Growing Your Grit And Your Community

Grit is a skill as much as it is a trait; that is to say, grit and persistence are qualities that you can actively practice and develop. Don’t be intimidated by others’ determination! It’s okay to make mistakes along the way. The trick is picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and getting back in the game. It’s also important to remember that change is inherently part of the game of life–there’s no way to get around that! Today’s helpful hints from the pros will help you grow your sense of perseverance through concrete steps you can take. Check out what they have to say below:

We love this suggestion from Ari Zoldan at Inc that helps build up a sense of community alongside increasing your perseverance: “Openly share failures and lessons learned. Rather than seeking solace when they fail, people who have grit look for ways to learn from their mistakes to avoid repeating them. Our ability to find grit even in the face of obstacles isn’t easy. Part of winning in business is about learning how to overcome your immediate or default reactions to setbacks, while also taking an open approach to problem solving, sharing key learnings with the team around you.” Everyone stumbles sometimes. There is real strength in admitting that, and in sharing your setbacks with others. You’re only a human being. Sharing your failures will help your colleagues better relate to you, and to feel comfortable sharing their own failures. Leading by example will help bring your team together and strengthen your whole professional community.

And don’t miss this trick from Kathryn Sandford at Lifehack: “Accept and Anticipate Change on a Daily Basis. In today’s world of constant change, it is hard to hold on to who you are and manage the complexity and unpredictability of life. The one constant thing in our lives today – is change. Instead of fighting the inevitability of change, learn how to accept it. Embrace change and know that by doing this, your life can only get better. Resisting change will fuel the negative energy that keeps you feeling broken and discouraged about life. There is no way you can live your life to the fullest without experiencing change. Never stop learning about you, how you interact with others and the world that surrounds you…Learn how to be agile in your thinking. Ask lots of questions and look for solutions, don’t just focus on the problem that you are facing. It is a lot harder to solve a problem when you are immersed within the problem itself.” Flexibility is key to persevering. Accepting and anticipating change every single day will keep you flexible, bending in response to the challenges life throws your way instead of breaking. Use any unprecedented circumstances as an opportunity to learn more about yourself, as well as everyone around you. Showing that you can roll with the punches is a surefire way to impress any employer.

Developing your perseverance takes practice, but that practice will pay off as your positivity inspires everyone around you in your workplace and beyond. Keep in mind the need to accept change–and also know that it’s okay to admit that it can be difficult to do that! Use the framework of practicing as a way to navigate both the mistakes and changes you encounter and you’ll be a perseverance pro in no time. Join us again tomorrow as we finish off the week with our Feel Good Friday: Perseverance edition.

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