Grit is a construct that is said to summon both passion and perseverance in service of a long-term goal. It's a marathon, not a sprint, as they say. In other words, gritty people put in sustained effort over time to achieve a high level of success in their chosen domain.
What Is Grit? (Plain Language Explanation)
Grit refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Grit
- Symptoms: The specific ways grit shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen grit
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When grit occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Grit
- Grit is far more common than most people realize
- Grit is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with grit see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about grit is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing grit, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.