“The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a soft skill comprised of a unique blend of passion and persistence, called grit.”
Forbes.com
Source: 7 Questions To Ask Yourself To Help You Develop This Essential Soft Skill
I’d never thought of ‘grit’ as a soft skill but after reading this article about the book ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’ by Angela Duckworth, it makes a lot more sense.
Let’s face it, we all know that to achieve success in business, we’re going to have to overcome many challenges along the way. And some of those challenges are going to be a lot harder than others.
Interestingly, there are two things in its favour:
- It’s a learnable skill, meaning there is no barrier to success
- It’s not a static skill with an upper limit. You can continue to develop the skill of ‘grit’ as your knowledge and skill levels continue to grow.
Asking yourself the following seven questions helps develop your ‘grit’ skills:
1. What do I want?
I know, you’ve read this many times before but getting really clear on your goals does two things. Firstly, it helps maintain focus during the tough times. Secondly, it’s easier to ask other people for help when you can explain clearly what you want.
2. How can I increase my exposure to new ideas, experiences and possibilities?
Consistently asking questions encourages creativity and a growth mindset. Vital ingredients when faced with major challenges and setbacks.
3. How can I help others?
Rather than always looking inwards, think of how in any given situation, you can be of service to others. Become a leader in the law of reciprocity.
4. What are my fears?
Fear is often mistaken for procrastination, slowing progress and potentially throwing you off course. Identify your fears, acknowledge them and have the courage to handle them head-on.
5. What is my intention, and is it aligned with my attention?
Developing your ‘grit’ skills happens when you make achieving your goals your absolute intention and combine this with focused attention and energy.
6. What actions and behaviours serve me well and which do not?
Actions, behaviours and results are all connected. Identify those that support your goals and those that don’t.
7. What parts of my environment do I need to change, keep or remove.
As your knowledge and skills grow, the things and people that once served you well, may no longer be as effective, or may even hold you back. Always be looking to the future, not the past, and ensure you surround yourself with people and elements that will move you to your destiny.
Developing your ‘grit’ skills takes practice, patience and commitment. But the rewards are the ability to overcome the challenges that every successful business leader has faced.
You can read the full article by clicking here.
