True Grit is The "ONE" Skill Most Successful People Share

By
Services for Real Estate Pros Retired

"Grit, the raw endurance, perseverance, and passion that keeps you going despite obstacles." Anonymous

 

Is grit a matter of nature or nurture? 

According to research by Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, grit is a question of nature and nurture, not one or the other. 

For decades, I have worked in real estate and related industries, and seen individuals come and go. In my personal and entrepreneurial practice, one element separates the successful from the unsuccessful—grit.

It is impractical to teach grit in school. The characteristics of grit detach genuine entrepreneurs from wannabes. 

We interpret grit as "persistent and determined—the virtue of courage." It's that inner conviction to follow through, no matter the obstacles. It's essential to decide who will get to the finish line. 

Our drive and desire to thrive turns talent into competence. And nothing gains from being talented at something without the effort of your aptitude.

We become "true professionals" in our field through hard work and cultivated experiences. True professionals never become bothered because they seek higher and exceptional distinctions in their performance.

They become immersed—absorbed in their work.

To further reframe any pretexts of grit in your mind. It isn't the struggle of trekking through work that is hard. Grit doesn't mean forcing yourself through misery because you assume it's what you're expected to do to be successful.

You crave to accomplish your goals, and that's why you have the attitude of grace. Grit allows us to look at defeat as an interim state, not a perpetual one. It reinforces the enthusiasm to undertake something when it's tough because you realize it will be worthwhile. 

Why do some people try to and not others?

Grit signifies better than intellect, influence, character, or strength. All of those are essential. But in the long ride, grit will lead you through to triumph.

So, is grit the answer to fiscal achievement and a satisfying living? I think it is.

Grit gives us the stamina to endure any obstruction. It's the excellence that leads us to the ability to continue progressing when situations become desperate. And that excellence will lead us to the ultimate! 

Do you have grit?

"Grit is not just a simple elbow-grease term for rugged persistence. It is an often invisible display of endurance that lets you stay in an uncomfortable place, work hard to improve upon a given interest, and do it again and again."—Sarah Lewis.

Posted by

I have wandered from a vibrant corner of the world
to the majestic Olympic Peninsula in Washington.
I am now retired after a successful career of 22 years as a real estate pro.

I am ready to pursue my lifelong passion for writing!
I invite you to follow along in my new journey via the posts on
my new writing website, "Written by Aura Alex".
Be sure to also follow my Facebook Page
so you will see when I add new content.

— Aura Alex

   

Comments (24)

Brian England
Arizona Focus Realty - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have plenty of grit when something is important to me but when it comes to things that aren't important to me, I could care less, haha.

Dec 07, 2022 04:43 AM
Brian England

Haha, contrary to what you think Aura Alex I will not likely be climbing any roofs, I will more likely be praying, haha.

Dec 07, 2022 09:47 AM
Aura Alex

Brian England - it's natural not to want to focus on unimportant clutter. We move on, haha! 

Based on your photo, I bet I know what you will be doing on Christmas Eve. Keep up with your "roof climbing" skill, aren't you? :)

Dec 07, 2022 09:44 AM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Grit really is necessary to keep on going through challenges, and don't we all have those?

Thank you for your post!

Dec 07, 2022 04:47 AM
Aura Alex

Kat Palmiotti - most readers reading this post and recognizing it probably have grit. But not all people do.

Grit is a collection of many qualities. Some may have courage and perseverance but lack the passion for sustaining the desire and may give up in the long run or change directions.

But it doesn't mean they are not successful; without grit, they may not be as successful as they could have been. 

Dec 07, 2022 09:53 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Aura... loved your take on grit. My mother used to say I'd walk through a brick wall to get something I wanted... I suppose that's also grit. Happy Wednesday to you!

Dec 07, 2022 05:08 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Aura Alex I can be stubborn when necessary. But I'm not stubborn just for the sake of getting my own way.

Dec 07, 2022 10:10 AM
Aura Alex

Nina Hollander, Broker - Does hard head also mean stubborn? Well, now that I can relate to it. :))

Dec 07, 2022 10:09 AM
Aura Alex

Nina Hollander, Broker - haha. I'd say it takes grit to walk through a brick wall. I'd prefer "softer" obstacles to walk through. 😄

Happy Wednesday to you too!  

Dec 07, 2022 10:01 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Aura Alex either grit or a very, very hard head! :))))

Dec 07, 2022 10:04 AM
Aura Alex

😉 Nina Hollander, Broker  - got it!

Dec 07, 2022 10:29 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Aura Alex hi Aura... I can be stubborn when warranted... but I'm not stubborn just to be stubborn or just to always it things my way. :)))

Dec 07, 2022 11:59 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Yes, so very true.  Thanks for the Blog, have a great Wednesday. bill 

Dec 07, 2022 05:11 AM
Aura Alex

Bill Salvatore - East Valley - thank you, always, for being here. I wish you a great Wednesday too. Take care. 

Dec 07, 2022 10:03 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

When I was training for some of my trail run races, we would drive up to a ski area in the summer time.  Mary Margaret would drop me off at the bottom of a ski run and I would do my best to run walk up it.  I have lost some of that drive and need to get it back. 

Dec 07, 2022 05:45 AM
Aura Alex

Ray Henson - I bet you still have that grit. Maybe you need to find a new passion.....what makes you want to jump out of bed and do it first thing in the morning, other than you need coffee! 

You have the perfect supporter, Mary Margaret, on your side. You're halfway there to succeed in your new or rerun venture!

All the best to you. You're the first American who could "educate" me about my home country better than myself!!🤠 My hats off to you!

Dec 07, 2022 10:27 AM
Ray Henson

You crack me up, Aura Alex.  I have a lot of catching up to do on many levels with you, especially anything related to Thailand.  

You already know my new passion...PICKLEBALL.  It will drive me back out on the training (jogging) track.  This move has just taken some energy out of me lately. 

Dec 07, 2022 10:38 AM
Aura Alex

There you go, Ray Henson - pickleball. I say BRAVO!!!

I hope someday I will get a chance to come out to "cheer" you at your pickleball tournaments. 

Dec 07, 2022 10:47 AM
Ray Henson

I hope so too, Aura Alex.  That would be fun!

Dec 12, 2022 02:53 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Aurea,

A very interesting take on grit as it is most definitely needed to make it thorough the challenges we all face along this journey we call life!

Dec 07, 2022 06:24 AM
Aura Alex

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - based on what I have seen, you have been there and done that to be where you are today. Kudos to you, Dorie. 

Dec 07, 2022 10:32 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Aura, for sharing your observations and your advice.

Have a great day and an outstanding week.

Dec 07, 2022 08:25 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Roy Kelley, thank you for being here and for your plan to reblog. As always, I appreciate YOU!

Dec 07, 2022 10:34 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Aura- there is an acronym G.R.I.T.S meaning Girls Raised in the South and often when I think of southern women including Texans, one of the key traits is their grit...their determination to thrive, and survive. 

Dec 07, 2022 12:12 PM
Aura Alex

Kathy Streib - an interesting acronym. It exudes pride and conviction, and I admire that southern teaching.

During my corporate career, I traveled many times through southern states (TX, GA, LA, AL, etc.). It was a breath of fresh air to experience and enjoy the "southern charms" for many long-timers accustomed to "life in the fast lane" from places such as Boston!

Dec 07, 2022 12:28 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I like that quote by the anonymous author, Aura.  It reminds me of a Clint Eastwood line in the movie, "Heartbreak Ridge." He said, "You gotta improvise, adapt and overcome."

Dec 07, 2022 01:38 PM
Aura Alex

Myrl Jeffcoat - Clint Eastwood can say anything, and I'll listen and drool over how he says it! I had a big crush on him! 😋

Dec 07, 2022 02:09 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Aura, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Dec 07, 2022 01:39 PM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Myrl Jeffcoat 

I want to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate your solo work and effort in finding posts and featuring them in your group.

Thank YOU!

Dec 07, 2022 02:07 PM
Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Love your post!  I was born with GRIT to a T!  Long story.....of which I'll share once again soon. I am forever grateful to my parents for allowing their very determined young child to go after whatever she was after.....from a very young age.  Makes me smile thinking of the stories they told me about ice skating at age 2 to 3.  Or learning to ride a bike.....I could go on.  And they had  a lot of kids......go figure!

Dec 07, 2022 07:34 PM
Aura Alex

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker 

I expected you to have many inspiring stories about how your parents shaped who you are today. Do you have adult children?

Experts say that Grit can be learned, and some are born with Grit as it's in the genes our parents or ancestors had passed it on. I believe in both. 

I hope you will share more with us your stories as you remember. I always enjoy your uplifting stories. 

Dec 07, 2022 07:59 PM
Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker

Many fun stories for sure! Think of a little 2 1/2 year Anna insisting on skating 'by her self' with her hands kubjed behind her back - and then going backwards too. Yup that was me!  My Dad loved telling me about my determined spirit.  I think my parents generation (depression kids) learned how to work hard, stay focused and generate a good life for their families. They earned it all. Nothing was given to them....unlike some folks today who think there is a free lunch.  But....I digress.

Back to reality in my world! Elfing today! 

Dec 08, 2022 10:11 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Aura - that grit will keep you going when parts of you say stop.  You focus on that glorious outcome instead.

Dec 08, 2022 03:47 AM
Aura Alex

Grant Schneider, thank you for the tip. So many of my parts say to stop, but I can still be drinking sitting down! 

It must be Friday! 😅

Dec 08, 2022 01:38 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Property Manager

Hi Aura,
I think the combination of passion and perseverance (with a plan) is the key to success.

We need to be willing to adjust the plan as we go along, of course.

Dec 08, 2022 09:28 AM
Carol Williams

I've had a lot of practice, Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker . 🤪

Dec 08, 2022 10:33 AM
Aura Alex

Carol Williams & Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker 

Lead away, ladies. Having too much fun can be contagious! Got any dirty, I mean, funny girl talk lately? 😜

Is it Friday yet?

Dec 08, 2022 01:30 PM
Carol Williams

Aura Alex , We do try to be a good influence wherever we go.  😂

Dec 08, 2022 03:09 PM
Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker

Haven't we all Carol Williams !  In all those leadership conferences and seminars you and I have talked about that was a major leading factor.   Being able to shift on a dime.......no matter what.  Be the leader.

Dec 08, 2022 01:15 PM
Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker

Carol Williams and you are good at SHIFTING on a dime if need be!

Dec 08, 2022 10:12 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate

Grit through it ... I've done a lot of that in my life!

I do disagree with the statement "true professionals never become bothered because they seek higher and exceptional distinctions in their performance." 

Professionals, true or otherwise, are human. As such we do falter and fall. It is how we handle faltering and falling that reflects our character.  

It seems lately I am reading more into things than the author intended.  If I have done that here, I apologize.  

Dec 09, 2022 09:34 AM
Aura Alex

Professionals, true or otherwise, are human. As such, we do falter and fall, and it is how we handle faltering and falling that reflects our character.  

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 

I don't think anyone would disagree with your thought above.

I'm not "bothered" by disagreement. I'm not bothered by someone telling me I couldn't run a marathon because I had intended to seek "higher and exceptional distinctions in my running performance." And I'm not bothered by failure because I want to get back up, and I persevere to sustain my passion despite obstacles and difficulties. 

Sometimes I lose my passion as things become less important to me. So, not everyone has grit all the time. And it doesn't mean you cannot be successful. 

No need to apologize, Kathleen. We each read, feel, and interpret words or actions in our thought and belief, and I wouldn't be the one who could tell you or anyone how to interpret or read into things no matter how the author intended. Even if the entire AR members disagree, it won't bother me, but I might continue to look elsewhere for the "right" audience. 

I appreciate your honesty. Thank you for sharing.😊

 

Dec 09, 2022 01:08 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

If your why is big enough and matters enough, you will find the grit to carry you through.  

Dec 10, 2022 07:02 AM
Aura Alex

So true, Lise Howe. Thank you for your read and comment. Have a great weekend!

Dec 10, 2022 09:13 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Aura and How did I missed this the first time around.  I saw it on Roy Kelley blog today!

 

Dec 14, 2022 10:25 AM
Aura Alex

Hi, Will Hamm; the important thing is you found it! 😃 Thank you, Will.

Dec 14, 2022 10:55 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Aura for some reason I did not see this post and I am with Will Hamm  I am of the same belief as you are Aura. Now in all fairness loved the bantering with Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist  benefit of being late to the party. Wishing you  a very Happy 2023, Endre

Jan 01, 2023 09:45 PM
Aura Alex

Endre Barath, Jr. 

Sent you an email as it's a private matter. 

 

Jan 01, 2023 10:03 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Aura - my library reservation for the book arrived last week and I am about half-way through.  While I am not yet grit-proficient, I think I have a better understanding thanks to the author's research and writing style.  

Thank you again for the recommendation.  

Jan 23, 2023 06:13 PM
Aura Alex

I am so honored, Michael Jacobs, that you took my recommendation. And sharing your feedback about the book.

I have it on my Kindle now, as I like to keep some books for future reference. And many books have inspired me to write about myriad topics for my posts. 

Thank you for the follow-up comment.

Jan 23, 2023 06:46 PM