Developing Grit: How to Build Resilience in Difficult Times

16 September 2025

Life can be tough. Sometimes, it feels like the universe has thrown us into a storm without an umbrella. Whether it's a personal setback, a professional challenge, or a global crisis, the ability to bounce back is what separates those who thrive from those who crumble under pressure. And that ability? It's called grit.

Grit is more than just determination; it’s a combination of passion and perseverance that keeps you going, even when everything around you screams “give up.” But here’s the thing: Grit isn’t something you're born with. It’s not like brown eyes or curly hair. It’s something you can develop—and the good news? You can start building it today. So, how do you develop grit, especially when times are tough? Let’s dig in.

What Exactly is Grit?

Before you can develop grit, it's important to understand what it really is. Psychologist Angela Duckworth popularized the term and defined grit as the combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. It’s not just about working hard, but about continuing to work hard, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Think of grit like a muscle. You don’t become strong overnight. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of practice. But once you’ve built it, grit can be your greatest ally when life throws you those inevitable curveballs.

Why is Grit Important?

Grit is the secret sauce of success. Research shows that grit is a stronger predictor of success than talent or IQ. It’s what allows people to push through adversity, learn from failure, and keep going when others quit.

Imagine two athletes: one is naturally gifted but gives up when the competition gets tough, while the other works tirelessly every day, inching toward their goal. Who do you think is more likely to succeed in the long run? That’s right—the gritty one.

The importance of grit extends beyond personal achievement. In difficult times, grit becomes a lifeline, helping you stay afloat when everything else feels overwhelming. It’s what allows you to adapt, learn, and grow from your challenges, rather than be defeated by them.

The Science Behind Grit and Resilience

Before diving into how to build grit, let’s take a quick look at the science. Grit and resilience are closely related concepts but are not exactly the same. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, while grit is the perseverance to push forward in the face of obstacles.

One of the things that make resilience possible is neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. When you face a difficult situation, your brain can either go into a downward spiral or it can learn how to cope and grow stronger. This is where grit plays a role. By consistently pushing through challenges, you train your brain to handle adversity better over time.

In essence, the more you practice grit, the more resilient you become. It’s a positive feedback loop that can change the way you approach difficulties, making you stronger and more capable of handling life’s ups and downs.

How to Develop Grit in Difficult Times

So, how can you develop grit, especially when life feels like it's constantly testing you? Here are seven actionable steps to help you build resilience during tough times.

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

One of the foundational principles of developing grit is adopting a growth mindset. This term, coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to grow, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

In difficult times, remind yourself that every setback is a lesson in disguise. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" ask, "What can I learn from this?" This simple shift in thinking can make all the difference in how you approach adversity.

2. Set Long-Term Goals

Grit thrives on long-term goals. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to give up when things get tough. Take some time to define what you want in the long run. These goals don’t have to be grand or lofty, but they should be meaningful to you.

Once you have your goals in place, break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Each time you achieve a milestone, you’ll build confidence and momentum, making it easier to stay committed in the face of difficulty.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

During challenging times, it’s easy to feel powerless. But the truth is, there’s always something you can control—even if it's just your reaction to a situation. Grit requires you to focus on the things you can influence, rather than dwelling on what you can’t.

When life gets tough, ask yourself: What can I control right now? Whether it’s your attitude, your daily habits, or your mindset, focus on what’s within your power. This will not only help you feel more grounded but also give you the strength to keep moving forward.

4. Build a Support System

No one builds grit in isolation. Sure, grit is about inner strength, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. In fact, having a support system can help you stay grounded and focused when things get tough.

Surround yourself with people who encourage you, challenge you, and remind you of your potential. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, lean on them when you need a boost. And remember: it’s okay to ask for help. True grit isn’t about being invincible; it’s about knowing when to lean on others for support.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Being gritty doesn’t mean being hard on yourself. In fact, self-compassion is a crucial component of grit. When you’re going through tough times, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism. But beating yourself up won’t help you build resilience—in fact, it will do the opposite.

Instead, treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would treat a close friend going through a hard time. Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t let them define you. By practicing self-compassion, you’ll be better equipped to handle setbacks with grace and perseverance.

6. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

When the going gets tough, how do you cope? Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors—like excessive drinking, overeating, or mindlessly scrolling through social media—to distract themselves from their problems. While these behaviors might provide temporary relief, they ultimately make things worse.

Grit requires you to develop healthy coping mechanisms that help you manage stress and adversity in a constructive way. This could be anything from exercise and meditation to journaling or talking to a friend. The key is to find what works for you and make it a habit.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Building grit is a marathon, not a sprint. And like any marathon, it’s important to take breaks and celebrate your progress along the way. Acknowledge the small wins, because they add up over time.

Maybe you didn’t solve all your problems today, but did you take a step in the right direction? Did you manage to keep going when you wanted to quit? Those are victories, and they deserve to be celebrated. By focusing on progress, rather than perfection, you’ll stay motivated to keep pushing forward, even when the road gets rough.

The Role of Failure in Building Grit

It’s impossible to talk about grit without mentioning failure. Failure is an inevitable part of life, and if you’re not failing, you’re probably not challenging yourself enough. But here’s the thing: failure is not the end. It’s just part of the journey.

When you fail, you have two options: you can either let it defeat you, or you can learn from it and come back stronger. Those who have grit choose the latter. They use failure as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

Think about it like this: failure is like a detour on a road trip. Sure, it might slow you down, but it doesn’t mean you won’t eventually reach your destination. As long as you keep going, failure can’t stop you—it can only teach you.

Final Thoughts: Grit is a Choice

At its core, grit is about perseverance. It’s about waking up each day and deciding that, no matter what life throws at you, you’re going to keep moving forward. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. What matters is that you don’t give up.

Remember, grit isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop. Every time you face a challenge and choose to keep going, you’re building your grit muscle. And with enough practice, that muscle will grow strong enough to carry you through even the toughest of times.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball, don’t shy away. Embrace it as an opportunity to build your grit. After all, it’s in the difficult times that we discover what we’re truly capable of.