How Grit Helps You Succeed
Most of us have heard adages about the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. In both the personal and professional realm, grit is a combination of fortitude and adaptability that allows a person to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
In a world where fundamental aspects of a business or industry can change quickly, it’s understandable that employers want to hire and advance people with grit. These people are quick on their feet and undeterred by challenges. People who can and will lead their company onward and upward.
Manifest the Key Components of Grit
One of the most interesting aspects of grit is it doesn’t require you to be the smartest person in the room, the most technically inclined or even the most experienced. It only requires you to be smart enough to spot solutions, brave enough to implement them, and diligent in your follow through and commitment to succeed.
Some people have grit naturally. If you’re not one of them, then you can embody more grit by actively working to incorporate the values that comprise grit.
Stay flexible and adaptable
Try to respond to challenges quickly and remain open to change. Being able to adapt to shifts in the market is essential to keeping yourself and your organization relevant.
Get uncomfortable every day
Staying comfortable can be tempting, but it’s not conducive to growth. When you have grit you’re able to seek out uncomfortable situations and make tough judgment calls that others shy away from. You are the person “leaning in” when it gets hard and picking up the pieces to continue forward when others are ready to throw in the towel.
Accept help, but don’t wait for it
When people have grit, they are self-starters. They don’t rely on the assistance of other people or for someone to tell them they need to begin a project or make a plan. Instead, people with grit find a way to get going even when the support, timing, or circumstances aren’t perfect. Because they’re adaptable, they are willing to change course as necessary and will accept support if and when it comes, but they don’t sit around waiting for it.
Stay positive in the face of adversity
Optimism is at the root of grit. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel defeated or down from time to time. You will. The difference is, when you have grit, you keep moving forward. There’s an ember of positivity inside you that encourages you to push forward and towards your goal even if things seem bleak. It’s holding a central belief that no matter what obstacles you face, you will overcome them and succeed. It’s all about being resilient.
Strong minds stay the course
People with grit are mentally strong. They feel the effects of criticism, setbacks, and defeat just like anyone else. They just don’t let it stop them because they have a vision and know they can achieve it. When you have grit, others may doubt you because they can’t see the possibilities that you see and they may not be comfortable with change or believe it’s possible. You may have no one in your corner. You must know, at your core, that success is possible and keep going regardless of how hard it gets.
Trust your gut
Here’s where being the smartest person in the room doesn’t matter. Being overly logical takes a backseat when you have grit. You understand the facts, but you don’t view them in a vacuum. You incorporate old-fashioned intuition into your decision making. Sometimes, you go with your gut even when it’s telling you something most wouldn’t consider rational. And because you trust your gut, you’ll be willing to go where other people won’t and do things they’re too afraid to do.
Stand behind your actions
You’re going to make mistakes; we all do. The difference is that people with grit don’t shy away from being uncomfortable and they accept responsibility for their actions. This is, in part, because people with grit are focused on the goal. Even if you miss your target, being accountable for your missteps shows you’re human. It can help build trust, so when people see you heading in a direction they don’t understand or reaching for some near-impossible vision, they may be more willing to follow.
Control your emotions
People with grit don’t let their feelings get the best of them. They are in control of their emotions and remain level-headed and focused on their goals. That means bad days won’t stop them, and they won’t allow good days to trick them into coasting towards the finish line or becoming overconfident. Emotions are part of life, good or bad. You have to manage them to move forward consistently.
Keep going even when the chips are down
There’s going to be times in your career when things get rough. Projects will falter or fail and you’ll have opportunities to bow out or move on. Grit pushes you onward in spite of unforeseen difficulties. It propels you forward even when others aren’t willing to move ahead with you and when circumstances change or get tough. There will be times when the only difference between meeting your goals and falling short is grit.
What You Can Do Today
Start incorporating GRIT into your professional psyche. If you’re currently employed, look for opportunities to demonstrate that you have grit and fortitude. Keep it balanced by focusing on building relationships while delivering results. If you are interviewing for a new position, incorporate examples that highlight your grit and ability to create strong human connections.
For more tailored career coaching and to learn how you can advance your career and become a standout candidate, contact us today.
Author: Joanne Loberg of JL Careers Inc. is a Certified Executive Coach and Internationally Certified Career Management Professional who specializes in coaching Executive and Professional clients. She has a reputation as a highly sought-after Career Consultant and she has been referred to as “an absolute expert at navigating the complex territory of career advancement.” Copyright JL Careers Inc. All rights reserved.
Wishing you much career success!
Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
JL Careers Inc
