What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Today I had lunch with a friend who is doing an Ironman-length triathlon this weekend. Just in case you are curious, that means he’s first swimming 2 miles, next riding his bike 100 miles (and it may be more), and then running a marathon, which is 26.2 miles.
In younger years I have run a marathon and survived, as well as done a century (100 miles) on a bike without crashing and lived to tell. Swimming may be my favorite exercise now and I can work up to a mile without stopping. But I cannot imagine what it takes to combine all 3 for those crazy distances. (Go get ‘em Blake!)
So, why would he, or anyone else for that matter, undertake such a mission? I didn’t think to ask him why today, since I enjoy exercise and kinda get it, but here are a few reasons:
For the love of extreme exercise and fitness
It’s a bucket list item
It’s simply a lofty goal to work toward
To push the body to the test
To build confidence
All of these could be incorporated in another reason – to develop grit. Angela Duckworth wrote a book called “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” in which she describes grit as the secret to outstanding achievement, rather than talent. We all know of someone who has “out-kicked the coverage,” so to speak with regard to the limits of their ability. They have found a way to push through pain and will themselves with determination to not only succeed, but achieve more than anyone would have ever imagined. Think of Daniel Ruettiger in the movie Rudy and Vince Papale in the movie Invincible.
Such a person’s success can be attributed to Duckworth’s definition of grit, a mental toughness and ability to focus on the goal, to keep going when the going gets tough. Sadly, it is what many children and young adults are failing to develop today.
Chapter 8 in my book is “Do You Have Grit?” and includes this quote:
“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…
I have never in my life envied a human who led an easy life” (Teddy Roosevelt).
Why would he say that? Because we grow stronger through struggles. We gain confidence when we have to endure. And we are prepared to handle future challenges because of taking on difficult tasks.
Grit is also a prerequisite in our faith in order to fight off temptations in life, remain faithful and finish strong. The writer of the book of Hebrews uses Jesus as the best example of grit.
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross... Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12)
Consider taking on a tough challenge and developing grit.
Make it happen.