I have always found intriguing the difference that occurs between individuals succeeding in life and achieving what they are set to do and those that may have great ideas but struggle to reach their goals. Some people would say it depends on effort, and others may say it’s luck; I have closely observed that inherent qualities need to occur to ensure you make your vision come true. As a therapist, I have worked with clients to harness these qualities; from my positive psychology background, I know we can all develop what we need to succeed. It’s a matter to acknowledge what we are lacking, wanting to pursue a clear objective, and staying focused on the end process.
The heart of wanting to succeed also relies on a clear intention combined with what we can call internal motivation. I have been very interested in this field and what concept could embrace such characteristics, and Grit encompasses what we need. Grit is an important character trait that can help us to stay focused, motivated, and persistent. Grit is commonly defined as perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals and objectives. It’s about staying focused on an aim despite challenges and setbacks. It is about clearly defining what you want to achieve and taking consistent action to meet your target. It’s been linked to success in various fields, from education to sports.
However, Grit isn’t just about having the courage or strength to take on complex challenges; it also involves sustaining your enthusiasm for those challenges over time. According to research by Angela Duckworth, one of the most prominent proponents of Grit Theory, it entails “sticking with your future—day in, day out—not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years—working hard to make that future a reality.” This definition implies that grit requires personal commitment and dedication, and it’s about pursuing your dreams and never giving up.
Sounds phenomenal, right? It’s that internal drive that individuals have that allows them to keep on going despite all. Let’s explore: Can grit be developed, and if so, how? And what is the difference between grit and resilience? Let’s explore these questions in more detail.
Grit cannot be found on a shelf, in a book or learned from a short course; it comes from within us. We can source grit from within ourselves by cultivating self-discipline, developing a positive attitude towards failure, and staying focused on our long-term goals.
To source our grit, we must have a clear vision of what we want to achieve and be honest about our intentions, strengths, weaknesses, and potential obstacles. We must reflect on what we want from life and why we want it. Once we have identified our goals, passions, and values, we can begin setting realistic expectations for ourselves and developing strategies for achieving them. Also, cultivating relationships with friends and family who support our endeavours can help us find the courage to keep going even when things seem impossible.
Grit can be sourced from multiple places, and research suggests that an individual’s environment impacts whether they develop grit. Our social environment plays a crucial role in developing Grit; for example, having goal-oriented friends may help you become more focused on achieving your own goals.
Building an internal locus of control—the belief that you have control over what happens in your life—may also help cultivate grit in individuals. Grit can also be sourced by developing an attitude of determination and focus on our daily lives. This means focusing on one thing at a time, setting achievable goals, committing yourself to them, sticking with them even when they become problematic, being resilient when faced with challenges or setbacks, and maintaining motivation throughout the process.
It also involves being willing to take risks to achieve your desired outcome, learning from mistakes instead of getting discouraged, and keeping your eyes on the prize by staying connected to your long-term goals rather than being distracted by short-term gratification. Finally, research has suggested that having role models who demonstrate grit can also be beneficial for developing this trait.
What is the difference between Grit and Resilience?
Although both Grit and Resilience are important traits for success, there are some key differences between them. Resilience is about bouncing back from challenges or setbacks quickly while focusing on your goals. On the other hand, Grit involves staying focused on your long-term goal no matter how many obstacles you face.
As detailed, resilience focuses more on bouncing back from immediate challenges or difficulties without losing sight of your goal. Grit is more focused on an overall commitment to achieving something big over an extended period—even if that means making sacrifices or enduring hardship. The two concepts are closely related but distinct; both are essential traits that can help us succeed.
Understanding the difference between resilience (ability to cope with change) and grit (persistence towards long-term objectives) is critical for successfully developing this trait. They do overlap, but they are not interdependent. An individual may be resilient but may lack Grit. However, if an individual has Grit, they do have resilience. Thus, developing more significant levels of grit will enable us to stay focused on our objectives despite any obstacles that may arise along the way.
Grit is also a central piece in a change process. A strong sense of purpose and unwavering determination makes change possible by motivating us to make lasting improvements in our lives. Therefore, working with clients informed by research suggests that individuals can develop more significant levels of grit by focusing on their environment (friends/role models), building an internal locus of control (beliefs about self), and engaging in activities such as goal setting and mindfulness practices each day. Without grit, “change” would be impossible because, without passion or perseverance, it is challenging to stay on track with the changes we wish to see in our lives. Change usually implies breaking habits or starting a new way of being.
We know now, Grit is an essential trait for personal development because it allows us to stay focused on our long-term goals despite any obstacles we may face along the way. It requires determination, focus, resilience, motivation, and risk-taking—all essential qualities for success. By developing an attitude of grit and sourcing it through our daily lives, we can significantly increase our chances of success.
What steps do we need to foster Grit in our lives?
The best way to develop grit is to use it every day in small ways—such as tackling an unpleasant task or maintaining focus during a complex project—so that it becomes part of our daily routine. By gradually building up our grit over time, we eventually become more resilient when faced with challenges or adversity.
The most important thing is developing routines to help us stay on track with our goals. This could be anything from practising mindfulness or being grateful every morning to scheduling specific tasks throughout the day or ensuring to pause during the day between a busy schedule.
By creating these habits and sticking to them consistently, we’re setting ourselves up for success in achieving our long-term objectives. By developing grit daily, we’re also building resilience, which will help us stay motivated even during challenging times. This means learning how to reframe negative experiences as opportunities for growth instead of sources of discouragement or defeat.
Ultimately, grit is an essential tool for personal growth and development because it helps us stay focused on our long-term goals while giving us the courage to push through any obstacles that stand in our way. Remember, no matter what, don’t give up on your dreams; live with intention, take risks, learn from mistakes, stay motivated and keep your eyes on the prize! With enough grit, anything is possible!
You can cultivate and source your inner strength with a small degree of tenacity and intention if you are willing to put in the effort required for sustainable change over time. You can make that awaited change happen, so start getting “Gritty”, and You won’t regret it!
