remote work? Learning to solve your own problems. Camille reflects on how she used to immediately ask for help at the first sign of trouble—but that habit didn’t serve her in the long run. Remote work demands self-reliance. You have to become your own tech support, your own researcher, your own motivator. - Stop Expecting Instant Access to Help:
In a traditional office, help might be right next to you. But in remote work, that’s not the case. Camille emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and independence, even within a support system like Remote Work School. If we give you the answer every time, you don’t build the skill. - One Powerful Question to Ask Yourself:
When you're feeling stuck, ask:
“What is my next step to become more ________?”
Fill in the blank with how you’re feeling: more patient, more accepting, less overwhelmed. Then, sit in silence and let your inner wisdom give you an answer.
5 Key Takeaways
- Patience and Grace Are Foundational
Remote work can bring challenges, especially when you're learning something new. Approaching those moments with patience and grace helps reduce overwhelm and keeps your momentum going. - Acceptance Lowers Frustration
Accepting reality as it is—not as you wish it were—can help calm your nervous system and clear mental blocks, making it easier to move forward. - Beginner Mindset Opens Doors
Let go of the need to be an expert. Approaching each new tool or experience with curiosity helps you stay flexible and absorb new information more effectively. - Resourcefulness Is Non-Negotiable
Remote workers don’t always have someone nearby to answer questions. Learning how to research, explore tools like AI, and use your community wisely is key to long-term success. - Ask Better Questions, Get Better Results
When you're stuck, pause and ask: "What’s my next step to become more [insert word—patient, accepting, focused, etc.]?" Trust the answer that arises, and use it to guide your next action.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that remote work success is more than checking boxes—it’s about building inner strength. Camille offers both wisdom and tangible tools for growing your mental muscles so you can face challenges with resilience and clarity.
Host Camille Attell is a remote work strategist, career coach, and the host of The Remote Work Retirement Show. After leaving a 20-year corporate career, she transitioned to a flexible, location-independent lifestyle and has since helped thousands of professionals do the same. Through her Remote Work School program, Camille empowers mid-career professionals and retirees to find meaningful remote work opportunities, build financial security, and design a work-life on their own terms.
Take her FREE remote work training:
www.camilleattell.com/remote-training
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www.camilleattell.com/remoteworkschool
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Read more about the RV and Remote Work Lifestyle at https://www.morethanawheelin.com/
