Should I grit or should I quit?

Hi there,

If you are a human in the workplace I'm going to guess you've had to activate 'grit mode' at some point in the past few years.

Angela Duckworth, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, defines grit as "a combination of passion and perseverance for a singularly important goal". It involves the willingness to persevere through difficult times, setbacks and failures.

It's pretty crucial in most modern workplaces - replete with complexity and constant experimentation. And it can help us achieve our personal goals, even when faced with challenges along the way.

But do you ever wonder if it's worth it?

I love the expression (which I first heard used by Susan David, author of the excellent book, Emotional Agility): knowing when to grit and when to quit.

It’s a hugely important distinction when it comes to goals in all parts of our lives.

>> Sometimes it’s worth calling on those inner gritty reserves.

>> Sometimes we are better served walking away.

So, how do you know which path to choose? The answer is rarely clear-cut. But it helps to look closer at the reality of the path.

Alongside the grit, can you see the daily benefits?

Grit will bring discomfort. And that's OK. We can feel discomfort AND achieve our goals.

But we all need:

• fulfilment in our day-to-day (not just upon achieving a long-awaited goal),
• bursts of motivation to fuel us through tough times,
• & reminders that the challenge will be worth it.

Here are some benefits to look out for on your gritty path...

1)? You are learning something.

At work, some of the toughest times can also be the steepest learning curves. If you’re learning something valuable, it may well be worth persevering. ?

2)? You can spot your values.

If you’re experiencing a challenge but you can keep your values* at the forefront of your actions and interactions, it is likely to be worthwhile in the long run. For example - you value connection, and you get to work with great people. Or you value social responsibility and the work you do has a clear impact on your community.

In this situation, it’s unlikely you will regret persevering through a tough time. Because you'll find meaning in the day-to-day as well as in the outcome.

3)? You have flexibility and security.

I like to bang on about finding meaning (ahem, see above). But meaning doesn’t have to come from our work. Sometimes work is simply a necessary part of our day; facilitating what we are really here to do - whether that’s a favourite hobby or caring for a family. So, if your work allows you the security and/or flexibility to do what’s important to you when you’re not there, it might just be worth the grit.

These are just a few reasons (amongst many others) that can help the gritty path to a goal feel worthwhile.

But QUITTING IS OK too. Especially if you can't see those benefits on the path.

And if the challenge is not with the work but with the culture you're operating in? I'm unequivocal about this one: a toxic working environment is never worth your grit.

Quitting your efforts towards a particular goal might not mean quitting your job. Maybe there’s an alternative team you could join or a secondment you could take.

But if this does mean a leap of faith on to the job market, please remember this: there will be a culture out there that will value the unique contribution you can bring. And where your grit will be rewarded.

You owe it to yourself to find it.

Bye for now,

Erin

* If you’re wondering what I mean by values, don’t fret….It took me a while to work this one out too. This earlier edition of the newsletter might help.

This newsletter is part of a series to help you find ways to change your experience of?work?for the?better. Subscribe and you'll find it in your inbox each month.