How determined are you to reach your goals? How consistent are you with your healthy habits? What keeps you fighting for your dreams?
GRIT — that powerful blend of passion and perseverance that keeps you going, even when the going gets tough. It’s not just about hard work. It’s about sticking with it, pushing through obstacles, and never giving up on your goals.
💪🏽 Grit has been a driving force in my life, shaping who I am and how I approach every challenge.
Growing up, my family called me tenacious. As a university student, I was “A➕ Anna” in my relentless pursuit of excellence. I wasn’t satisfied with just getting by. I wanted to excel. I was willing to put in the work to make that happen.
That same grit carried me through the years of building my software company and now, as I grow my coaching business. Hard work and consistency have been key ingredients in my journey, and they are the same ingredients I encourage my clients to cultivate.
❓ But what exactly causes determination? Are some people born with it, or can it be developed?
The good news is that, while some of us might naturally possess a stronger sense of determination, grit is something anyone can develop. It’s not a trait reserved for a select few. It’s a skill that can be nurtured and strengthened over time 💡
Psychologists suggest that grit is a combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. It involves maintaining effort and interest over years despite failure, adversity, and plateaus in progress. Some people may naturally have more grit, often due to a combination of genetic factors and early life experiences that foster resilience and determination.
However, the science is clear: grit can be cultivated. The key lies in mindset. If you believe that your abilities can grow with effort and practice, you’re more likely to persevere when faced with challenges. This is known as a growth mindset 🪴 a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck.
People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as insurmountable obstacles.
Entrepreneurship is one of the ultimate tests of grit. When building my software company, I faced countless hurdles—technical issues, financial challenges, and many moments of self-doubt. But I kept going.
The same applies to my coaching business. From the outside, success on social media might look instant, but no one sees the blood, sweat, and tears that happen behind the scenes. Grit is what keeps you working late into the night (or at 5am in my case), what drives you to solve problems creatively, and what helps you bounce back from setbacks stronger than before 🚀
What are some ways you can develop grit?
🎯 Set clear goals: knowing what you’re working toward makes it easier to stay motivated. Break your goals into manageable steps and celebrate small wins along the way.
🤗 Embrace challenges: instead of avoiding difficult tasks, see them as opportunities to grow. The more you push yourself, the more resilient you become.
⏩ Be consistent: consistency is key to building grit. Even when progress feels slow, keep showing up. Your efforts compound over time.
🪴 Cultivate a growth mindset: believe in your ability to improve with effort. When you encounter setbacks, view them as learning experiences.
❤️ Seek support: surround yourself with people who encourage you and believe in your potential. A strong support system can make all the difference when your grit is tested.
😍 Practice self-compassion: grit isn’t about being tough on yourself. It’s about being kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a friend.
Grit has been a cornerstone of my life. It’s something I see in my 11-year-old daughter as well. In a Mother’s Day card, she once wrote that one of the things she loves about me is that I never give up. That, to me, is the ultimate testament to the power of grit. It’s a quality I’m proud of and one that I hope to pass on to others—because in the end, grit is what turns dreams into reality.
Are you ready to develop your grit?
If you want to cultivate the grit and confidence you need to achieve your goals, join my Autumn Confidence Bootcamp starting on September 23 before it’s too late! This 6-week program is designed to help you build resilience, stay consistent, and take bold steps toward your success. Spots are very limited.
Registration ends on Saturday at midnight—take the first step today!
SAVE MY SEAT for my Autumn Confidence Bootcamp.
Lots of love,
-Anna
