Weekly newsletter
I. Prompts for motivation
When was the last time you stayed committed to something that truly mattered to you, even when it got difficult? Do you notice that same level of persistence in any of your daily or weekly habits? Are there projects or routines where you keep showing up, even when it’s hard?
Can you think of someone you know who seems to live with grit or persistence? What are some things they do that stand out to you? It might be how they work toward their goals, how they react to setbacks, or how they stay motivated over time. What could we learn from the way they move through challenges?
II. Thoughts for intention
Grit means having a strong mindset—staying focused, showing courage, and working through obstacles to keep going after what matters most. It’s about taking action again and again, putting in real effort, and staying committed long enough to reach meaningful goals. That’s why grit is so important: it fuels progress, growth, and long-term success. Without it, reaching our full potential becomes much harder. The good news is that grit isn’t something we either have or don’t—it’s something we can all build over time. It’s what helps us get back on track when we lose focus or face failure.
When we don’t value grit and effort, we risk falling into a fixed mindset. That mindset is dangerous—it makes us feel like we can’t change or improve, and it often leads to fear, self-doubt, and hesitation to take on new challenges. But when we set the intention to grow each day, we shift into a more positive, growth-focused mindset. We start to pay more attention to our process—not just the outcomes—and that shift can make a huge difference.
III. Ideas for preparation
Growing grit takes regular practice. It means showing up for what we care about, even on tough days. Over time, our passions can turn into habits, and the more we practice, the more we grow. As long as we keep putting in the effort, we’re building grit. We’re learning to keep going and getting closer to the goals that matter most to us. What truly counts is our willingness to keep doing our best—not just to reach the finish line, but to enjoy the journey of getting there.
There are lots of ways to build grit. You can start by writing down your goals, using positive self-talk, or tracking your progress regularly. All of these actions help build mental strength over time. Being part of a community also helps. When we’re surrounded by others who support our efforts, we tend to stay focused. Whether it’s a sports team, a music group, or a professional setting, being in a group that values effort can help us develop grit even more.
IV. Quotes for inspiration
“Staying on the treadmill is one thing, and I do think it’s related to staying true to our commitments even when we’re not comfortable. But getting back on the treadmill the next day, eager to try again, is in my view even more reflective of grit. Because when you don’t come back the next day—when you permanently turn your back on a commitment—your effort plummets to zero. As a consequence, your skills stop improving, and at the same time, you stop producing anything with whatever skills you have.”
― Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
“Think of it this way: There are two kinds of failure. The first comes from never trying out your ideas because you are afraid, or because you are waiting for the perfect time. This kind of failure you can never learn from, and such timidity will destroy you. The second kind comes from a bold and venturesome spirit. If you fail in this way, the hit that you take to your reputation is greatly outweighed by what you learn. Repeated failure will toughen your spirit and show you with absolute clarity how things must be done.”
― Robert Greene, Mastery
