Grit. Grit is the passion + perseverance one exhibits in the face of adversity while en route toward their long-term goals. World class athletes give us amazing examples of individuals who display grit. Take the 2020/2021 Olympics as a prime example. The Olympians who competed are those who not only have extraordinary talent and expertise, but also have exhibited a high degree of grit to get to the top of their sport and remain there. The most successful people, in fact, are those who have faced set backs, and became more resilient and stronger in their field as a response. They have grit.
When faced with challenges, “gritty” people tap into their storehouse of passion + perseverance. Rather than give up in the face of adversity, they dig deep and grind, display a high level of mental toughness, and thrive. A former teammate of mind in my first professional season gives us a recent picture of grit in action. Carli Lloyd, long-time United State’s Women’s National Player displayed grit during the recent Olympics. In a tournament when the team as a whole underperformed, she didn’t put her head down. Rather, after the quarter final whistle in the team’s loss to Canada, she was running sprints to prepare her for the Bronze medal match. In the Bronze metal match, she played a pivotal role in earning a medal with two goals. She was one of two players to play in every match, while being the oldest player on the roster. She displayed passion and perseverance in the face of adversity. Talent got Carli to the highest level and over the course of her career she continued to develop grit, and remained a crucial player on the women’s national team.
Those with grit have identified goals that are meaningful to them and utilize a growth mindset. Those with a growth mindset believe they can continuously develop in any given area so long as they put in the necessary training and effort to improve. The growth mindset is a prerequisite to having grit. When faced with adversity, an individual with a growth mindset understands that through their intense effort and passion, they will persevere.
Athletes, students, entrepreneurs, parents, coaches, and anyone actively pursuing their goals will encounter obstacles and failures. Those who have Grit transform setbacks into opportunities to improve and grow, and prove to have richer journeys toward their goals.
Practice having a growth mindset and believe you can continue to develop your skills and your abilities. Become a lifelong goal-setter. Develop Grit. You will have a successful, meaningful journey towards your dreams, and you will reach more than you can imagine!