Over the course of your lifetime, you’ll be faced with situations that’ll test your will, challenge your determination, and define your character. Yet, even though your personal limits may be challenged, quitting shouldn’t be an option. The key is to show some grit and face the situation head-on. Of course, that’s easier said than done — we’re all human.

The fact is, the difference between a winner and an also-ran isn’t always that the loser fell on hard times — it’s how the loser faced the adversity. While some people boldly stare difficulty in the eye, others are quick to surrender to it.

Are You Up to the Test?

When you face a challenge, your body reacts in a very predictable manner. It’s like a physical and emotional tidal wave that slams into you. Your palms get sweaty, your heart starts pounding, and an adrenaline rush kicks in. “Come on,” you say to yourself, “I’ve seen this before.” The question is, are you up to the challenge or will you quit and throw in the towel?

Don’t work yourself into a frenzy. Don’t let others convince you to quit. What do they know? It’s amazing what you can do when you don’t know you can’t. Please don’t underestimate the task. It won’t be easy. It’s important to set realistic expectations, show some grit, and follow a systematic approach from the start. You can do it. Here’s how:

• First, break big challenges into bite-size pieces. They won’t seem as overwhelming.
• Then, rather than setting a long-term goal, create ambitious yet achievable short-term milestones. Short-term wins will keep you motivated as you pursue your long-term goal.
• Stop procrastinating. Nothing happens until you make it happen. Don’t talk about what you’re going to do…do it.
• And stop focusing on whether or not you hit your goal. Instead, focus on every small win, as well as on the positive activity and energy that you’re generating. Every step you take in the right direction moves you one step closer to your ultimate goal.

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Create a mental image of yourself achieving your goal and take the plunge. Now’s the hard part. When your inner voice whispers, “It’s time to give up,” don’t give in. When your inner voice whispers, “Just one more cigarette,” or “It’s only one piece of pie,” whisper back, “Not this time!”

Every great performer, every athlete, every entrepreneur shares one thing in common: They achieved greatness because they had the confidence, skill, and determination to make their goal a reality. Something inside them said, “I’ll never quit.”

Go for It!

Reach deep down into your soul and give it all you’ve got. There are times when you’ll reach your limit and everything inside you will tell you to stop. That’s the real moment of truth.

Many people throw in the towel on the one-yard line, not knowing how close they were to the goal. When you get to that point, remember why you started your journey and make the extra effort to cross the goal line!

While determination builds character, quitting is habit forming. When quitting becomes routine, you won’t think twice about giving up next time. On the other hand, every time you overcome a challenge, you’ll gain the strength and conviction to confront your next challenge with confidence and fortitude.

You have what it takes to be a winner. You have the courage, skill, and inner strength to face any challenge, overcome any adversity, and hang tough until the job is done. The choice is yours. If you want to be a winner, act like one. Don’t quit. Show some grit.

Do You Have Grit?

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Additional Reading:
Quitting Doesn’t Always Make You a Quitter
The Power of a Positive Attitude
Success Begins with a Can-Do Attitude
Great Things Start with Great Expectations
Being “All Talk” Speaks Volumes

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