Everybody has asked this question at least once in their life: What’s the secret to success? There’s no simple answer to this question. And when you see all the people from different backgrounds succeed in so many things, you can only think that they have some kind of secret recipe for success.
Well, they do.
After studying the most common predictors for success for 10 years, psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth reveals that success doesn’t have much to do with talent or IQ, as most would presume.
What she reveals as the secret recipe for success is what we largely ignore as an important factor: Grit. Grit is the ability to stay persistent against all the odds, with the aim to reach the purpose you have set in your mind.
Check out Duckworth’s TED talk on just how important grit is for academic and professional success and read more below on how you can improve your grit.
So, is there a way to improve your grit? Yes, there is!
Here are 5 ways:
- Focus on your self-talk
Failure is equal to success because of the effort put into whatever you are doing. This is very important to understand, as many see failure as something so negative that they would give up just to avoid another potential failure.
The truth is that giving your best effort is the most important thing in handling things, and you should be proud of your efforts. So, praise your efforts and learn from the wrong steps that led to the failure. This will help you push through the obstacles.
- Surround yourself with perseverant people
Make your best efforts to be surrounded by people who believe that they can beat the odds. Look for optimistic and positive people and be inspired by their ability to push through difficult times.
- Be more flexible in your thoughts
Flexible thought patterns allow for your grit and resilience to blossom. If you observe flexible people, you’ll see that what others see as a problem, they see it as a challenge and an opportunity to grow.
- Set tiny goals that align with your purpose
Purpose is the key to a happier life, and the main motivator for grit to emerge. If your purpose is abstract and a bit difficult to define, then set smaller goals which will serve as stepping stones to that purpose. They will help you to be purpose driven every day.
- Set a time in your day for reflection
It’s important that you observe your day in a non-judgmental way and reflect on what you have accomplished and what you need to do tomorrow to stay on track. This will help you to stay motivated and energetic toward your purpose.
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A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.