The Power of Grit: Why Sticking With It Beats Raw Talent

cosette93
Sep 26
3 min read

In every sport, there are athletes who seem to be naturally gifted, some learn quickly, and others just make the game look easy. However, experienced coaches know that talent alone does not guarantee success. The athletes who succeed over time are usually the ones who show grit.

Grit is the quality that keeps an athlete going when things get difficult. It is the determination to keep working, even when progress is slow or obstacles appear. Grit leads to consistency, and consistency leads to growth.

What Is Grit?

Grit is more than just working hard. It is a combination of passion and perseverance, especially when working toward long-term goals. The term was made popular by psychologist Angela Duckworth, who studied high achievers across many fields. She found that those who achieved lasting success were not always the most talented, but they were almost always the most persistent.

For student-athletes, grit shows up in different ways. It can be seen in the player who keeps practicing after being cut from the team. It is present in the athlete who works through injury and commits to the recovery process. It is also visible in the competitor who gives full effort, regardless of what the scoreboard says.

Grit is not always loud or obvious. It is often built in quiet, consistent moments when no one else is watching.

Why Grit Matters More Than Talent

Talent is helpful, especially early in an athlete’s development. It can make certain skills come more easily. However, talent alone is not enough to carry someone through years of competition, training, and setbacks.

Many talented athletes struggle when they face adversity, some lose motivation when they are no longer the best on the team. Other players avoid difficult challenges because they are used to succeeding quickly.

Athletes with grit respond differently, they keep showing up, even after failure. They are open to coaching and willing to adjust. Over time, their steady effort often allows them to catch up to, or even surpass, more naturally gifted players.

Grit builds the habits that lead to success. It strengthens focus, resilience, and commitment—all of which are essential for both individual growth and team leadership.

How to Build Grit

Grit is not something you either have or do not have. It can be developed through daily effort and intentional choices. Here are several ways athletes can begin to build grit:

1. Set meaningful, long-term goals; When you have a clear purpose, it becomes easier to stay committed. Whether your goal is to make varsity, earn a scholarship, or become a better teammate, having direction gives meaning to your work.

2. Welcome challenges; Difficulty is part of growth. Tough practices, losses, and setbacks are not signs that you are failing. They are opportunities to improve.

3. Be consistent; Improvement does not happen overnight. It happens through repeated effort over time. Even small steps forward add up when they are taken consistently.

4. Stay connected to your motivation; There will be days when motivation fades. On those days, it helps to remember why you started. Think about what you love about your sport, what you hope to accomplish, and who you are becoming in the process.

5. Focus on effort over outcome; You cannot always control results, but you can control your effort, attitude, and preparation. Value the work you put in, not just the outcome on the scoreboard.

Grit Makes the Difference

The most impactful athletes are often not the ones with the most awards or recognition. They are the ones who lead by example. They are reliable, steady, and determined. They show up with purpose, even on the hard days.

Grit does not guarantee that everything will go your way. However, it does guarantee that you will grow, improve, and gain the respect of those around you.

If you are a student-athlete, a parent, or a coach, remember this: talent may open the door, but grit is what keeps it open.

When things get hard, that is your chance to rise. Keep going. That is how strong athletes...and strong people, are made.