Grit determines your success in life

                              By Bayo Ogunmupe

    Research has revealed the most important factor in academic and professional success we largely all ignore. What is the secret of success? This isn't an easy question to answer. But why do some people succeed in almost everything they do? Do they possess some hidden secret that most of us don't know? Actually, yes they do. According to Angela Lee Duckworth, who for 10 years studied the most common predictors of academic and professional success, success doesn't have much to do with intelligence or talent.

    In fact, the  research clearly proved that talent  doesn't really amount to anything. Rather, the most successful people possess one trait that we largely all ignore: grit. It is the ability to pursue an idea to the end. Successful people persevere at whatever is the object of their pursuit. They pursue their objective to the hilt, eventually succeeding in attaining their goals. Here are five ways to strengthen your grit. One focus on your self talk. 

    Whenever you give your best effort to an objective, if even you didn't succeed, give yourself a pat in the back. Always speak of yourself positively, as being smart, rather than a mere pushover. A deprecating attitude teaches us to adopt a fixed mindset- the belief that our talents are largely innate and can't be improved. It is more fruitful to praise yourself when you bounce back from failure and push through tough times.

    Two, surround yourself with people who persevere, people who are motivated, passionate, people who are positive and optimistic that they can beat the odds. Values drive behavior, principles govern consequences. If you do not go after what you want, you will never have it. If you do not ask, the answer will always be no. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place. Three, adopt flexible thinking patterns in your goal setting principles. Being flexible in your actions allows resilience and grit to blossom. Flexible people don't see problems. They see opportunities for growth.

    Four, set tiny goals that align with your purpose. We found that people with a sense of purpose are happier. However, your purpose can be abstract and difficult to define. Five, build time into your day for reflection. When you give yourself time to think back on a day's work in a non-judgmental way, you can see your accomplishments and what actions you need to take tomorrow to keep moving forward. It will help you state passionate, motivated and ready to take on the world.

    Grit is the power of passion and perseverance. It is our ability to stay motivated and passionate through failures and hiccups. You must focus on and live the life you really want. We fail because we never focus or concentrate our attention on what we want. We allow distractions to overcome us. To fight distraction, you must manage your time thoroughly, stop multitasking by giving your all and focus to your goal. Pursue your passion before anything else. Doing what is right may not be easy, but you will certainly reap what you sow. There is a reward to them that remain courageous, so stay faithful.