Grit: The Fundamental Factor for Success

In her book, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," psychologist Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument about the crucial role of grit in achieving long-term success.?

Drawing on extensive research and real-life stories, Duckworth emphasizes that talent alone is not enough; it is grit—the combination of passion and perseverance—that sets high achievers apart.

Here's her short 6 min TED talk where she discusses exactly that

https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance/c ?

Grit can be defined as the unwavering dedication and resilience to pursue long-term goals, despite obstacles and setbacks.?

It encompasses two essential components:

Passion: Gritty individuals possess a deep, enduring passion for what they do. They have a clear sense of purpose and find intrinsic motivation in their work. Passion fuels their enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to their goals.

Perseverance: Gritty individuals display remarkable perseverance, even in the face of adversity. They have the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks, using them as learning experiences rather than deterrents. They maintain a steadfast focus on their goals and persist in their efforts over extended periods.

Grit can also be seen as an extreme discipline against all odds.?

No matter how you feel, no matter what's happening, you have a plan and you keep executing it regardless of how you feel, regardless of what people say and regardless of what additional challenges you are currently facing.?

It is the ability to make manifest that which you cannot see, taste or touch yet with great discipline to the cause.?

To others, you may appear crazy but to those initiated, it is an internal drive to succeed that burns like an unextinguishable flame.?

In a world where we are told to be in our feelings and focus on being happy.?

It is the stoic individuals that focus on getting things done, regardless of how they feel, who are the ones that become successful.?

Your ability to absorb stress will determine your ability to succeed at any endeavour.?

Being happy is not the goal to reach success, it is a byproduct of a successful life, but you will never be happy 24/7, that is not real.

But being fulfilled IS, having purpose IS, and having meaning in your life is what makes it a success.

Jordan Peterson puts it as this,?

‘our purpose in life is to find the biggest burden that you think you can possibly bear and bear it’.?

Why?

Because true fulfilment and happiness come from pursuing a worthy goal.?

Having a clear unshakeable reason for getting up in the morning.?

This is the passion.?

But GRIT is the glue that keeps your vision intact.?

Why Grit Matters:

• Overcoming Challenges: Success is rarely a smooth path. Grit enables individuals to navigate challenges and setbacks with resilience. It helps them maintain focus, develop coping strategies, and bounce back from failures, ultimately emerging stronger and more determined.

• Consistency and Long-Term Goals: Gritty individuals are committed to their long-term objectives. They understand that achieving significant milestones takes time and effort. By staying focused and putting in consistent effort, they make progress even when immediate results may not be evident.

• Developing Skills and Expertise: Grit involves deliberate practice and continuous improvement. Individuals with grit are willing to put in the hours of practice necessary to develop their skills and expertise. They understand that mastery is a journey and embrace the process of growth.

• Resilience and Mental Toughness: Gritty individuals possess a high mental toughness. They view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This resilience allows them to maintain a positive mindset, manage stress effectively, and persevere in the face of adversity.

Okay that's great, but is grit intrinsic to the individual or can it be learned?

While some individuals may naturally exhibit more grit than others, Duckworth emphasizes that grit can be developed and nurtured.?

Here are some strategies to cultivate grit:

Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Adopt a mindset that embraces challenges and views failures as opportunities to learn and improve. Believe that effort and perseverance are the keys to success.

Set Clear Goals: Define your long-term objectives and break them down into smaller, manageable milestones. Clear goals provide a sense of purpose and direction, helping you stay focused and motivated.

Embrace Practice and Hard Work: Engage in deliberate practice, pushing yourself to step outside your comfort zone and consistently improve your skills. Embrace the notion that sustained effort and hard work are necessary for growth and mastery.

Seek Support and Mentorship: Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and support your goals. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights along your journey.

Foster Resilience: Develop strategies to bounce back from setbacks and failures. Cultivate a positive mindset, practice self-compassion, and use setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.

So if you have a desire for success in any area, make sure it is something you are passionate about first and then employ extreme discipline and grit to see it through to the end.?

#success #grit #perserverance #passion #discipline

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