Determination. Self-Control. Resiliency.

These are the pillars of grit. Dr. Angela Duckworth, defines it as “sustaining interest and effort for very long term goals.” I prefer to use Justice Stewarts language for defining the undefinable:

You know it when you see it.

In 2013, a handful of days before my very first 26 hour Adventure Race, I nervously confided in my best friend that I didn’t think I was ready. I was petrified. I felt like I hadn’t put in the work. I was terrified I would let my team down. There was a silence between us in the conversation during which she might have been agreeing with me, but, as an All-American athlete herself, she found the right words. Finally, she said:

“You’ll be ok, you’ve got grit.”

At that time, I hadn’t studied any self-development literature, and was years away from becoming a professional coach, but there was that word, GRIT. I couldn’t define it, but in that moment it resonated. I didn’t necessarily know why, but I agreed with her and it gave me the confidence to go into that race feeling ready, tough, and confident.

Today, I still agree with her. I’ve got grit. And even better, since that time:

I have even MORE grit.

Things that once seemed impossible, are downright easy. The desire to quit is a manageable emotion. I’ve learned to let my strong self, prepare for my future weakened state. Through years of racing, training, and work as a professional success coach, Ive learned:

GRIT CAN BE DEVELOPED.

It can be cultivated, matured, refined, created and manufactured. It can be packaged and delivered to those willing to get educated and do the work. Here at The Grit Factory, we build grit.