{"id":4771,"date":"2020-10-08T05:54:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T10:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=4771"},"modified":"2021-06-09T08:39:45","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T13:39:45","slug":"grit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/grit\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Grit and How Do We Cultivate it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Resiliency is more than just the ability to \u201cbounce back\u201d. When you hear someone talk about having \u201cgrit\u201d, there is probably a very clear picture in your mind of what that means. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having grit also means having an underlying determination. It allows you to face challenges head-on without faltering. That doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t have emotions or difficult feelings to deal with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, it\u2019s just the opposite. Those with grit see the hard challenges and take them on anyway. They stick to their long-term goals, rather than giving up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

So, what can you do to cultivate more grit and determination in your own life, and be a more resilient person overall? Let\u2019s look at a few ways to increase your grit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find Your Passion and Core Values to Fuel Grit & Determination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People with resiliency stick with things, they are committed for the long haul. They make goals and do what it takes to achieve them. So, a good place to start building that resiliency is to consider what some of your passions or core values are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will be much easier to achieve your goals and stick with something if you\u2019re highly invested in it. Don\u2019t wait around to find something that interests you or spend too much time thinking about what your passions might be. Instead, explore and discover. Get out there and try different things! Investigate various ideas and interests until you connect with something that intrigues you and stimulates your mind and heart in a meaningful way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Core values are deeper qualities that tend to drive our motivation and decisions. It is what helps us push through the yuck and discomfort in order to reach our goals. For example, I value deep family connections. Because of this, I am willing to wake up early (I am NOT a morning person) to help my children start the day knowing I am there for them. I am willing to engage in certain hobbies or sports events or tv shows that aren’t my favorite because it allows for 1:1 bonding time. It means I will travel longer distances to see extended family rather than just accept not seeing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valuing education means delaying gratification and studying when I’d rather watch tv, or taking required classes that seem unnecessary in order to obtain the degree or certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valuing resiliency and self-esteem means I am willing to face discomfort and tackle my fears so that I can feel a sense of accomplishment in seeing myself do things I was afraid of or thought I couldn’t do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus On Improving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Those with grit don’t give up easily. They practice and practice until they get things right. There\u2019s an intentional concentration and constant focus on forward progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Failures will come throughout your life no matter how hard you work. But, resiliency means working through those failures and learning from them, so you can continue to improve. Your biggest competitor should be who you were the day before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about some of the most successful people of all time. Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey \u2013 they all have something in common; failure. They all had enormous failures as they began their careers. Now? They are all household names with legacies that will go on for years. From failure came determination, lessons learned, and the will to try again. Altogether, these things gel and create the beginnings of the \u201cgrit\u201d required to reach dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get out there and maybe fall down 1000 times, as long as you get up 1001 times you are still making progress and demonstrating resiliency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Believe in Possibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond intestinal fortitude, grit is born from vision and a positive attitude. While people with grit are realistic, they are also optimistic and hopeful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, that doesn\u2019t mean they dream about things and wait around for them to come true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They believe good things can happen in concert with their will, work, and determination. It is the belief and hope in certain values and ideals that make those with grit want to work harder. When everyone else says something is impossible, belief in the goal fuels more resilience. Faith in the possibilities inspires more ways to make the dream happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surround Yourself With the Right People<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at the people you spend most of your time with. Would you describe most of them as resilient? Or, do they give up easily, procrastinate, and have a hard time getting things done? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company you keep can make a big difference in how you see yourself. That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you need to cut people out of your life. But, you should take a look at who is influencing you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you surround yourself with people who will motivate you to do more and be better, you\u2019re more likely to live up to your own desires and expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose A Counselor to Encourage Grit and Determination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cultivating grit is absolutely possible at any age. It doesn\u2019t have to be a skill you\u2019re born with or a way you\u2019re raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel like things are \u201cimpossible\u201d now, you can actually train your brain to think differently. You can learn at any stage of your life if you\u2019re willing to make changes and put in the work. The great thing about this particular characteristic is that you can change it. Like any other type of training, it just takes time and effort. Why not allow a counselor to help you develop the resilience you long for? We can be a productive part of moving forward and building your grit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to discuss how to build skills that will support your resiliency and help you take action steps in accordance with your values and priorities, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n