| What is it that pushes us to achieve our wildest and | | | | persistence to the goal over time. If you decide |
| most improbable goals? Grit, defined by Angela | | | | you're going to walk daily or three times a week, |
| Duckworth and her colleagues, is the combination of | | | | make it happen. If eating yoghurt and fruit for lunch |
| perseverance and passion for important life goals. | | | | every day and sleeping at least 8 hours a night |
| Leaders in art, medicine, law, journalism and other | | | | works, keep doing it. If you're a novelty freak, |
| fields have it. More important than the diet, exercise | | | | change it up, as long as you dedicate to the |
| plan or yoga class you choose, is staying with it. | | | | overarching goal. |
| Developing your grit will help you stick to your | | | | * Learn from setbacks. There's no need to dwell on |
| wellness program, even in the face of setbacks. | | | | possibilities for failure, but don't be surprised by |
| Here are some suggestions for getting more gritty. | | | | setbacks. Face problems squarely and use them |
| * Find your passion. Before picking a diet or exercise | | | | productively to modify your approach. Injure yourself |
| plan, read, study and experiment. Nutritionists, | | | | biking or find your meditation class cancelled? Rehab, |
| personal trainers and other experts are good sources | | | | rest or substitute other activities, but don't give up |
| of information. Like to work out with a buddy? Find | | | | the changes you've already made. Using your |
| one. Can't live without pasta? There are diets out | | | | setbacks as opportunities for growth will keep you |
| there that include it. You'll have to try different | | | | optimistic. |
| approaches until you identify something you can | | | | * Run the marathon, not the sprint. When you start |
| enthusiastically embrace. Enjoying your plan will help | | | | to fatigue, get bored or encounter obstacles, it's not |
| you stick to it. | | | | time to quit. If your schedule changes and you can't |
| * Emulate successful models. Talk to people who | | | | get to the gym lunchtime, decide when you can get |
| maintain a healthy lifestyle. Their success can be | | | | there. Don't overdo it, but do keep it interesting. |
| inspiring. Try to learn not only what they do, but how | | | | Challenge yourself by gradually raising the bar. |
| they stick to it. Some swear by the | | | | Remember you're in it for the long haul. |
| first-thing-in-the-morning, get-a start-on-the-day | | | | Once you reach your goals, use the grit you've |
| workout. Others prefer the structure of a class. Use | | | | developed to maintain your gains. A gritty approach |
| only those strategies that you can be positive about | | | | to maintaining your program will give you a lifetime of |
| and that fit with your lifestyle and preferences. | | | | wellness. |
| * Dedicate yourself. Dedication to a goal involves a | | | | Copyright, 2010 Judith Tutin, Ph.D. |
| combination of unwavering commitment and | | | | |