We are a few weeks into the new year, so how are your 2017 goals going? Do you remember what your intention or resolution even was?! I’ve got one key for you that can help you maintain good habits, work towards a big goal, or keep focused when things get hard:
Grit.
This is a concept that I’m intrigued with, both in my own life, as well as how it impacts the success of my executive and life coaching clients. Turns out, the research shows that grit has a tremendous impact on achieving your goals and resolutions!
What’s grit?
Grit is “pursuing goals with passion and perseverance over the long term,” according to Angela Lee Duckworth who is a psychologist that studies grit. Grit is an easy term for a group of qualities like tenacity, perseverance, resolve, and toughness. The great news is that you can increase your grit and you can even help foster grit in your children.
Where should you start?
First you need to identify your passion and sign up! In order to be gritty, you have to be in the game not sitting on the sidelines. It’s essential to give yourself full permission to play big and sign up. This isn’t about “shoulding” on yourself and doing what someone else thinks is important. It’s about signing up for what YOU want. Once you’ve identified what you want to be gritty about, then it’s time to jump in the pool.
What’s next? Jump in!
Wait, what does swimming have to do with grit? More than you might think! Picture how it feels to jump into a cold swimming pool, versus wading in slowly. When walking in, you can think about each step, consider walking backwards, change your mind about swimming in the first place, and agonize about the cold water. When you jump in, you have to summon some courage and get over the initial shock of cold water, but you very quickly adapt and are able to move forward.
When tackling a new goal, trying a new hobby or developing a new habit, consider this metaphor and jump in! Immersing yourself in the experience makes it easier to stay “all in,” learn, and increase confidence. It’s harder to quit when you’re totally immersed, and our strength grows tremendously from persevering through these new and sometimes difficult experiences.
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