I think of being gritty not as the ability to kill ourselves to reach our goals but more about being adaptable. Because if you have a long term goal, some days are just easier going than others. For whatever reason, sometimes things just come to us effortlessly – other days, it’s like squeezing water from dry dirt. Everything feels like an uphill battle.
We must think of ourselves the most on the hard days – when we don’t feel good, we haven’t slept, things feel more arduous than normal, we can’t find our positivity – how can we be gritty on those days? Read below for some tips!
- Don’t be gritty, be gangsta.
Being consistent doesn’t have to look perfect; it can look like spending 5 minutes every day working towards something. If you spend 5 minutes every day working on anything, you will eventually get better at it. So find some gangster moves—find hacks, make it simple, keep it short, just get out there. Don’t get it perfect; get it going!
- Find a purpose
Find the bigger purpose for what you are doing; achieving goals can’t be the only motivator. Do it because it makes you a more well-rounded person, it aligns with your values, because you want to be a positive role model for others, because you want to learn something new. Don’t just exercise to lose weight; do it because you want to be the kind of person who exercises. Find a bigger sense of purpose.
- Create a ritual
Just using the word “ritual” makes everything seem more enlightened and interesting. I like writing this blog because I found a way to create a ritual – I make a cup of tea, I have a piece of chocolate, I listen to the Dark Academia playlist on spotify. I pretend I am Carrie Bradshaw. Whatever it is, make a relaxing ritual out of it. Spend some time with yourself, making the activity as enjoyable as possible.
- Find flow
The flow state is when time passes easily; you work towards something with a clear, present mind. Find this state when things get hard by getting back into your body. Find your breath, and allow yourself to engage with your work from a state of peace.
- Go easy on yourself.
It’s a roller coaster out there! If you are working towards a challenging long-term goal, there will be many ups and downs but know that they are all part of the process. You have plenty of time, and nothing needs to happen in a day. Take your time and have fun!
