This one trait is a powerful predictor of success.

What makes a person successful? Can one trait determine success above all others? I have been studying success, happiness, and leadership for almost three decades and I would love it if it were as simple as on trait. Success in life has many contributing factors, but there is one trait that does seem to stand out over the others. You might think – parenting or education or money, but it turns out that this one trait is grit. What is grit? The dictionary defines it as “firmness of character; indomitable spirit.”

Psychologist Angela Duckworth calls grit a blend of passion and persistence. Grit is the trait that makes you keep on going no matter what.  It’s the trait that helps you move forward when you might feel like giving up. Grit is the foundation of emotional intelligence. When you exemplify grit, you exude self-discipline, and the willingness to persevere.

 

With grit, motivation becomes less important. A gritty person will do it anyway regardless of motivation.  With grit, you make a decision to do something and then you do it. It’s the difference between the ‘wanna be“ and “gonna be”.

How does this idea of grit line up with inspired action? How does it line up with other research that I have conducted that shows that the more you relax, the more successful you are? Can you be gritty and relaxed? Yes, you can. Grit does not mean stress. In fact, stress is often related to breaking promises to yourself. Perhaps, the more grit you have, the more you can relax. You know you have done your due diligence and taken the necessary action steps.

Where is the role of grit in the law of attraction? It seems like grit might oppose the law of attraction because grit seems synonymous with hard work. We also know plenty of hard-working people who do not achieve the success they are looking for.  Hard work just for the sake of hard work is not what girt is about. However, grit is more of a mindset and way of thinking. It’s a thought process that says, “I am not giving up.” This aligns with the law of attraction. Though instant manifestation is possible, most manifestation has a time delay. Grit gives you the resolve to allow things to unfold. You have probably heard people say, “I have tried the law of attraction, then I gave up because it doesn’t work.” You probably see the irony here.

When I look at the coaching cycle and the work that it takes to change habits and create more productive and life-enhancing habits, the role of grit and willpower is particularly important in the beginning when you are not accustomed to the change. This could involve a change in thinking patterns, eating, when you get up in the morning, work activities, communication habits, etc.  This grit at the beginning, allow you to build momentum which takes on a life of its own.

Grit is also extremely important in the last 10% of a goal or project completion. It is this phase where many people give up. They give up right when they are about to achieve what they wanted. Grit helps you see things through. It helps you complete what you set out to do.

What if you are a person who gives up too easily or too early? Can you develop grit? Of course, you can. Why do you want to develop your grit mindset? Because it is a huge predictor of success. The key to developing grit is to practice it.

Start keeping those promises you make to yourself. If you set your alarm for 6, get up at 6. Or set your alarm for 7 and then be sure to get up at 7. The important part is to keep the promise.  Your confidence increases as you keep your promises to yourself.

Extend yourself. If you set a goal to write for 15 minutes a day, add one minute. If you decide to take a 20-minute walk, take a 21-minute walk.  Add a little more weight to those bicep curls. Do one more push up.

Do something you fear. Courage builds your grit mindset.

Practice taking the lead on a project or task.

Be willing to be around people who have accomplished more than you have. Don’t be intimidated. See it as a learning and growing opportunity. Ask successful people in their field how they did or read about how they did it. Avoid talking negatively about other people’s achievements.

Stay optimistic and positive.

Be goal achievement oriented with a purpose in mind and passion in your heart.

Go for excellence rather than perfection. Perfectionism is paralyzing and often leads to procrastination.

If you liked this, you will love my article 7 Steps to Master Your Mindset 

Sheri Kaye Hoff

Coach, Trainer, and Author, Sheri Kaye Hoff, is a Business Coach known for inspiring massive action and a catalyst for personal and business growth, joy, and profits in a way that is fun, relaxing, and fulfilling, Sheri inspires people to do the work they love and make more money. Sheri helps business owners and professionals to relax into success. She uses both spiritual and practical techniques to obliterate blocks and create dramatic change. She is a business, leadership, happiness, and inner game expert. She has overcome nearly dying, and the loss of her brother at an early age. She has made it her life mission to discover the keys to happiness and success and then share them with her clients and community. Learn More About Sheri