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Got Grit? Part III: A perspective on purpose.

by delucaw1 in Industry News

I’ve read the book Grit by Angela Duckworth.  I find this topic interesting.  What does grit mean to you? Before reading the book, the notion of grit conjured words like resilience, gravitas and tenacity.  According to Angela Duckworth, these are all correct and it turns out that grit is more than just stick-to-it-ness. This week, we’ll continue to explore grit and how you can foster it, through purpose.

What is Grit?

Grit, according to Angela Duckworth’s research, is where passion and perseverance meet.

People who score high on the grit scale, (the test can be found here: Grit Scale ) have both determination and direction.  They have a deep knowing of what it is that they want and where they are going. Frequently, they have the tendency keep going after setbacks and failure.  Gritty, hard working, people are constantly driven to improve. As a result, they are the opposite of complacent. And, they sincerely enjoy the process. The chase is as gratifying as winning or succeeding. Grit-sters, along with perseverance, have a passion that is enduring. Passion that stands the test of time.  

Grit is fostered in three ways:  passion, practice and purpose. Two weeks ago, we looked at practice: Perspective on Practice .  This week, we’ll talk about purpose.

What is Purpose?  

Purpose is the intention to contribute to the well being of others.  The mature passions of gritty people depend on both passion and purpose.  Purpose typically starts with a self-oriented interest, followed practice. Then the interest integrates or evolves to an externally focused purpose. The nature of the personal goal is special because the individual efforts pay dividends to others.

The Parable of the Bricklayers

One bricklayer says, “I am laying bricks”.  Another shares, “I am building a church”. A third bricklayer conveys, “I am building the house of God”.  In the first scenario this represents a job. It’s a necessity of life, like breathing. The second example illustrates a career.  This is a stepping stone to other things. The third paradigm embodies a calling or purpose. This is the most important thing in my life. Research shows that a minority consider what they do a calling. Those that do, however, are more engaged, happier and healthier.  It’s important to say, there is nothing wrong with making an honest living with no ambition to do more. And, research also shows, that all of us are looking for daily meaning.

Subjective Experience of the Work 

Callings are little to do with formal job descriptions.  Any role can be a job, career or calling. Research finds that there is an equal distribution across all three categories regardless of the profession.  The differentiating factor is the belief and or mindset about the work. How you see your work is more important. You can progress through all three categories without changing your job description.   A calling is more dynamic and not a spontaneous, skies-parting, epiphany type of moment.  It’s highly possibly that what starts as a job leads to a purpose over time.

Cultivating Purpose:

• According to researcher, David Yager, reflect on the work you are already doing and how it has a positive contribution to society.  Now, I know it’s easy to spout the company mission statement here. But, honestly, how is the work you are doing aligning to the bigger picture?  

• Researchers Amy Wrzesniewski, Jane Dutton, Justin Berg and Adam Grant suggest you think about how, in small and meaningful ways, you can change your current work. The intention is to enhance the work to better align to your core values.  They call this job crafting. It’s the concept that whatever occupation you are in, you can maneuver within your current job description. How can you add, delegate and customizine what you do to match your interests or values?. This was tested at Google. Findings after 6 weeks, participants were significantly happier and more effective as evaluated by their peers and manager. One of my clients, a 25 year veteran in her industry, did this type of exercise.  As a result, her daily satisfaction and productivity has increased. Her efforts were rewarded. She received her SVP promotion 6 months ahead of her goal.

• Researcher Bill Damon encourages you to find inspiration in a purposeful role model. Answer the following questions:  Imagine yourself 15 years from now, what will be most important to you then? Can you think of someone whose life inspires you to be a better person?  Who and Why?

I hope you found this Part III discussion on purpose and grit helpful.   Working with a coach can help build new skills and new strategies, including grit.  It undoubtedly is an investment in yourself and aren’t you worth it?

Are you ready?: Press HERE for Success

As adults we spend the bulk of our waking hours ‘at work’.  We only have a finite amount of time on this planet, and you can choose how to spend that time.  I wish you much success on your career quest. Yours in balance, learning, growth and harmony. – Melissa DeLuca, CEO