Grit and Emotional Intelligence: My 2023 Word-for-the Year Combo Platter

This is my hand.

This is my hand with a ring I recently purchased that’s inscribed with a single word - GRIT.

I happily showed it to my friend. Her reaction: “Is that like the ‘True Grit” the movie?”

“Yeah, I guess so” was my deflated response.

That night, Me, Myself and I had a heart-to-heart about why in the world I bought this ring when what I really needed was mascara. I can't leave such a question unanswered, so off I went.

A 2021 article in the scientific journal Heliyon discussed a study on the potential connection between EI, GRIT and life satisfaction. The study’s results showed a moderately strong relationship between those three elements.

I am an ardent fan of Dr. Angela Duckworth. Her book, aptly named “GRIT”, defines it as ‘a combination of passion and perseverance for a singularly important goal’ and notes it as the hallmark of high achievers.

I also noted GRIT also has some interesting synonyms including determination, tenacity, fortitude, courage. Also listed were ‘clench’ and ‘grind’.

GRIT does, at times, require a dental night guard.

As an EI coach, I view GRIT as being closely aligned to the ‘art and science’ of self-management and self-awareness - how we thoughtfully manage our behaviors and constructively respond to an ever-growing list of challenging people, events, and ‘stuff’ that just shows up uninvited. We often find we’ve little control over whatever lands in our lives and that, like it or not, must be dealt with. Applying the EI qualities of self-management and self-awareness may be what helps us experience a reasonable level of satisfaction with our life as we ease on down the road.

I believe I’ve experienced GRIT in my life as having the qualities of "passion” and “perseverance” as Dr. Duckworth described it; however, mine is also tinted by stubbornness. There have been times that this particular combo – GRIT + Stubbornness - was all that got me through a tough time.?And yes, sometimes the stubbornness went from being a slight ‘tint’ to the dominant ‘hue’.

As Oprah says, one thing I know for sure: both EI and GRIT can be taught and developed. This combo supplements, supports and strengthens one another, granting a deeper level of Life satisfaction overall. That’s a combo platter I can enjoy every day of this new year.

Hope you have the best year yet!