Does The Power of Grit Really Lead to Success

Ever felt like throwing in the towel? You’re not alone. In the face of adversity, the idea of giving up can seem like the easiest, most logical choice. After all, who wouldn’t want to escape the discomfort and stress of challenges? 

Is this article going to be a mopey inspirational piece? Maybe or maybe not but what it is, is a discussion of how grit is exactly what you need to power through the hardest days. 

As the renowned psychologist Angela Duckworth once said, 

“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.” 

Life Throws You A Lot Of Curveballs

Statistics back this up. Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that grit is a better predictor of success than talent or intelligence. Are people born with grit or does life give it to you? Experts would answer that everyone has the capacity of grittiness and it can change over a lifetime. 

Interestingly this can be learned. 

Imagine you’re an avid surfer with a promising career ahead, and one day, a shark attack changes your life forever, taking your arm in the process. Most people would consider this a career-ending tragedy. But not Bethany Hamilton. Despite the physical and emotional trauma, Bethany’s passion for surfing never wavered. 

She faced grueling physical therapy and the challenge of relearning how to surf with one arm. Her grit and determination didn’t just get her back on the waves—they propelled her to win numerous surfing titles and become an inspiration worldwide.

Or take Oprah Winfrey as an example, born into poverty and facing a challenging childhood filled with abuse, Oprah had every reason to give up on her dreams. 

She encountered numerous rejections early in her career, but her unwavering determination and belief in herself pushed her forward. Oprah didn’t just rise above her circumstances; she shattered glass ceilings, creating one of the most influential media empires in the world.

And I’m sure you know, Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor whose determination redefined the boundaries of innovation. Edison famously failed thousands of times before successfully inventing the light bulb. 

His response to these failures? “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Pretty cool right? Quotable and something you can use for your Instagram story but apart from it being such a cool line, this actually is the core idea of grit. It’s the relentless pursuit of what you want despite the challenges, the discouragement and the noes you’ll ever hear in your life. 

6 Actionable Steps to Cultivate Grit

Grit isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can develop. Here are some actionable steps to help you cultivate grit:

1. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone to success. Take a page from Thomas Edison’s book: each failure is simply discovering another way that doesn’t work. By viewing failure as a valuable teacher, you can build resilience and keep pushing forward. Start by analyzing what went wrong, learn from it, and apply those lessons to future efforts.

2. Set Achievable Goals

Break down your long-term ambitions into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes your goals less daunting and provides a clear roadmap to follow. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated and maintain momentum. Remember, each small step brings you closer to your ultimate goal.

3. Maintain a Growth Mindset

Cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges and sees effort as a path to mastery. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset shows that those who believe they can improve through hard work are more likely to persevere in the face of obstacles. Encourage yourself to stretch beyond your comfort zone, and view setbacks as opportunities to grow.

4. Build Mental and Physical Stamina

Physical fitness and mental health are crucial components of grit. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest can boost your energy levels and improve your focus. Additionally, practices like meditation and mindfulness can enhance your mental resilience, helping you to stay calm and composed under pressure.

5. Stay Passionate

Your passion is the driving force behind your perseverance. Engage in activities that ignite your enthusiasm and keep your vision alive. Reflect on why your goals matter to you and how achieving them will impact your life and the lives of others. This sense of purpose will fuel your determination and keep you going during tough times.

6. Lastly, Develop a Strong Support System

Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you. A strong support system can provide encouragement, feedback, and different perspectives. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, having a network of supportive individuals can help you stay focused and resilient.

But does grit always guarantee you success? It wont. What it can guarantee though is that grit will help you to power through to keep you afloat in life, and life rewards the brave. Though, of course a couple of right decisions can put you in favorable situations. 

You don’t always need to make mistakes to learn; you can gain valuable insights from the experiences of others. Learn from our community of entrepreneurs and aspiring innovators. Download our app to share your thoughts, exchange ideas, and build your network with like-minded individuals.