The Grit Factor
How to Build Resilience for Leadership and Success
I don't know what you're going through today, but I know you're going through something. We all are. And if you're anything like me, you've had moments where you wanted to quit. Maybe you've even asked yourself, "What's the use? Why keep pushing forward?" But I want to encourage you today—don't quit. Stay with me, because this is part three of our series on how to build grit in your life.
What Is Grit?
Grit is the ability to face adversity, adapt, and adjust. We saw this play out during COVID—those who adapted and adjusted made it through stronger. Those who didn't, struggled. Grit means refusing to quit, solving problems, and finding solutions. In the Bible, you won’t find the word "grit," but you will find words like steadfastness, endurance, and courage—these are all qualities of godly grit.
Grit isn’t something you’re born with. It’s learned.
how do you build grit?
Develop a Growth Mindset
Adopt the mindset of a victor, not a victim. No excuses. No blame. No grumbling. With God’s help, you can develop an open, creative mind that embraces new ideas and opportunities. You can either have a conventional mindset or a creative mindset. Which will you choose?
Build Your Faith on God’s Promises
Faith fuels grit. When I started Church on the Rock, I faced moments where quitting seemed like the only option. But I had promises from God that kept me going. My mother used to write scriptures on cards and send them to me, reminding me that God finishes what He starts. Are you anchoring your perseverance in His promises?
Find Your Purpose
People with grit have a purpose that won’t quit. At Church on the Rock, our mission is to lead people to a God who is for them and help them discover His purpose for their life. Purpose fuels persistence. If you know your "why," you’ll have the strength to keep going when things get tough.
Follow a Personal Growth Plan
Routine builds resilience. Good routines that are building you create stability, security, and confidence. Having a daily growth plan reinforces these qualities and sets you up for success. Years ago, I attended a leadership conference where John Maxwell asked me, "David, tell me your personal growth plan." That question changed my life. If you want to develop grit, have a structured plan to grow daily.
Build Strong Relationships
Surround yourself with strong people. Winners hang out with winners. If you want to develop grit, don’t associate with those who give up easily. Instead, find people with strong character, strong willpower, and strong purpose. Let their grit rub off on you.
Have a God-Sized Dream
The bigger the dream, the bigger you have to become. Big dreams take time. They require grit. Remind yourself daily of the vision God has given you, and keep pressing forward.
Manage Your Thoughts, Emotions, and Words
Your biggest challenge isn’t your circumstances—it’s you. We must learn to manage ourselves before we can manage others. If you’re going to have grit, you must guard what you say, think, and feel. Don’t let emotions control you—control them.
Keep Building Grit
I hope this series has added value to your life. Grit is essential for leadership, business, and ministry. As you move forward, remember that perseverance shapes character, and challenges are stepping stones to greater success. Keep refining your mindset, strengthening your faith, and pushing toward your purpose. Stay committed to growth, build strong relationships, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. Your breakthrough is ahead—stay the course and keep building grit!