Grit is often the unseen force behind success. It’s the quiet determination to keep pushing,
even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Whether you’re climbing the world’s highest peaks, facing challenges in business,
or navigating life’s ups and downs, it’s grit that keeps
you going when everything else says stop.
I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks in my career and on the mountains,
but each time, I discovered that grit is what got me to the top.
It’s not about talent or luck — it’s about persistence, resilience,
and the relentless pursuit of your goal, no matter how tough it gets.
Here’s how you can build and sustain grit for long-term success:
10 Steps to Building Grit for Long-Term Success
1. Find Your Why.
Grit starts with purpose. When you know why you’re doing something, whether it’s climbing a mountain or building a business, your passion will fuel your perseverance. Find your reason and let it drive you.
2. Embrace Failure as Part of the Journey.
Failure is inevitable, but it’s also a learning opportunity. In mountaineering, each failed attempt taught me something critical that helped me succeed the next time. Don’t fear failure — use it to sharpen your resolve.
3. Set Big, But Manageable Goals.
Grit is built one step at a time. Set long-term goals that inspire you, but break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This keeps you motivated and gives you a clear direction to move forward.
4. Commit to Consistency.
It’s not the big bursts of effort that lead to success — it’s the small, consistent actions over time. Stay disciplined, show up even when you don’t feel like it, and trust that consistency will compound into success.
5. Stay Mentally Tough.
In climbing, when my body wanted to quit, my mind had to take over. Mental toughness is a muscle that needs to be trained. When you’re faced with obstacles, tap into your inner strength and refuse to quit.
6. Push Through the Hard Times.
The journey will get tough — there’s no avoiding that. But grit is about pushing through those difficult moments. When I faced exhaustion or doubt on the mountain, the key was to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how slow it felt.
7. Adapt and Keep Learning.
Grit is not about stubbornness; it’s about adaptability. Be open to feedback and new approaches. If something’s not working, change your strategy, but never lose sight of your ultimate goal.
8. Surround Yourself with Support.
No great feat is achieved alone. Whether it’s climbing a mountain or building a business, surrounding yourself with the right people provides the emotional support and accountability you need to keep going.
9. Celebrate Small Wins.
It’s easy to get caught up in the long road ahead and forget how far you’ve come. Take time to celebrate the small victories along the way — they build confidence and remind you that progress is being made.
10. Never Lose Sight of Your Endgame.
The path to success is long, but keeping your eyes on the ultimate prize will help you push through the tough moments. Remind yourself why you started and visualize the success you’re working toward. The finish line is closer than you think.
The WYE Challenge
This week, identify one area where you’ve been tempted to give up.
Take one step forward, no matter how small.
Embrace the process and share how you’re using grit to stay on track.
The Next Step Toolkit
Book Recommendation: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
This book dives deep into the science of grit and how you can cultivate it in your own life.
It’s a must-read for anyone looking to build resilience and achieve long-term success.
Building grit isn’t about pushing yourself past your limits all the time; it’s about persistence,
learning from setbacks, and staying focused on what matters most.
It’s not easy, but the reward is worth the climb.
Let’s keep climbing.
Best,
Mark