Introduction
In our previous post, we explored the concept of grit and its importance in achieving long-term goals. According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, grit is a combination of passion and perseverance that helps people remain committed and resilient in the face of difficulties. In this post, we'll explore practical strategies such as discovering and nurturing passions, building perseverance, cultivating a growth mindset, and creating a supportive environment to foster grit. These practical tips will help you strengthen your resolve and maintain focus on your long-term goals. I know as a brain injury or stroke survivor, this is always easier said than done, but I promise over time, it can be achieved!
Finding and Nurturing Passion
One of the key components of grit is passion, which refers to a consistent and enduring interest in a particular activity or goal. Here are some strategies to help you find and nurture your passion:
- Discovering Interests: After my stroke, one of the biggest surprises for me was discovering a passion for running almost three years into my recovery. Having young kids helped me stay active, and I gradually reconnected with sports—a long-time passion of mine. Additionally, I explored new activities like meditation and breathwork, which have now become integral parts of my life.
- Explore Different Activities: Take time to try new hobbies, join clubs, or take classes in subjects that intrigue you. For stroke survivors, this could mean exploring adaptive sports, art therapy, or new learning opportunities that accommodate your current abilities.
- Reflect on Past Enjoyments: Think back to activities you enjoyed before your stroke. Reconnecting with past interests can reignite your passion and provide a sense of continuity and purpose.
- Stay Curious: Read books, watch documentaries, and engage in conversations that broaden your knowledge and perspective. Curiosity often leads to discovering new passions.
- Stick with it: Even if you're struggling to get back to something you used to enjoy or something you want to enjoy in the future, think about how you may be able to break down the task into smaller pieces to rebuild your strength and stamina.
Building Perseverance
Perseverance is the ability to persist and remain interested despite facing challenges over an extended period. Here are some strategies to help you build perseverance:
- Setting Goals: Setting small, achievable goals has really helped me over time. Whether it’s getting back into woodworking or improving my running, breaking down long-term goals into manageable tasks has been key to my progress.
- SMART Goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. This clarity helps maintain focus and motivation. For stroke survivors, this might include specific rehabilitation milestones, such as improving mobility or speech.
- Break Down Long-Term Goals: Divide your long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the process less overwhelming and allows you to celebrate small victories along the way.
- Visualize Success: Consistently visualize yourself successfully accomplishing your goals. This powerful mental practice not only boosts motivation but also fortifies your resilience in the face of challenges.
- Consistent Effort: Routine and consistency have been essential for me, though I’ve sometimes struggled with setting a schedule. Leveraging technology, such as calendars and scheduling tools, has made it easier to stay on track.
- Create a Routine: Establish a daily or weekly routine that includes time for working on your goals. Consistency is key to building perseverance.
- Track Progress: Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress. Seeing tangible progress can boost motivation and commitment.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your goals and methods as needed. Flexibility allows you to adapt to challenges without losing sight of your long-term objectives.
Creating a Supportive Environment
A supportive environment can play a crucial role in developing grit. Here are some strategies to help you create a supportive environment:
- Seeking Support: My support network, including family, friends, and mentors, has been critical in my recovery. Joining communities of like-minded individuals has also provided much-needed encouragement and motivation.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mentors who encourage and motivate you.
- Join Communities: Engage actively in groups or online communities aligned with your interests and aspirations. These communities can offer invaluable support, guidance, and camaraderie on your grit-building journey.
- Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help, such as coaches or therapists, to guide you in your journey.
Wrap Up
Developing grit is a journey that involves finding and nurturing your passion, building perseverance, cultivating a growth mindset, and creating a supportive environment. By implementing these strategies, you can strengthen your resolve and maintain focus on your long-term goals.
In our next post, we'll discuss how to apply grit in the context of stroke recovery. We'll share inspirational stories of stroke survivors who have demonstrated remarkable grit and provide strategies for incorporating grit into your own recovery journey. Together, we will focus on practical applications to empower stroke survivors with the tools needed to navigate your recovery journey with resilience and determination.
Final Thoughts: It has definitely been a struggle discovering new passions post-stroke, but one of the biggest surprises for me was when I started running and actually enjoying it almost three years into my recovery. Having young kids has helped me stay active and get back involved in sports, which has always been a passion. I also explored new areas like meditation and breathwork, which I had previously shied away from but have now become integral to my life.
When it comes to setting learning goals and practicing regularly, I've always been naturally curious and eager to learn—something that didn’t come easily to me until after college. Over the last few years, I've done a lot of research because I found that getting answers and figuring things out for yourself post-stroke is part of the journey. Sharing stories and research has become an essential part of my life, and now I’m even pursuing a Master’s degree in psychology at 41—something I never would have considered five years ago.
SMART goals have also played a significant role in my recovery. Whether it’s getting back into woodworking or improving my running, setting small, achievable goals has helped me progress. The key is finding the right balance—making sure that your goals are challenging enough to feel like progress but not so overwhelming that they seem out of reach.
Creating a routine has been crucial for consistent practice, though I’ve sometimes struggled with sticking to a schedule. Thankfully, there are many tools and technologies, including AI, that can help make scheduling and task management easier. For those who may have difficulty typing or sitting for long periods, leveraging these tools can be incredibly beneficial.
