Grit, A Mindset For Success
Grit is defined in the Cambridge dictionary as courage and determination despite difficulty. It’s the ability to keep and have passion and perseverance for long term, meaningful goals. Grit is essential to be able to succeed in your business or career.
You may have heard a story about someone whose life has fallen down around them. They hit rock bottom and have to start again. And they do. They pick themselves up and keep going. They don’t let the negatives and obstacles in life win. They have the determination and perseverance to keep going. That is the story of grit.
Lucy Charles-Barclay’s story is similar. She has competed in the last four Ironman World Championships, coming second place four times in a row. Narrowly missing her chance to win. But that didn’t stop her, instead it propelled her forward to try to win the next world championship. However, during her training she broke her foot. This would cause most athletes to reassess and maybe quit, but not Lucy. She trained harder and under more extreme physical pressure so that when it came time to compete she could do it through any conditions.
Mere days before the 2023 Ironman World Championship, she injured her achilles. Thankfully all her intense training, both physically and mentally, meant that she pushed on and competed. Not only did Lucy win the Hawaii world championships, she led the race from start to finish.
Through all of the obstacles and injuries that arrived in her path, Lucy carried on. She didn’t let anything stop her from succeeding and reaching her goal. She was determined and had the courage to show herself, and everyone around her, what she is capable of. Lucy Charles-Barclay is the true definition of grit.
Maybe you feel like you don’t have the strength and grit that Lucy does, well take some inspiration from her. Use others' stories to inspire your own, to take risks and face problems head first. All those goals you have for yourself and your business or career, may seem unattainable but if you break them down so that you can face each with enough grit, you will get to where you want to be.
Grit requires a plan and an attitude. It means that you know your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can create an environment that allows for growth and supports you when you feel like your determination and courage is low. Remember that it involves passion, patience and perseverance. So don’t give up when the going gets tough, stick to your grit and trust in yourself to get to where you want to be.