Get Gritty: Delaying Gratification to Achieve Bigger Goals

I never would have called myself gritty.?

But after looking up the definition of ‘grit’ recently, I now think I can say I have it in spades!

Sometimes it’s only in hindsight that we connect the dots and discover something about ourselves we didn’t know was there.

I experienced this when I read the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of grit: ‘courage and resolve; strength of character’.?

See, I left home at a very young age - a sassy teen grappling with my parents' split and their subsequent remarriages (note: these weddings were just a week apart!)

My entire life changed, and I found myself living with an incredible family who took me in. But I couldn’t live there for free. So, I worked—at Coles after school, then babysitting until midnight. I did this for three years while finishing high school.?

It's not until I reflect now that I appreciate this experience as my journey to building grit.

It also taught me that money offers choices, and it’s obvious now why I’m so passionate about helping women achieve financial security.

We all need a certain level of grit and resilience, as it helps us stick at things even during the toughest times.?

So what does being a gritty human look like as we work towards achieving all those goals we have for our business??

Grit in Business

Being gritty in business is all about having the perseverance and passion to go after long-term goals, even when facing challenges.

Gritty individuals are resilient; they remain focused and committed, seldom letting obstacles deter them. They combine hard work, determination and a strong sense of purpose to push through difficult times, always keeping their eyes on their unique definition of success.

In business, this translates to taking risks, learning from failures, and constantly adapting—yes, even if it means pivoting.?

Delaying Gratification

One of the things that defines gritty business owners is their ability to delay gratification.

Focusing too much on immediate rewards too often leads to disappointment. For instance, I learnt this with podcasting - it's certainly not something you dive into for instant rewards!

But taking the time to plan strategically with a long term lens has helped me see this: small actions compounded over a long period actually make a bigger impact.

This thinking has helped me stay persistent and passionate about what I’m doing - and I’ve never looked back!

Balancing Persistence and Wellbeing

While I talk about having the mental toughness to stick to the path despite inevitable challenges, it does not mean allowing yourself to burn out. Constantly pushing oneself without adequate rest and self care can be dangerous.?

Balancing persistence with the wisdom to manage your energy and wellbeing efficiently is crucial. ?Remember, business is a marathon, not a sprint, and being gentle on yourself can go a long way.?

Practical Tips to Build Grit

1. Fall Back on Your Purpose: A clear sense of purpose provides the motivation to persevere during tough times.??

2. Set Smaller Goals: Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins: This builds momentum and keeps you moving forward. Progress, no matter how small, is progress.

4. Resilience Through Challenges: Overcoming each challenge builds your resilience. Reflect on failures as opportunities to grow rather than setbacks.

5. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Believe that your abilities and intelligence can grow with effort.

6. Self-Compassion: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Be kind to yourself.

I encourage you to reflect on recent challenges and reframe them as opportunities for growth. What impact could this shift in perspective have on your journey toward achieving your long-term goals?

And what's one specific challenge or setback you've faced recently that, if viewed through the lens of grit, could be seen as an opportunity for growth rather than just an obstacle??

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For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

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