Grit: The Key to Success in Life and Sport
In life, as in sport, success rarely comes easy. Whether you're on the mats in a grueling jiu-jitsu match or at the gym pushing for a new personal best, it’s not just talent or strength that gets you through the toughest moments. It’s something deeper—something that keeps you moving forward when the odds are stacked against you. That “something” is grit.
But what exactly is grit? Why do we need it? And, most importantly, how can we cultivate it to live a more successful and fulfilling life? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind grit, how it relates to mindset, and why it’s the ultimate tool for achieving greatness—whether on the mats, in the gym, or in life.
What Is Grit?
Grit, as defined by psychologist Angela Duckworth in her bestselling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, is "a combination of passion and perseverance for a long-term goal." It’s not just about working hard—it’s about staying committed to your goals even when the path gets tough or progress feels slow.
Duckworth’s research shows that grit is a better predictor of success than talent or IQ. In her studies of high achievers, from West Point cadets to National Spelling Bee champions, she found that gritty individuals consistently outperformed their peers, not because they were inherently more gifted, but because they refused to give up.
In sport, grit manifests in countless ways—showing up for practice day after day, drilling techniques until they become second nature, or fighting through fatigue and soreness to finish that last set at the gym. It’s the inner drive that tells you, "Keep going. You’ve got this."
Why Do We Need Grit?
In a world obsessed with quick wins and instant gratification, grit may be one of the most underrated qualities for success. Here’s why:
1. Success Demands Consistency
No matter your goal—whether it’s earning your first jiu-jitsu stripe or deadlifting 400 pounds—success is built on consistency. Grit keeps you showing up, even when the results aren’t immediate. It reminds you that progress is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Failure Is Part of Growth
Failure is inevitable in any journey toward success. You’ll lose matches, miss lifts, or face setbacks in your personal life. Grit allows you to view failure not as a stop sign, but as a stepping stone. As Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
3. It Builds Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is essential in both sport and life. Grit helps you push through physical discomfort, mental doubt, and emotional fatigue. It’s what separates those who quit at the first sign of difficulty from those who achieve greatness.
How Do We Build Grit?
While some people may naturally have more grit than others, the good news is that it’s a skill anyone can develop. Here are five strategies to help you build grit, both on and off the mats:
1. Find Your “Why”
Passion is a key component of grit. To stay committed to your goals, you need a deeper reason for why you’re pursuing them. Ask yourself: Why did you start? What drives you to keep showing up? For a jiu-jitsu practitioner, it might be the love of the sport or the desire to test yourself. For a lifter, it could be the pursuit of strength or the discipline of self-improvement.
2. Set Long-Term Goals
Grit thrives on having a clear sense of purpose. Set big, audacious goals that inspire you. But don’t stop there—break those goals into smaller, actionable steps. Celebrate each milestone as you move closer to your ultimate vision.
3. Embrace Discomfort
Grit isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about leaning into them. Every time you push through discomfort, whether it’s holding a submission for an extra minute or grinding out that last rep, you’re training your mind to be more resilient.
4. Practice Optimism
A positive mindset is essential for grit. Studies show that optimistic people are more likely to persevere in the face of adversity. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can control and how you can improve next time.
5. Surround Yourself with Gritty People
Environment matters. Surround yourself with teammates, coaches, and friends who embody grit. Their energy and determination will inspire you to raise your own game.
Why Mindset Is Everything
At the core of grit is mindset. Without the right mindset, it’s nearly impossible to sustain the perseverance needed to achieve long-term goals. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset shows that people who believe they can improve through effort and learning are more likely to achieve success than those with a fixed mindset.
In a fixed mindset, failure is seen as a reflection of your abilities: “I’m not good enough.” In a growth mindset, failure is an opportunity to grow: “I’m not there yet, but I can improve.” This subtle shift in perspective can make all the difference when the going gets tough.
As legendary coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”
Grit in Action: On the Mats and in the Gym
In jiu-jitsu, grit is what keeps you rolling after a tough match or coming back after a loss. It’s what pushes you to refine your techniques, strengthen your body, and sharpen your mind. Similarly, in the gym, grit is the difference between giving up on a lift and trying again next week. It’s about honoring the process and trusting that every small effort adds up over time.
At Grit, we understand the power of perseverance. That’s why we create products that support your journey—whether it’s our jiu-jitsu finger tape that protects you during hard-fought rolls or our wrist tape that keeps lifters safe during heavy lifts. Because when you’re focused on your goals, the last thing you should worry about is your gear.
Final Thoughts
Grit is the ultimate equalizer. It doesn’t matter where you start or how naturally talented you are—what matters is your ability to stick with it, no matter what. By cultivating grit, you can overcome obstacles, achieve your goals, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
So, the next time you step onto the mats or into the gym, remember: it’s not just your strength or skill that matters. It’s your mindset. It’s your grit.
Sources:
- Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (2016)
- Dweck, Carol. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2006)
- Edison, Thomas. Quote from the Library of Congress archives.