By Angelica Ribeiro, PhD

Recently, a member of my writing group complimented me on my dedication to my writing goals. She said, “You’re so good at staying focused on the goals you set for yourself.”

“I think it has a lot to do with grit,” I responded. Let me explain.

Angela Duckworth (2016) defines grit as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.” Based on her book Grit, here are some key actions to build grit:

1. Clarify Your Long-Term Goal

Building grit starts with clarifying your “ultimate concern”—the long-term purpose that provides meaning to your sustained effort. Each day, take a moment to reconnect with that larger goal by linking your daily actions, no matter how small, to your broader purpose. When progress feels slow or discouraging, remind yourself why you began and what kind of person you want to become.

2. Develop Consistent Routines

Duckworth emphasizes that grit is not about luck or talent, but about consistent effort. Establishing regular routines—doing the same activity in the same place and at the same time— helps make perseverance automatic. Treat this daily block of time as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. Over time, these small, consistent habits will foster identity-based motivation and make effort feel natural.

3. Engage in Deliberate Practice

Deliberate practice is central to Duckworth’s model of grit. It involves identifying weaknesses, setting stretch goals, working with full concentration, seeking feedback, and refining performance. After each practice session, take a moment to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what you should try next time. This feedback loop turns discomfort into progress and repetition into mastery.

4. Adopt a Growth Mindset

Grit and growth mindset are deeply connected. Duckworth points out that gritty individuals see ability as improvable through effort rather than fixed at birth. When setbacks happen, remind yourself that they are part of the process and an opportunity to learn. Instead of viewing failure as a lack of ability, see it as a signal that you are pushing your limits.

5. Align Interest, Passion, and Purpose

True grit encompasses more than endurance; it requires passion and meaning. When your daily effort aligns with your interests and values, perseverance becomes more sustainable. Regularly reflect on how your work connects to what matters most to you or how it contributes to others. This alignment transforms routine tasks into meaningful pursuits and gives you the staying power to continue when motivation fades.

6. Monitor and Reflect on Your Progress

Monitoring your progress and engaging in self-reflection are crucial for maintaining grit. At the end of each day, ask yourself: Did I persevere today? What held me back? Reflection builds self-awareness and accountability, helping you identify growth and refine your habits. Reviewing your week allows you to celebrate small wins and adjust your approach.

In short, developing grit is a lifelong process that combines purpose, persistence, and reflection. Grit shows that through sustained effort and intentional reflection, even small daily actions can gradually move you closer to your bigger dreams.

I encourage you to cultivate grit, and don’t be surprised if someone recognizes and compliments your dedication to your writing goals.

 

Reference

Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner.

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Angelica Ribeiro is a writer, researcher, and professor. She is the author of How to Create Happiness at Work, Running into Happiness, and My Happiness Habit Journal. She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a focus on English as a second language from Texas A&M University. She has taught English learners and preservice teachers in the United States and Brazil for over 25 years. Angelica has several publications on second language acquisition. She works as a professor in higher education and helps others benefit from her happiness research. When she was a Ph.D. student, Angelica struggled with balancing her academic commitments and personal life, which motivated her to embark on a journey to increase happiness. Her journey was so successful that now she encourages others to create happiness in their busy lives by sharing science-based strategies. Visit https://www.creatinghappiness.today