Grit and Football: Lessons for the Executive Athlete

Grit wins—on the field and in business.

It’s Football Sunday in the NFL, and while we watch football’s finest push through adversity, there’s a lesson here for all of us in business: Grit is everything.

Football players are the ultimate “grit paragons.” When the body is exhausted, when the score is against them, they dig deep and push through. That kind of perseverance has been essential in my own journey from business to becoming an Executive Athlete. Grit is what kept me moving when motivation ran dry, especially in moments when setbacks felt overwhelming. The same relentless mindset that fuels athletes to keep fighting until the final whistle is exactly what drives long-term success in business.

In both sports and business, grit isn’t just about working harder—it’s about staying in the game when things get tough, embracing the grind, and bouncing back stronger after every hit. Football taught me that setbacks aren't the end; they're fuel to work smarter, harder, and get stronger.

This week, I’ll be diving deep into the power of grit, and how it plays a role in achieving long-term success. Just like the players leaving it all on the field today, grit is what holds success together—on the field, and in the boardroom.

So as you watch the games today, ask yourself: How can you apply that same grit to your goals? Where could you push through just a little harder?

Get ready—this week’s content is all about cultivating that relentless perseverance. Stay tuned.