Grit + Positive Mindset: How They Shape the Way We Think
- Justin Lyons
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Positivity is believing those goals are worth the effort.”
Have you ever wondered why some people seem unstoppable?
They fail, they stumble, they hit walls—yet they keep pushing forward with determination. Meanwhile, others give up at the first major setback.
What’s the difference?
It’s not always intelligence. It’s not always talent. It often comes down to two powerful forces: grit and a positive mindset.
Together, they do more than help us push through challenges. They actually change the way we think, solve problems, and approach life’s toughest moments. And here’s the good news: both grit and positivity can be developed like muscles—with practice, patience, and persistence.
Understanding Grit: The “Stick-With-It” Factor
Grit is more than hard work. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, who introduced the concept in her best-selling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, defines it as:
Passion and perseverance for long-term goals.
It’s not about working tirelessly for a week or two—it’s about staying committed for months, years, or even decades, despite obstacles and setbacks.
Key Insight from Duckworth’s Research: In her studies, grit often predicted success more accurately than IQ, grades, or even natural ability. For example, cadets at West Point Military Academy with higher grit scores were more likely to finish training than those with higher intelligence scores.
This shows us that grit isn’t about being the smartest in the room—it’s about being the one who doesn’t quit.
Positive Mindset: The Lens That Shapes Our Thoughts
Now, let’s talk about positivity. A positive mindset isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending life is perfect. Instead, it’s about choosing to:
See challenges as opportunities to grow.
Focus on solutions rather than being stuck in problems.
Believe that setbacks are temporary, not permanent.
According to psychologist Barbara Fredrickson’s “Broaden-and-Build” Theory of Positive Emotions, positive emotions expand our thinking and creativity. When we feel hopeful, grateful, or optimistic, our brain literally opens up to new ideas and possibilities.
On the flip side, negativity creates tunnel vision. When we’re anxious or pessimistic, we often get stuck on the problem and can’t see potential solutions.
So, positivity doesn’t just make us feel better—it helps us think better.
The Power Duo: How Grit and Positivity Work Together
Here’s where things get really interesting: grit and positivity are like a feedback loop, each strengthening the other.
Positivity fuels grit. If you believe your effort will eventually pay off, you’re more likely to keep trying—even when things get tough.
Grit builds positivity. Each time you push through and achieve something, even a small win, you reinforce your belief that challenges are worth the effort.
This creates what we can call a Resilience Cycle:
You face a challenge.
You choose to stay positive.
Positivity gives you the energy to persist (grit).
Persistence leads to progress.
Progress boosts positivity.
And the cycle repeats.
Practical Ways to Build Grit + Positivity
Here are simple but powerful practices you can start today:
1. Reframe Setbacks
Instead of “I failed,” try: “This didn’t work yet—what can I learn from it?”
Reframing shifts failure from an ending into valuable feedback. Neuroscience shows that when we reinterpret setbacks, our brain builds new neural pathways for resilience.
Try This: After your next setback, journal:
What happened?
What did I learn?
How will this help me grow next time?
2. Set Micro-Goals
Big goals feel overwhelming. Break them into tiny, achievable steps.
Example: Instead of “I want to run a marathon,” start with: “I’ll jog for 10 minutes three times this week.”
Each small win boosts dopamine (your brain’s reward chemical), which fuels motivation and builds grit.
3. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t just make you feel good—it rewires your brain to notice opportunities instead of obstacles. A Harvard study found that people who practiced daily gratitude reported higher energy, optimism, and long-term resilience.
Try This: Write down 3 things you’re grateful for every night. Bonus: Share one with a friend or family member to spread positivity.
4. Build a “Grit Ritual”
Consistency builds perseverance. Choose one daily habit that pushes you to show up even when you don’t feel like it.
Examples:
Writing 200 words a day.
Doing 10 pushups every morning.
Journaling for 5 minutes before bed.
It’s not about the size of the habit—it’s about the discipline it creates.
5. Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People
Mindsets are contagious. Spend time with people who celebrate effort, encourage progress, and model perseverance.
Reflection Question:
Who in your circle lifts you up and challenges you to grow? Who drains your energy?
Choose your company wisely.
Fun Activity: The Resilience Jar
This activity combines grit and positivity beautifully.
Find a jar and slips of paper.
Every time you overcome a challenge—big or small—write it down.
On hard days, pull out a few slips to remind yourself how resilient you are.
This simple practice reinforces both perseverance (grit) and optimism (positivity).
Real-World Examples of Grit + Positive Mindset
Thomas Edison reportedly failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb. His perspective? “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That’s grit + positivity at work.
J.K. Rowling faced dozens of rejections before Harry Potter was published. Instead of giving up, she used grit to keep submitting her manuscript and positivity to believe her story mattered.
Young Adults Today: College students facing academic pressure, or early-career professionals handling rejection in job hunts—those who see each rejection as a lesson rather than a dead end are the ones who bounce back stronger.
Why This Matters for Our Thinking
Here’s the big picture: grit and positivity don’t just influence behavior—
they reshape our mindset.
Grit teaches our brain to value effort over perfection.
Positivity teaches our brain to see possibilities instead of problems.
When combined, they change how we:
Solve problems (from panic to curiosity).
Handle stress (from shutting down to rising up).
View ourselves (from “I can’t” to “I can’t yet”).
In essence, grit + positivity create a resilient, growth-oriented way of thinking.
Your grit and mindset shape your thinking more than you realize.
The best part? They’re skills you can practice every single day.
Start today: Reframe one negative thought into a positive possibility, and commit to one small step toward your goal.
Want more tools to grow your resilience and positivity?
Visit www.specialconnectsllc.com and take the first step toward a stronger, more empowered you.
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