Grit: How to Keep Going When You Want to Give Up

by Martin Meadows

SEVEN COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID: QUICK RECAP 1. Do some research before you set a goal. Unrealistic expectations are one of the most common reasons why people give up. 2. Focus on the process instead of the event. Get a boost of motivation by visualizing the reward, but also make sure to spend ample time visualizing the process. It will prepare you to deal better with challenges and make the goal appear more attainable. 3. Avoid people with limiting beliefs. A self-limiting opinion of your friend can decrease your motivation just as effectively as your own limiting beliefs. 4. People often give up on a whim when they can’t endure the short-term pain associated with working on their goal. Give yourself time before you make any important decisions and remind yourself that this too shall pass. 5. Slow progress is not a good reason to give up. When something works – even if it works slowly – focus on tweaking it to make it work better. 6. Let go of any thoughts of the past influencing the present moment. People give up too frequently simply because they let their past failures define their present and future. 7. Monitor your negative thoughts and get rid of them. Try to go 21 days in a row without complaining. Remember that surrounding yourself with people with a negative attitude poisons your mind and makes you dumber. Three ways to deal with habitual whiners include: avoiding them, ignoring them and