WHY TRUE GRIT IS A WINNER

Manilka Ediriweera explains why passion and perseverance reap rich rewards

Social media bombards us with curated content of seemingly overnight successes and effortless victories; and it’s easy to get caught up in these dazzling portrayals of achievement. But the truth is that often, the road to success is far more gruelling and far less glamorous than portrayed.

Success isn’t a singular dazzling moment. Instead, it’s a collection of quiet moments of struggle, relentless pursuit behind closed doors, and a challenging journey filled with twists, turns and self-doubt.

So what’s the secret recipe to success?

Talent is certainly part of the equation, as are discipline, confidence, intelligence, networking and time management. There are two more qualities that consistently stand out in those who have reached the pinnacle of their game – passion and perseverance.

In society, passion is often romanticised. We constantly hear advice like ‘follow your passion’ or ‘love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ However, these motivational quotes can be somewhat misleading because passion isn’t about simply following your heart.

Passion is more about dedicating time and energy to doing what you do, and finding your purpose even if it’s not your heart’s desire from day one.

While passion is the spark that ignites action, perseverance serves as the fuel that keeps it going. It’s that unwavering commitment to see things through, overcome obstacles and bounce back stronger after setbacks.

These are powerful forces even on their own; and together they constitute grit, which is one of the defining traits for success. Grit is what bridges the gap between potential and achievement. While talent and intelligence may give you a head start, without the drive and determination to persevere, your potential will remain unrealised.

It’s about having the guts and stamina to stick to your goals day in and day out, putting in the unglamorous work required to improve and maintaining your passion even when times are tough.

That’s why people with grit are more likely to reach their goals – because they can navigate challenges, bounce back from setbacks and use adversity as a catalyst for growth.

They keep moving forward even when progress seems painstakingly slow.

For example, the success of world-class athletes is built on passion and perseverance that compels them to relentlessly hone their skills. They dedicate countless hours to mastering their craft and embrace challenges as opportunities to improve. Every missed shot, fumbled catch or loss becomes a testament to their passion and perseverance.

The good news is that grit isn’t a trait reserved for a chosen few. It’s a muscle that you can strengthen with consistent effort.

EMBRACE GROWTH Ditch the idea that your abilities are fixed. Instead, think of your skills like a garden that can flourish with dedication and effort. This shift from a fixed mindset to one of growth can strengthen your resilience, and enable you to tackle challenges with renewed determination and bounce back stronger when they arise.

FOSTER PASSION The modern emphasis on passion seems to imply that some people are born knowing what they love. But passion is more like an adventure of self-discovery. So don’t be discouraged if you haven’t found your calling yet. Your passions will emerge as you learn and grow, experiment with new skills and embrace new experiences.

BE PURPOSEFUL Deliberate practice isn’t simply about mindless repetition. It’s purposeful and systemic practice aimed at improving your skills and performance while keeping you engaged in your pursuit. Set achievable goals and seek regular feedback from mentors or coaches who can help you improve and refine your approach.

FIND A PURPOSE Grit is said to thrive when your goals align with a cause that is larger than yourself. So imagine how your work (big or small) can contri­bute to a greater good and use that sense of purpose to propel yourself forward.

KEEP LEARNING Assess your progress regularly and ask yourself questions like ‘what’s working?’ or ‘what can be improved?’. Honest reflection can help you identify areas where you can improve your approach – so that you can move forward on your path to achieving your goals.

The road to success is rarely smooth. There will be detours, potholes and moments when giving up seems easier. But these are the moments in which the power of grit shines through.

With passion and perseverance as your guides, you will have the power and inner strength to navigate any roadblocks… and never lose sight of your long-term goals.

But don’t forget to enjoy the journey as you go because it’s part of the reward! So embrace the challenges, celebrate the small wins and develop the grit that will propel you towards success.

Success isn’t a singular dazzling moment