From Grit to Great

Not all smart people are bound to succeed. This is hard truth but it is well backed up by research. 

As Angela Duckworth explained, IQ is not the sole determinative of a person's performance.

It involves grit or the ability to persist towards a goal.

As Barker mentioned in his book, "Barking Up the Wrong Tree," 

society associates grit with success.

It is grit that keeps many people going in spite of their repeated failures.

 

If you think you do not have grit, dont lament. It can be developed. 

 

Here are tips to help you develop grit:

 

1. Listen to stories of determination and be inspired.

Eric Baker in his book, "Barking Up the Wrong Tree" mentioned that grit comes from stories. There are stories that inspire us to pursue our passions. The characters in these stories don't quit after a major setback.

They pick up lessons from their failures and pursue their goals. 

 

2. Focus your attention on a goal and work towards it consistently.

Do you want to be slimmer? Push yourself to hit the gym everyday. Try to do it for 2 months 

without fail. Revisit this goal and focus on it. Knowing how to focus will help you understand

your goals better. 

 

3. Do positive self-talk

When setbacks come, don't spend the entire month reprimanding yourself. Build yourself

through positivity. Sulking in a corner and bringing in more negativity can greatly

chip off your power to persist. Think of the possible solutions and be productive.

 

4. Win small battles.

Winning your little battles in life is your springboard to success. When we take baby steps to success,

we are telling ourselves that anything is possible.

Accomplish as many "wins" in life. 

Train yourself to succeed.