Former FBI Agent LaRae Quy Reveals Single-Word Mental Hack for Toughness

LaRae Quy, a veteran of 24 years in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has unveiled a powerful mental hack she employed to navigate high-stakes situations and cultivate mental toughness. The former undercover and counterintelligence agent, who dealt with spies and criminals throughout her distinguished career, attributes her resilience to a simple yet profound shift in questioning.

Quy’s core strategy involves transforming the self-doubt-inducing question "Can I do this?" into the action-oriented "How can I do this?" This rephrasing, as detailed in a recent Inc.com article, immediately shifts the brain from a state of emotional paralysis to one of problem-solving and strategic planning. She explained, "Focusing on ‘how can I’ helps me to come up with a plan that assures that little emotional part of our brain that I’m on it, so I can get it under control."

This mental reframing proved critical during her FBI training, where she faced a swimming challenge with an M-16 rifle despite not knowing how to swim and having a fear of heights. Instead of questioning her capability, she focused on finding a solution, informing her training officer about her inability to swim, which led to her being provided a life vest. Later, during her first arrest of a potentially violent criminal, this same mindset allowed her to act decisively when backup was delayed.

Beyond her operational experiences, Quy, now an author and speaker, defines mental toughness as "managing your thoughts, emotions, and behavior in ways that will set you up for success." She emphasizes that this skill is not innate but can be learned and developed through intentional practice. Her work, including books like "Secrets of a Strong Mind," aims to empower individuals to apply these FBI-honed principles to overcome personal and professional obstacles, fostering a mindset that liberates potential rather than limiting it.