Grit
Do You Have What It Takes?
I’ve always been a big fan of the word “grit”. I love the way it sounds when I say it, the word just brings to mind someone who isn’t afraid to get out there and get their hands dirty.
The embodiment of grit is what I’m all about. I’d like to think I’m gritty because I’ve always been willing to do what it takes to succeed and persevere. Sometimes I wonder if I was born with grit or if i learned how to be gritty.
Thinking back to my early years, I always had a strong drive and desire to push myself. I remember being a kid and thinking, “if other people can do it, so can I”. I was also very fortunate to have supportive parents that would encourage me to work hard for the things I wanted in life.
What comes to mind when you hear the word grit? What do you think it takes to be successful?
Talent
Yes, talent is important. We all need a bit of talent but not as much as you think.
Talent is given the most weight in society, we admire people who were born with natural abilities and assume they simply happen upon success. Talented people still have to work hard to become skilled at their gifts.
Natural talent is great but its only one part of the equation. You might have all the talent in the world but if you don’t master your skill or make the effort how will you show the world what you can do? Is talent really that important?
Successful people who appear to have natural talent didn’t get there by just being born with an ability, they got out there put in the work.
“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” Stephen King
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ABOUT FINDING YOUR GIFT
Courage
Standing up to your fears takes courage, don’t let worry overpower you. Do you have the guts to get out there?
Fear of failure will stop you in your tracks if you let it, having courage to try something new can open up new doors!
- Opportunity favors the bold, what is the worst thing that could happen?
- Put one foot in front of the other and take the first step towards success.
- You’ll never know unless you try.
“Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” Paulo Coelho
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ABOUT COURAGE
Discipline
How would you rate your self-control?
In the pursuit of your goals, do you have the will to say no to distractions?
Having weaknesses is a normal part of life, discipline is acknowledging those weaknesses and having a plan to deal with them.
Successful people understand that when it comes to discipline, a setback does not mean stop. “Failure” is a time to yield and slowdown. Become more aware of your surroundings, find how to adjust and keep on moving forward!
“Work hard. Through determination and self-focus and discipline, you can accomplish anything.” Kimberly Guilfoyle
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ABOUT WILLPOWER
Passion
Why are you pursuing your dream? Is it because it’s what YOU want? Do you really love what you do?
When you get up in the morning, are you excited to hit the pavement and get going?
Finding the energy to pursue your dreams comes from feeling that spark of passion! Tirelessly working to achieve your goal is much more enjoyable if you have passion for your dream.
Believe in your work, appreciate and admire the effort you put in!
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” Oprah Winfrey
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And most importantly…
GRIT
It’s all about staying with it, can you stick it out for the long term?
When the road gets tough do you stick with it or give up? Having grit means being resilient through the difficult times.
Pursuing what you’re passionate about, no matter the cost.
Reaching success doesn’t happen overnight. Grit means being tough and also having patience. People with grit understand that success takes time and giving up is NOT AN OPTION.
Grit is the most important key to success. Follow through and put the work in. Without grit you won’t make it far enough to share your greatness with the world.
“Grit is that ‘extra something’ that separates the most successful people from the rest. It’s the passion, perseverance, and stamina that we must channel in order to stick with our dreams until they become a reality.”-Travis Bradberry
WANT TO HEAR A STORY ABOUT TRUE GRIT? LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH THE IRON NUN
University of Pennsylvania professor Angela Lee Duckworth has an incredible Ted Talk on grit, she has spent her career studying the benefits of being “gritty” and how it contributes to success.
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”-Angela Lee Duckworth
GRIT TED TALK WITH PROFESSOR DUCKWORTH
