We frequently ascribe a person’s success to their intelligence, talent, privilege, or even luck. While these factors are clearly important, a lesser-known quality known as “grit” is critical to achieving desired life goals.
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist, proposed the concept of grit as the unique combination of enthusiasm and perseverance toward long-term goals. In essence, it is the ability to persevere even when confronted with hurdles.
Here are eight research-backed strategies to apply grit to achieve your goals, according to a 2023 study.
Create SMART goals
The most attainable objective is one that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound, sometimes known as “SMART.” For example, having a defined deadline and a specific goal boosts your performance over having a broad understanding of your aim.
Furthermore, choosing the right amount of difficulty for a goal is critical, as research has shown that demanding (but not impossible) goals are more effective than easy ones. Grit enables people to tackle difficult, long-term goals that might terrify others.
Enter states of sustained attention
While distractions are unavoidable, directing your attention toward goal-relevant activities promotes greater goal achievement. Breaking down your goal into smaller, more manageable chunks and focusing on one task at a time, while allowing for high-quality relaxation intervals, can help you maintain your focus and avoid tiredness or overwhelm.
According to a 2017 study, focusing on sub-goals early in the goal-setting process and then on the main objective near the end helps you stay motivated throughout. You can practice sustained attention for small periods of time until it becomes easier to maintain it for longer lengths of time, and you can set up certain times in advance to concentrate on your objective.
Grit is also defined by the persistence of interest in a task across time. Focusing on goals that fascinate you or approaching the process of accomplishing them in new ways might help you stay on your toes and engaged.
Plan ahead
Individuals with a high level of conscientiousness and grit are frequently effective in jobs that demand planning, discipline, and attention to detail. According to research, using successful tactics and planning ahead of time helps you achieve your goals. This might help you prepare to face any challenges that may come during the process.
Achieving a goal involves resources such as time and money. Being “gritty” entails devising ingenious ways to acquire these resources and position yourself for success.
Be Persistent in the Face of Fear
According to the expectation theory of motivation, we are driven to work toward a goal if we believe it will result in better performance and more gratifying results. We determine how much effort to put into a goal based on its anticipated advantages and perceived difficulties.
However, focusing too much on a task’s difficulty can be demotivating, leading to procrastination, especially if we doubt our capacity to do it. The dread of failure can sometimes make you reluctant to start in the first place.
To overcome procrastination and draw into your grit, keep going.
According to a 2021 study, persistent goal pursuit is the outcome of fighting the impulse to give up and continuing to pursue it even after taking a break. The researchers proposed that this was helped by reducing distractions, employing reminders, good planning, and developing habits related to goal achievement.
Remember that ambitions take time, and the route to accomplishment is not straight. It includes challenges and moments of doubt. Cultivating grit entails viewing failures as chances for growth rather than setbacks, which leads to better results. When you tap into your grit, you are willing to leave your comfort zone, take risks, and embrace uncertainty, all of which are essential components of success.
Renew your commitment
According to research, how much you care about and devote to your goals influences the amount of effort you put in, as well as the outcome. If you understand how gratifying and meaningful a goal is to you, you will be able to prioritize it and become more driven to pursue it.
Even after the initial excitement fades, tenacious people remain steadfast in their pursuit of their goals. This is part of what distinguishes them.
Believe in Yourself
Self-efficacy is an individual’s belief in their ability to complete activities and achieve goals. The greater your self-efficacy, the more likely you are to set ambitious objectives and work hard to attain them.
A 2019 study found that self-efficacy can improve your motivation to learn a skill and display your ability by aiming to complete tasks better than others. This decreases your fear of failure and allows you to pursue your goals more confidently.
Rely on Your Support System
It’s also crucial to surround oneself with individuals who believe in you and recognize your worth. It helps if they have grit, and you are part of a community that inspires and uplifts one another.
Furthermore, those who actively seek and respond to feedback are more likely to make required changes and improve their performance.
Celebrate the Milestones
Celebrating each minor triumph and indulging in self-affirmation, especially when faced with problems, promotes the conviction that you can overcome them, resulting in increased self-confidence.
While intrinsic talent and knowledge are valuable, grit is the driving force that keeps us on track for success. Grit may be developed and improved, even if it does not come naturally, by setting specific, demanding goals and remaining focused and persistent.