Fortitude can be developed. This is contrary to many people’s thought processes. I recently finished reading Duckworth’s book, “Grit, The Power of Passion and Perseverance.” I couldn’t help but mentally cross-reference with Keller’s book, “The One Thing.” I recommend both books. Combined they provide a good insight into gaining, maintaining, and applying fortitude.
The ONE Thing
In Keller’s book, he talks about being successful but burned out, due to attempting to accomplish many things simultaneously. He changed his work pattern and focus to the ONE thing that would be most beneficial to him. He attained even greater success and has become an advocate for others to change their thinking.
Keller suggests we ask ourselves this question. “What is the ONE thing I can do, such that by doing it, makes everything else easier or unnecessary?” This one question, when answered, is the takeaway from this book. It truly changes your thinking and your focus. The reality is that there are still other demands in your life. The difficulty is in making time and taking the effort to return to this “one thing.” Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be attempted. We will improve our focus on the “one thing” with constant effort over time.
GRIT
In Duckworth’s book, she talks about the success of individuals from all walks of life. She asks the question, “Is success based on talent or effort?” She concludes that effort is a far stronger indication of success than talent. This seems contrary to conditioned thinking. You may see success and marvel at the talent of the individual or team. You may even envy the degree of talent demonstrated. This creates an excuse for a lack of success. Duckworth asserts that effort has three times the impact on achievement than talent. She uses scientific studies, anecdotal evidence, and case histories to support her assertions.
Two Concepts, One Great Outcome
If you take both these concepts and merge them you end up with the insight that limiting distractions and focusing, combined with constant efforts to improve specific abilities creates fortitude. Fortitude produces opportunities for great success. Many times the item of focus and effort is a seemingly small skill. As you merge these concepts you will find yourself in a spiral that takes you down to a small, deliberate, skill.
An Example
If it is your intention to improve your secretarial skills Kellar would ask “What is the one thing you could improve that would make the job easier, or even eliminate other tasks?” Your reply may be accurate record keeping. Duckworth would say to increase your efforts, even training, on record keeping. But, you discover that your reports are not being produced quick enough. Kellar asks again what one thing could you do to quicken your production. You realize you are spending a lot more time than you thought at the keyboard. Duckworth would ask are there distractions at the keyboard (social media, email, etc)? No, you just don’t type very well. Kellar would ask, If you typed faster and more accurately would you spend less time at the keyboard? Yes, that is your answer. Duckworth then would suggest making a focused, determined, regular effort to improve the skill. Continue the building of that skill far beyond what is normal. You don’t have to be the fastest typist in history. You just need to consistently, over a long period of time, get better. Kellar would say you have now found the ONE thing that you can do that will make other tasks easier, or even unnecessary.
What skill will you choose to improve? What ONE thing will you work on that will simplify your life and lead you to more success? How will you increase your fortitude? Remember, when you see a person on top of a mountain, they didn’t fall there. It took fortitude.
Now, go climb your mountain of success.
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