The other week, I was listening to the True Grit book by Angela Duckworth. With every book I read, I try to incorporate it into different scenarios pertinent to my life. I would say that this true grit book is a must-read for anyone trying to develop their mindset to become more resilient. Today, we will speak on how to dig deep and overcome our brains.
The Science Behind Grit
In the true grit book, Duckworth discusses several studies of people. One study involved participants running on a treadmill for 5 minutes. At first, I thought this task seemed easy, but I understand how many can struggle with it. Back in my college days, I would go to the gym with my cousin, and we would work out twice a day. Our cardio workouts started with just seven minutes of running at a certain speed. As we grew stronger, we could increase both the time and speed. My cousin and I were competitive, so the pace we chose was always fast due to the unspoken rivalry between us.
While running, I noticed something around the three-minute mark. It happens every time I exercise strenuously. My brain starts to flag me down and say, “Woah, buddy! Let’s just stop right now.” This reaction illustrates how the body reacts when it begins to feel taxed, creating a conflict in our minds. The brain can be your strongest ally or your worst enemy in these moments.
Testing My Grit
After work that day, I decided to test out this grit theory from the true grit book. It was the perfect temperature for a run, and I live near one of the best places to run in Austin, TX. I was feeling energetic, but I had just eaten, so I knew I might get a mild cramp during the run. Perhaps that was an excuse I made to stay home and be lazy.
I got dressed and headed out with my special Spotify playlist that helps me focus. The run started off well, but then my brain began to panic, insisting that I was tired and should stop running. My mind generated a million excuses for why I should quit. With each excuse, it became harder to concentrate on the run. I was no longer present; all I could think about was stopping and whether I was about to keel over from a cramp.
I told myself various things during that run: “Am I not in as good shape as I think I am?”, “You can’t do it; just stop. Walking will be fine.”, “Are you going to let the pain win?” My favorite, though, was “Are you going to stop running so everyone can see that you have failed?” I realized that these negative thoughts were not motivating me. If I didn’t finish the run, I felt I would fall into a loser mindset. Maybe some examples were extreme, but when your brain signals you to stop and you push through, you’re either crazy or driven by mind over matter.
The Treadmill Metaphor
Will Smith also spoke about the treadmill metaphor. He said he would die before getting off the treadmill if someone was there with him. He meant that he wouldn’t quit until he reached his goals. This metaphor represents his work ethic; he wasn’t afraid of hard work and aimed to outwork everyone. Smith took massive action, putting his future in his own hands. He was happening to life, not letting life happen to him. That work ethic is what has made him an icon today. He embodies the grit mentality, pushing through tough times and long hours.
Finding Inner Strength
The grit mentality is something we all have within us. It can apply to fitness, finances, career, family, love, or life goals. Regardless of the area, this drive cannot be stopped. You may hear a small voice of doubt in your head, but I assure you, you are bigger than that. I know you are bigger than that doubt. A former yoga teacher once shared a quote with me: “The biggest wall we will ever climb is in our mind, and we put it there.”
Today is the day to dig deep and find your inner strength. Whether it’s a project you’ve been working on or a goal you’ve been aiming for, it’s now within your reach. Push more, don’t stop, and do not give up until it is yours. Remember, the journey of finding inner strength is ongoing, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Until then,
Michael Rearden
Founder of Reven Concepts