What is the secret to success? Why do some of us thrive but not all of us? Angela Lee Duckworth, a research psychologist at university of Pennsylvania is going viral lately with a TED talk about one trait that she’s found in common among the ones that make it. That trait is grit. The ability to keep moving forward with tenacity and enthusiasm. To “fall off the horse and get back on”.
While there’s a variety of other factors playing into your success or your failure in anything in life, it makes sense that at the bare minimum you have to be able to show up. So how can we cultivate this stubborn optimism?
1. Daily Affirmations: We’ve all got an inner critic telling us to give up and binge some Netflix. A great way to change the conversation with yourself is to look in the mirror and give yourself a peptalk. On my lowest days it may be something as simple as “No matter what happens, I will love you”. On more confident days I affirm “I am the highest paid Blogger, actress and motivational speaker under 30. Just by existing In a state of peace I am saving the world”. Muhammad Ali’s coined slogan “I am the greatest” came from his daily affirmation.
2. One challenge a day: No one is without insecurity, the trick is to learn how to keep moving forward when your inner bully is telling you that you can’t. If you’re shy, challenge yourself to sing karaoke in a bar full of strangers one day, then maybe the next day introduce yourself to a stranger on the elevator. If you’re trying to lose weight, trade away 1 unhealthy food or habit for a healthy one each day.
3. Find healthy coping mechanisms: you will always face rejection in some way shape or form. Likewise you will eventually fall to your knees with too much pain to carry. That’s okay, just find a mindful way to comfort yourself that doesn’t get you off track. Learning to meditate has been a godsend for me. If you enjoy cooking or cleaning escape from the trenches with the smell of clean laundry or freshly baked cookies. Anything can become a healing meditation practice if done right. Activities that require focus and presence will help clear your mind and reset you to start again.
Being able to roll with the punches starts with being able to take a punch, stand up and get back into the fight. Keep moving forward beautiful souls. The best is yet to come!
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