BLOG: Grit is the real secret to success

ByJohn D. Kelly IV, MD

The jury is out on success. Perseverance trumps talent. The ability to stick to a goal and see tasks to completion is perhaps the greatest predictor of success in life.

This quality, commonly referred to as grit, is a noble virtue that can be cultivated and grown. Like any other worthy goal, the attainment of grit requires practice, patience and a dedicated amount of time. However, increasing one’s grit index may yield tremendous dividends in productivity and averting burnout.

More precisely, grit can be defined as the ability to stay the course in pursuing a goal despite obstacles, which surely will manifest in any important endeavor. Grit has been shown to be a higher predictor of success than intelligence and ability, and has been shown to correlate with a healthy emotional life. It is no surprise one predictor of success in residency performance is participation in a college sport. Indeed, sports foster teamwork, temper discipline and build character. In short, varsity sports potentiate grit.

Growing grit

Grit can be nurtured and grown with practice and in finding meaning in activities. One effective practice to become grittier is to simply tackle the hardest task of the day first. We all have decisions we delay because of the inconvenience or uncomfortable feelings these generate. Gritty people face the things they fear head on and recognize their day is more productive and less stressful when the difficult tasks are embraced first.

Ironically, the tasks we fear the most are usually the most important. Imagine the confidence that accrues when one overcomes challenges day by day. Fear is mastered and a feeling of empowerment over one’s life ensues.

Another practice is to select a goal that will require a daily discipline, such as exercise or writing a book. Decide to spend at least a few minutes on that goal every day, despite whether you feel like it. Stay committed and in time, you will have cultivated the habit of perseverance.

Connecting one’s actions to a higher purpose fortifies grit. When we align our actions to a higher goal or our core values, meaning ensues and with that, real motivation. When we recognize our work truly matters, we are more energized and act with more purpose.

For example, the completion of a research project becomes less onerous when one reflects on the potential positive effect the project may have on mitigating pain and suffering in patients. The long OR day can be transformed in perception from “another six, big case day” to “increasing the quality of life of six people.” The drudgery of office hours can be radically transformed from “one needy patient after another” to “Who is the universe sending my way for help today?”

This type of mindset dictates our actions will have meaningful and positive consequences and is perhaps one of the greatest antidotes to burnout.

Suggestions to build a grittier disposition

Select a goal that has meaning for you and stick to it every day for 3 months, despite whether you feel like it. No excuses.

Find a role model who inspires you to grow in character and perseverance. It may be a fellow surgeon, athlete or civic leader. Read about how they overcame adversity and ultimately triumphed.

Re-dedicate yourself to your vocation in orthopedics and recognize that lasting and intrinsic happiness is attained through service. Every morning ask yourself, “What tasks am I avoiding?” Then, tackle these head on.

As I have stated many times before, the brain is plastic and can be re-wired to become more positive and focused. In time, like John Wayne, you can develop true grit. Your life will never be the same.

References:

Duckworth AL, et al. Development and validation of the Short Grit Scale (GRIT–S). Journal of Personality Assessment. 2009;91:166-174.

Eskreis-Winkler L, et al. The grit effect: Predicting retention in the military, the workplace, school and marriage. Frontiers in Psychology. 2014;5.

Spitzer AB, et al. Factors associated with successful performance in an orthopaedic surgery residency. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009;91:2750-2755.