Grit: The Unseen Struggle Behind Perseverance

By David Schneer, Author of Backbone: Surviving the Road Less Quantified - Toward a Deeper Understanding of Qualitative Research

Grit and Resilience in the Face of Daily Challenges

There are moments in life when the journey feels relentless, like pushing against a pounding storm with no end in sight. I learned this through my own battle with chronic back pain—a challenge that I never anticipated but one that forced me to dig deep, finding reserves of resilience I never knew I had. Each day felt like a test of endurance, and at times, I wondered if I could push through. The physical struggle was one thing, but the mental toll? That was another beast entirely.

“Daily back pain stalked me, always there, a remnant of the Christmas Eve ‘gift’ that just keeps on giving. After four spinal surgeries, I should have been on the road to recovery. But after the fourth surgery, I began to experience a general malaise. I tired easily. I lost grip strength and hand dexterity. I dropped keys and glassware and started using paper plates and cups. It felt like I was on a boat with little sense of balance. Suddenly, door frames and walls closed in on me. It was hard to button a shirt. It was grueling just to hold my head up, which felt like a watermelon by day’s end. What now, I wondered? Feeling deflated, the voice in my head screamed at me: GET UP!” — Excerpt from Backbone: Surviving the Road Less Quantified

Lessons from Pain and Resilience

This reflection reminds me of the deeper purpose behind grit, a quality we often celebrate in others but sometimes overlook in ourselves. Resilience isn’t just about overcoming the extraordinary; sometimes, it’s about showing up in the ordinary moments that feel insurmountable. In qualitative research, as in life, this perseverance is essential. The constant balancing act of focus, resilience, and adaptability is what transforms qualitative challenges into meaningful insights.

Connecting with a Broader Narrative

Grit isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a public one. In recent months, figures like tennis champion Naomi Osaka have openly discussed their struggles with mental and physical health. Their stories, and my own journey, reflect the growing need to acknowledge and share stories of resilience as we face life’s battles.

If this story resonates with you, consider exploring Backbone, where I dive deeper into lessons of resilience. And if the book speaks to you, your reviews or shared experiences might inspire others to persevere through their own battles.