Grit: Do You Have What It Takes to Succeed and Achieve Your Goals?

“…there are no shortcuts to excellence. Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time―longer than most people imagine….you’ve got to apply those skills and produce goods or services that are valuable to people….Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it…it’s doing what you love, but not just falling in love―staying in love.”
― Angela Duckworth

Determination, Grit, Success

Do you have what it takes? You have to understand that technical skill and talent will only get you so far, whether you like it or not. To reach a high level of success, it take grit to get things done. You must have a raw, visceral, animalistic determination to become successful. There must be a fire that burns deep inside that motivates you to cross the finish line. This is grit!

One of the best authorities on grit is Angela Duckworth, author of the book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. In her TED Talk, she states that “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Finding the Strength

Having talent and great potential is just wonderful, but grit is what it takes to get you over the finish line. Whether you are a student, business professional or freelance explorer, to achieve your goals, you must have grit. Your enthusiasm will excite and inspire people around you, but your endurance in the face of opposition will bring you success.

Take a few moments and think about whether you have what it takes, then watch this TED Talk by Angela Duckworth.