Do You Know the 3 C’s of Grit?
By John Thurman M.Div., M.A.
Why do some people succeed in starting a new business, ministry opportunity, or creative enterprise, and others fail? I believe it is because they do not know the 3 C’s of Grit!
“Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.”
Angela Duckworth, Grit, The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Are Motivational Books Enough?
Suppose you read or listen to motivational books. In that case, you’ve learned the importance of knowing your why, identifying your passion, developing a business plan, understanding your niche, having goals with measurable outcomes, and having a tribe. The primary reason these tools may not work for you is because you are lacking the 3 C’s of grit!
While every one of these is a requirement to pursue your dream, one vital ingredient for success should be discussed more. That key component is grit. Let’s dig a little deeper into the 3 C’s of grit. I know you will find this information helpful if you apply it.
What is Psychological Hardiness?
Psychologist Dr. Susan Kobasa introduced the concept of psychological hardiness, what we call grit. She suggested that hardiness moderates the relationship between stressful life events and illness.[i]
While anyone can develop grit, according to Dr. Kobasa’s research, there are three essential elements: challenge, personal control, and a commitment to seeing things through. Kobasa called these “the three C’s.” [ii]
These traits enhance a person’s resilience in such a way as to assist them in achieving their goals and life mission.
The 3 C’s of Grit or Psychological Hardiness
Commitment. These individuals have a sense of purpose in their life. They are committed to their dream, do the work necessary, and tackle challenges head-on. Part of the reason hardy people can stay in the game and persist in their coping efforts is that, as a group, they are committed to an active, engaged stance toward life.
People with grit do not believe failure is a permanent condition.
They feel their life has a purpose (whatever shape it takes). That purpose motivates them to actively attempt to influence their surroundings and persevere even when their attempts to control their surroundings don’t appear to be working out. A person with no sense of purpose in life—no motivation and no commitment—will be unable to lead a resilient life. On the other hand, resilient people find meaning in their activities even when faced with significant adversity precisely because they are committed to seeing that meaning. This viewpoint leads to an active, problem-solving approach to life.
Challenge. Individuals with grit see problems as challenges and devote time, effort, and energy to solving them.
They are connected to their dreams and mission and tackle things head-on. People with grit remain involved in an endeavor despite stressful circumstances such as changes in the marketplace, business systems, and the economy. People lacking grit tend to pull back from their dreams or opportunities and drift into isolation or alienation when stressed. People with grit view stress as a challenge they can overcome if only they can understand it correctly. Their habit of seeing challenges as overcomeable motivates them to address the causes of their stress in positive ways.
I remember one of my Battalion Commanders always said, “Men, we don’t have problems. We have opportunities for growth and excellence.”
This active approach to life challenges may be contrasted with the more common approach—where a stressor or challenge is viewed as an unfortunate, overwhelming, or paralyzing force that overwhelms rather than motivates.
Personal Control. A gritty person takes responsibility for their emotions, their life and their choices. In addition, believe they have the power to change it. If they don’t have the skill set to do something, they will go out of their way to get it by reading, studying, or finding a mentor or personal coach.
As a group, people with grit tend to accept challenges and work to overcome and master them. Even when true mastery of a challenge is impossible (e.g., when a situation is impossible to control), gritty people work to find and pursue the possibilities for mastery. When faced with losing employment, a hardy person will seize opportunities to explore new employment options rather than become depressed and demoralized.
A Resilient Mindset is the Key
In my work as a therapist and Disaster Mental Health Responder, I have noticed four powerful things about people who use these three C’s to develop a resilient mindset.
People with a resilient mindset have an optimistic image of the future. They believe that the Lord is in charge of the future and better days are ahead because they are a part of His family and plan.
Resilient people have clear goals and a desire to accomplish those goals.
While resilient people are empathetic and compassionate, they don’t burn a lot of daylight worrying about what others think of them. They maintain healthy relationships but don’t pay much attention to peer pressure.
The final trait of resilient people is that they refuse to think of themselves as victims—they focus their time and effort on changing things they control.
How about you? Do you consider yourself a person with grit? Are you someone who exemplifies hardiness? Are you a person who is developing a resilient mindset?
I love what St. Paul said in the New Testament book of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” How does knowing that Christ is our source of strength affect how we utilize the three C’s and cultivate a resilient mindset?
Look at the Bible verses below, and let me know what you think in the comments. Or you can email me at john@covertmercy.com.
Helpful Scriptures:
Commitment – Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 16:3, Philippians 3:13-14
Challenges – Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13
Personal Control – 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 25:28
Additional Resources
Twenty-Five Stress Busting Strategies by John Thurman
Feel free to share your thoughts, either in the comments or by emailing me: john@johnthurman.info
John
[i] Mund, Pallabi. “Hardiness and Culture: a Study with Reference to 3 Cs of Kobasa.” International Research Journal of Management, IT and Social Sciences, vol. 4, no. 2, March 31, 2017, pp. 152-159.
[ii] Richard B. Joelson, “Hardiness and Grit, Psychology Today, April 20, 2017. Accessed October 1, 23.
