Grit (Guts, Resilience, Initiative, Tenacity): A Guide for Mental Strength

Last Update on April 7, 2021 : Published on July 10, 2020
Grit- A complete guide to be more mentally tough

This Blog Covers

  • What is Grit? What Does GRIT Mean?
  • Why Grit is Important?
  • How to Develop Grit and Be Mentally Tough?
  • Examples to Develop Grit:

What is Grit? What Does GRIT Mean?

GRIT stands for Guts, Resilience, Initiative, Tenacity. Grit can be defined as the passion and perseverance in order to accomplish dreams and long-term goals. Various researchers also state that grit can be referred to as mental toughness. The famous psychologist and researcher Angela Duckworth suggested that Grit is a predictor of success and capability to achieve the goals and purpose of life.

To put it in a nutshell, Grit is the perseverance and passion to achieve meaningful and long-term goals.

Various researches and studies show that the capability to be gritty and bouncing back from failure (resilience) is an important component of success. As the full form defines the actual meaning of Grit:

G: Guts

R: Resilience

I: Initiative

T: Tenacity

Why Grit is Important?

Why Grit is important

Now, you may feel like I am repeating the same words again because I think it’s worth writing the meaning and importance of GRIT again. GRIT is essential because grit helps us to achieve success, independence, and dream plans. Being naturally talented and smart are great but the ability to preserve such traits is GRIT.

GRIT polishes the talent and smartness to the mark and potential. GRIT is that personality trait that leads you to the success and door of achievements.

To put it in a nutshell, GRIT helps you to meet your potentials, polishes your talents and smartness, and helps you to achieve success.

Similar to resilience, Grit is not a gifted personality trait, with time we have to learn to develop the personality traits of Grit i.e. Guts, Resilience, Initiative, Tenacity.

How to Develop Grit and Be Mentally Tough?

To become mentally tough have a look at the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1- Define

As per the studies and researches to develop grit within yourself, the first step is to define and find out what is the meaning of grit and mental toughness according to you.

For example, it may be…

  • Reading a book or planning your dream goals
  • Calling one friend on every weekend
  • Hitting the gym daily
  • Or practicing yoga or meditation every day.

Make sure you define grit according to your planning and go after whatever you define.

Step 2- Build

Mental toughness is like a personality trait that is not used when a tough situation comes in; we require mental toughness in everyday life too. Therefore, grit should be developed with time and grown accordingly.

Using the power of grit at the right time and situation is really important. In our everyday life, we have to prove ourselves 100 times, therefore, make yourself ready to consume your talents and smartness.

Step 3- Build Strong Habits

Grit is not only about having courage or inspiration, grit is about building strong habits that will allow you to overcome circumstances and challenges. Building those strong habits which stop you from distraction is the major part of developing girt within ourselves.

Grit is all about dedication and the capability to stick to goals until and unless you achieve them.


Read related topics:

5 Bad Habits you need to avoid to live a positive life

The Habit Loop: Building positive habits

7 Simple but life-changing habits you can learn from successful people

How to improve your self-control


Examples to Develop Grit:

Examples to develop Grit

1. For Leader

To develop grit in leaders, consistency is the major ingredient. They must have a clear goal and they should have the ability to take negative feedback and hectic schedules. As a leader, they must know that the whole team is behind them, so they should follow a healthy routine to encourage others.

2. For Artists, Employees, and Writers

Similarly like leaders, consistency is again the most essential trait to have. They should always follow a schedule and motivation. They should remove amateur nature from their lives and start working like a pro.

3. For Athletes

Athletes should not miss the workouts and sessions. They should not miss the assignments in order to develop grit.

I hope you like this blog. Comment down and let us know what grit means to you. For more such content, follow Calm Sage on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!

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How To Turn Your Disappointments Into Your Strengths? Learn Now

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About The Author

Aayushi Kapoor
Aayushi Kapoor

Aayushi is a Content Creator at Calm Sage. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology and a Master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition. Her constant interest in the improvement of mental health, nutrition, and overall wellness embarked upon her career as a “full-time educational writer.” She likes to make an asynchronous connection with her readers. Her mantra for living life is "What you seek is seeking you".

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