What Makes People Successful? It All Comes Down to Grit
What do successful people have in common? Is it generational wealth? Superior intelligence? A knack for being in the right place at the right time? While these factors may play a role in some stories, they’re not the defining trait across the board. According to an intriguing study I came across, the answer is simple and profound: grit.
Grit can be described in so many ways: stubbornness, gusto, endurance, determination, perseverance, tenacity—the list goes on. It’s not just one’s ability to dream big but to keep going, especially when things get tough. And yet, grit often flies under the radar because it doesn’t sparkle like luck or privilege. It’s not flashy, but it’s a force that drives people to overcome challenges, adapt, and ultimately, thrive.
The Myth of “Luck”
Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur, many people have said to me, “You’re so lucky.” And honestly? I don’t think luck is the right word. Sure, I’ve had opportunities, but behind every so-called lucky break has been a whole lot of determination, planning, and effort.
My mom loves to tell a story from my childhood that perfectly illustrates this. She noticed early on that when I asked for something and she said no, I wouldn’t just give up. I’d go away, regroup, and come back with a new angle. I’ve never been one to take a roadblock or a “no” as a final answer. (Sorry mom!) To me, every obstacle is a problem to solve, a puzzle to work through. There’s almost always a solution out there; it’s just a matter of persistence and creativity to find it.
Grit in Action: Learning and Adapting
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that what might seem like a negative experience in the moment is often a chance to grow. Hitting a wall can reveal a system that needs improvement or expose an area where I need to build new skills. When something doesn’t work, I don’t see it as failure; I see it as feedback.
There’s a saying I love: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Grit isn’t about stubbornly clinging to one approach that isn’t working. It’s about enduring setbacks while staying flexible and open-minded enough to pivot, innovate, and try again.
Don’t Just Take My Word for It
The importance of grit has been backed by science. Psychologist K. Anders Ericsson—a leading researcher in the field of expertise—has extensively studied what separates top performers from the rest. His findings show that success often has less to do with innate talent and more to do with deliberate practice, persistence, and the ability to keep improving over time. Grit, as it turns out, is a critical factor in turning potential into achievement.
Why Grit Matters
Grit isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you cultivate. It’s the ability to show up, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s the willingness to keep learning, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s the drive to take risks and trust that the work you put in today will pay off tomorrow.
Success isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding path filled with setbacks, surprises, and moments of doubt. But grit is what keeps you moving forward. It’s what helps you turn obstacles into opportunities and make the most of the resources you have. And it’s what transforms dreams into reality.
Final Thoughts
If you want to achieve something big, ask yourself: how strong is your grit? When life throws roadblocks in your way, do you stop, or do you regroup and try another angle? Remember, grit doesn’t mean you have to be perfect or never feel frustrated. It just means you keep going.
Entrepreneurship is not just about making money; it’s about personal growth and life lessons. It’s about knowing when to pivot, when to learn something new, when to hire someone more qualified, when to make a scary decision, or even when to do nothing except put your nose to the grindstone. I’ve always had this drive to avoid regret more than failure. Looking back and wondering, What if? is far scarier to me than falling short. That’s why I do the things most people are too scared to do.......and I notoriously underestimate the time/work that needs to go into something!
So remember this when you’re scared to take a leap or feel like giving up. Failure isn’t the worst thing that can happen—regret is. Ask yourself one question when you are ready to give up. Can I look back and know I gave it my all? If I can say 'yes' then I move on.