Grit: The Secret Ingredient for Long-Term Success

It’s common knowledge that employers and management teams see value in professionals who show up with a “can-do” spirit.

But there’s more to being successful than just a positive attitude.

It’s grit that other leaders appreciate. 

What is Grit?

“Grit” refers to a person’s mental fortitude. In other words, it’s their endurance and desire to pursue a goal to its completion. In a professional setting, it’s a valuable characteristic for a leader to possess. Whether an individual is officially in a position of leadership or strives to guide the rest of their team forward, a teammate with grit is a powerful addition to a group.

Though it may appear like only the most resilient leaders embody this trait, it’s something that anyone can have. It’s just a matter of developing the right mindset for it.

A gritty employee:

• faces challenges ahead with a clear head
• motivates each team member they collaborate with
• accepts the benefits and responsibilities that come with being a leader, and
• is committed to achieving realistic goals.

Why Do You Need It?

It’s easy to see how grit has a special place in a professional environment. Planning, pursuing, and achieving goals might be done every now and then without a gritty person captaining the effort, but for long-term success, it’s a must.

This is because a great leader sees a project to completion, no matter what challenges cross their path. They stay on course and avoid having their work derailed by workplace distractions. A gritty leader’s confidence is contagious, and their belief in themselves inspires others to believe in the possibilities ahead.

How to Become Grittier

Because anyone can have grit, it makes success attainable for everyone, regardless of their experience levels or specific talents. After all, a person who really wants to succeed will power through and learn everything they need to succeed. A person who isn’t very committed to a goal will likely fail, even if they know the right path to take.

Here are five ways to improve:

1. Clarify Your Goals

The grittiest people are crystal-clear about their ultimate goal, and most of their smaller goals align with that goal.

2. Discover Your Interests

Interest is the source of passion. In fact, people are more satisfied with their jobs when they do something that fits their personal interests. Take time for your own discovery:

• What do you like to think about?
• What do you really care about?
• What matters most to you? 

3. Practice Deliberately

People who are gritty simply spend more time on tasks. They practice deliberately so they understand what works and doesn’t work when trying to accomplish the goal.

4. Know Your Purpose

You know the spark inside of you when you’re passionate about something? That is the beginning of purpose. Whatever your passion is, ask yourself:

• How does this connect to other people?
• How does it connect to the bigger picture?
• How is it an expression of my deepest values?
• How will it contribute to the well-being of others?

5. Practice Optimistic Self-Talk

Much of what we attempt and succeed at depends on the mindset we have before we start to work toward it. Practicing a growth mindset is important so you keep going when things are tough.

No one explained it better than Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” 

Another Resource

If you want to learn more about grit in a professional setting and discover ways to harness this attitude in your own work, check out our program, Find Your Grit: Lead with Passion and Inspire Others, with Nancy Schnoebelen Imbs, author, motivational speaker and founder of Polished.

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• Leadership & Strategy