Grit is not just about putting time into practicing your passion, but also about the quality of that time. Cognitive psychologist Anders Ericsson discovered that experts in a field don’t only spend more time on their interests; they use that time differently. They engage in what Ericsson calls “deliberate practice.” Experts set specific goals targeting particular weaknesses and continue to challenge themselves in that area until they can execute perfectly. Once they succeed, they set a new goal for improvement. In essence, experts focus more on their mistakes than on what they do well.

To make the most of deliberate practice, follow these steps:

  • Set a clear goal: Define what you want to achieve in each practice session.

  • Focus intensely: Avoid distractions to fully engage with the task.

  • Get immediate feedback: Recognize mistakes and areas for improvement right away.

  • Repeat and refine: Constantly improve on the skill through repetition.

  • Make it a habit: Turn deliberate practice into a routine.

  • Embrace challenges: See difficulties as opportunities to improve, not threats to avoid.

Third Stage of Building Grit: Finding a Greater Purpose

Individuals with grit combine their passion with a larger purpose—a desire to contribute positively to others’ lives through their work. The deeper significance of purpose lies in doing something not only for personal gain but also for the benefit of others. Those with grit are often driven by a desire to make their lives meaningful. This does not mean only pursuing specific jobs focused on helping others, such as doctors or nurses. Rather, it’s about the mindset you bring to your work.

For example, if a bricklayer believes that their work is part of creating something meaningful, they will approach it with more grit. Purpose answers the question: “Why am I doing this?” Only when you love what you do will the desire to help others generate more grit. It’s never too late to cultivate a larger purpose in your life. Here are some ways:

  • Reflect on how your work, directly or indirectly, benefits society.

  • Think about small but meaningful changes you could make to better connect your work with your core values.

  • Find a role model who inspires you and embodies this purpose.

Fourth Stage of Building Grit: Hope as a Positive View of Adversity

Grit relies on the hope that our actions and efforts can make a difference and improve our future. This hope is not about luck but about perseverance. People with grit generally have a positive mindset and an optimistic outlook on adversity. They don’t give up at the first sign of difficulty; they keep going. When we keep trying to improve our situation, we increase our chances of finding a solution. In contrast, if we approach life with a negative attitude, assuming no solution exists, we stop looking and often end up proving ourselves right.

People with a fixed mindset believe they can’t change or improve and interpret all obstacles negatively, seeing them as proof of inadequacy. However, a growth mindset fosters the belief that with effort, one can always improve. Challenges are then seen in a positive light, as hurdles to overcome that ultimately make us stronger. Hope, optimism, and a growth mindset teach us not to give up but to persevere.