Recently, I watched a TV special on how special forces candidates are selected. After cognitive ability and emotional stability are screened, the final element is a physical endurance program that is so gruesome, it separates those few who make the grade and are awarded special forces status. The commentator spoke of the tremendous grit required to complete the program.

As a professional, you need grit too. You need it when your motivation sags and you have to keep going. You’re tired, stressed, and unmotivated, yet you push through it anyway. That’s grit.

You can’t afford to be fragile, weak hearted or soft when the moment calls for grit. It is associated with other achievement-oriented traits. In fact, those less capable often overtake those with greater talent simply because of grit.

Mental toughness is something you develop, over time, with focus and consistency. It will carry you through the tough times.

So do what special ops candidates do:
• Stay focused in the moment by setting immediate goals, like getting through the next exercise, the next hour, or the next 2 minutes. If you set your sights too far ahead, you feel the impossibility of the target and you lose your grit.
• Congratulate yourself for having succeeded, regardless of the magnitude of the accomplishment. You will remember your last success when mustering the grit necessary for the next task.
• Compete against yourself. Keep track daily of the times you do so and are successful. You build a habit of being gritty.

Regardless of what you do, remember that your grit sets you apart and makes you better. You will never regret any effort made to increase your grit-ness. This week, when you’re weary, set close targets, achieve them, and reward yourself with a pat on the back.