Life isn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, it’s full of challenges and setbacks that can sometimes make us question our ability to keep going. I know this firsthand. When I was 19, I was at the height of my athletic career, a star wide receiver at Florida State University and a black-belt kickboxer. But one tragic car accident completely changed the course of my life. I was left paralyzed from the chest down, and doctors told me that I would never walk again.
At that moment, I could have let my circumstances define me. I could have given up and accepted the life that was handed to me. But instead, I chose a different path. I chose to harness the power of grit—the kind of relentless persistence that pushes you to keep going, no matter how hard the journey becomes.
What Is Grit?
Grit isn’t just about working hard—it’s about having the determination to stick with something over the long haul, even when the going gets tough. It’s about being able to endure hardship, face adversity head-on, and keep moving toward your goals despite setbacks. It’s the thing that keeps you going when everyone else has given up.
For me, grit became my greatest asset after my accident. It wasn’t just about getting back on my feet physically—it was about building the mental strength to push through the darkest days. It was about continuing to move forward, even when the odds were stacked against me.
How Grit Led to My Comeback
After the accident, I made a decision: I wasn’t going to let this setback define my future. I knew that if I was going to regain my independence and live a meaningful life, it would require more than just physical recovery—it would take grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to my vision.
I put in the work every single day, fighting through physical therapy, battling through the frustration, and learning to embrace my new reality. It wasn’t easy. There were days when I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. I kept going. Little by little, I regained my independence. And ultimately, I achieved the impossible: I walked again.
But grit didn’t stop there. Once I was able to stand tall again, I took the lessons I learned through that experience and applied them to my career. After achieving significant success in the financial services industry, a second accident made me reevaluate my future. That’s when I made the bold decision to leave behind my financial career and join my brother in growing his fertilizer business in Southeast Asia.
Through grit and determination, we disrupted the golf course fertilizer industry, building a company that continues to thrive. Every challenge we faced along the way only fueled our drive to succeed. We didn’t let anything stand in our way, and we proved that with grit, even the most ambitious goals are achievable.
The Importance of Grit in Achieving Success
Grit is the foundation of success. It’s what enables you to push past obstacles, bounce back from failures, and keep striving toward your dreams, even when the journey is anything but easy. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, trying to grow a business, or working toward a professional goal, grit is what separates those who succeed from those who give up.
So how can you cultivate more grit in your own life?
- Embrace the Struggle
Struggles are inevitable, but they are also necessary for growth. When you face obstacles, view them as opportunities to learn and develop the mental toughness needed to succeed. Embrace the hard work and discomfort—it’s all part of the process. - Stay Focused on Your Long-Term Goals
Grit is about persistence, and persistence requires focus. When things get tough, remind yourself of why you started in the first place. Focus on your long-term goals and keep moving toward them, one small step at a time. - Build Mental Toughness
Mental toughness isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you can develop over time. Push yourself to face challenges head-on, stay positive even in the face of adversity, and maintain a strong sense of self-belief. The more you practice mental toughness, the easier it becomes to keep going when the going gets tough. - Celebrate Small Wins
Progress isn’t always linear, but every step forward is worth celebrating. Don’t wait until you’ve reached your final destination to recognize your hard work. Celebrate the small wins along the way—they’ll help keep you motivated and remind you that you’re moving in the right direction. - Learn from Failure
Failure is an inevitable part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to be the end. Use failure as a lesson and a stepping stone toward success. Every time you stumble, take note of what went wrong, learn from it, and keep moving forward with even more determination.
Final Thoughts: Grit Will Get You Through Anything
Grit isn’t a magical quality that some people are born with. It’s a skill that anyone can develop, and it’s one of the most important qualities for achieving success in any area of life. Whether you’re overcoming personal challenges, building a business, or working toward a lifelong dream, grit is what will carry you through the hardest moments.
So, when you’re faced with a challenge, remember that persistence is key. Keep going, keep fighting, and remember that with enough grit, anything is possible.
What’s your goal? How can you develop more grit to achieve it?
Scott Burrows, Keynote Motivational Speaker | Author
Office: 813-477-0862
Website: www.scottburrows.com
Donna Buttice, Business Manager
Office: 630-330-7533
Inspiring organizations to cultivate a Vision that transcends boundaries, a Mindset that defies limitations, a Grit that knows no bounds!
