Men and women build mental strength the same way—gender doesn't matter. But when it comes to counterproductive bad habits that might slow your progress or keep you stuck, gender can play a serious role.

My latest book, 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do, outlines the bad habits that women are more likely to engage in. Cultural pressures, societal expectations and the subtle differences in the ways girls are raised are just a few of the factors that encourage women to engage in these unhealthy habits. Fortunately, recognizing those unhealthy habits is the first step in creating positive change so you can move forward toward reaching your greatest potential.