When you are at school, it’s logical to think the really smart kids will be the ones to achieve the greatest success in their lives, that they will be the ones to go on to have the best, most impressive career paths, make the most money and become the most successful. But it turns out that IQ or intelligence, is a lesser ingredient for success, than is the determination and the drive to succeed. Researcher Angela Duckworth spent her working career studying and researching – with the conclusion that “grit” – a combination of persistence, perseverance and passion – was the main ingredient needed to be successful. IN fact, Duckworth came up with two equations to quantify her findings:
Step one – to develop a skill at something;
1. Talent x Effort = Skill
And then, to use that skill to reach your success or achievement;
2. Skill x Effort + Achievement
The common denominator in both equations is effort. Effort is needed to develop the skills and then to apply the learned skills to achieve your goals. This ‘effort’ is the grit and the determination to persevere. Without the effort, your intelligence or talent is useless and will lay dormant and unlocked.
Why Grit is Essential for Personal Success and How to Cultivate It
It’s much more about the effort than it is about the talent you have for something, to be successful at it. Grit, characterized by perseverance and passion for long-term goals, plays a pivotal role in personal success. Here’s an exploration of its significance and practical strategies have more grit in the pursuit of your goals;
- Building Resilience:
Grit empowers individuals to bounce back from setbacks and failures quickly and easily. In the pursuit of any significant goal, encountering challenges and roadblocks along the way is inevitable. If you have passion and determination, you will be able to push through hardships and difficulties and keep your eye on the prize despite adversity. - Committing to Sustained Effort:
Achieving personal success demands consistent dedication over time. Gritty individuals exhibit the willingness to invest persistent effort and stay committed to their goals, even amidst slow progress or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. They have a connection to the greater meaning of their work, they can visualise the end game and keep going. - Fostering Passion and Purpose:
Grit thrives on genuine passion and purpose. When individuals are deeply invested in their goals and aligned with their values, they are more likely to persevere through challenges. Grit sustains their enthusiasm and determination, even during periods of difficulty. - Embracing Growth and Mastery:
Grit entails a focus on continuous learning and development. Rather than viewing setbacks as deterrents, gritty individuals perceive them as opportunities for growth. By embracing a growth mindset and actively seeking opportunities for improvement, they navigate obstacles and attain higher levels of success. - Pursuing Long-Term Objectives:
Personal success often hinges on consistent effort toward long-term goals. Grit enables individuals to maintain their focus on these objectives, even amid distractions or competing priorities. By upholding a clear vision and persistently advancing toward their goals, gritty individuals enhance their likelihood of success.
Strategies to get more grit in your game:
- Establish Clear Goals: Define your long-term aspirations and break them into manageable tasks. Setting clear objectives provides direction and purpose, guiding your endeavours toward success.
- Develop Resilience: Change your mindset. Don’t give up or crumble when faced with challenges. Foster resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Concentrate on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and uphold a positive outlook amidst challenges.
- Find Your Passion: Identify activities that genuinely inspire and excite you. Passion fuels grit, motivating you to persevere through obstacles on your path to success.
- Maintain Consistency: Consistency is crucial for building grit. Commit to showing up and investing effort consistently, even on days when motivation wanes. Establish daily habits that support your goals and propel you forward.
- Seek Support: Where possible, surround yourself with a support network, with people who believe in your potential and encourage your growth. Lean on mentors, friends, and family for guidance and motivation during challenging times. Make yourself accountable to your support network stating your goals and intentions so you feel more compelled and committed to achieving them.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognising your progress boosts morale and reinforces your commitment to your goals, fueling your grit and determination to persevere.
By nurturing grit and applying it consistently in pursuit of your objectives, you can overcome obstacles, navigate challenges, and ultimately achieve personal success. Do you have a story about grit? Do you and your team have grit? I’d love to hear from you. If your leadership team could do with my help, please get in touch today, I’d love to hear from you.