How You Get GRIT

Everyone has challenges, and fortunately everyone has grit.  How do I know this? 

Because I've been there. The photos at the bottom of this page are from when I had a tumor on my leg surgically removed, used a wheelchair, and learned to walk and dance again. It was so hard, but with the help of my care team, family and friends I stuck with it.

This is grit.

But, sometimes, grit is like the part of the iceberg that is underwater--we can't see it and so we're not sure if it's there.  How do you get grit or remember it's already there?

Other people's stories of resilience can awaken the grit in you. My message uses  an acronym I created for GRIT because I stress the importance balanced achievement versus blind determination.

1. Goals - write down specific, measurable goals. This will give you clarity about what you want

2. Relationships - invest time with your friends and family who will always be there for you. (If you ever find yourself in a mental health crisis, facts aren't likely to convince you to keep going - but your friends will.)

3. Intention - having a clear "why" or reason for what you're doing will help you persevere

4. Time Away - taking time for rest and self-care energizes our bodies and minds 

I find journaling on these points helps me stay "gritty." I also like to feed my mind with positive things from books about grit and resilience and the Happiness Project news blog.

Want to help others discover Grit? Find out how below!