Finding Strength, Purpose, and Gratitude in the Struggle

There are moments on the journey to our goals when the path ahead seems to steepen, when every step

forward feels like a monumental effort. It’s easy to feel disheartened, to question if we have what it takes. But

it’s in these very moments of “push” that our true potential for growth and achievement is forged. Let’s

remember a few powerful truths that can transform our perspective and fuel our ascent:

1. Grit Isn’t Fixed—Cultivate It with Deliberate Practice, Amplified by Gratitude.

The tenacity to keep going, that unwavering passion and perseverance for long-term goals – what Angela

Duckworth calls “grit” – isn’t something you’re simply born with. Duckworth’s research emphasizes that grit

can be developed. As she states, “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having

stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but

for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.” Each challenge faced with resolve

strengthens this inner resilience.

Now, consider the powerful influence of gratitude here. When we pause to appreciate how far we’ve come,

the lessons learned even from stumbles, and the resources (internal and external) we do have, it reframes the

struggle. Gratitude can foster optimism and resilience, making the “deliberate practice” of grit less about

enduring hardship and more about appreciating the opportunity to grow stronger. Research suggests that

gratitude can even help us persevere when things are tough by reminding us of what we value and why we

started.

2. Willpower Wanes—Train It Like a Muscle, Replenished by Gratitude and Rest.

That feeling of your resolve crumbling after a long day? That’s your willpower, a resource that, like a muscle,

can fatigue with overuse. As the American Psychological Association has highlighted, self-control is finite.

However, it can also be strengthened through consistent “exercise” and replenished. Jeffrey Kluger aptly

described willpower as “a sort of psychic muscle, one that can atrophy or grow stronger depending on how it’s

used.”

Gratitude plays a surprisingly supportive role here. When we feel depleted, acknowledging

small victories or things we’re thankful for can provide a mental and emotional boost, making it

easier to stay the course. Studies suggest that positive emotions, which gratitude certainly

cultivates, can broaden our capacity for self-control. Recognizing when you need to replenish—

through rest, mindfulness, or a moment of thankfulness—is key to sustaining your willpower for

the long haul.

3. Mindset Shapes Your Response—Embrace Challenges as Opportunities, Fueled by a Grateful Perspective.

Your perception of setbacks is a critical factor in your ability to overcome them. Carol Dweck’s work on “fixed”

versus “growth” mindsets is revolutionary here. A fixed mindset views abilities as static, making failures feel

definitive. A growth mindset, however, “is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can

cultivate through your efforts.” With this outlook, challenges transform into learning opportunities. Albert

Einstein’s wisdom, “In the middle ofevery difficulty lies opportunity,” perfectly encapsulates this.

Integrating gratitude further enhances a growth mindset. Being thankful for the challenge itself, for the

chance to learn something new, or even for the strength you’re building by facing adversity, shifts your

focus from what’s lacking to what’s being gained. This appreciative lens helps you extract value from every

experience, propelling you forward.

4. Steady Effort Outlasts Fleeting Talent—Gratitude Sustains the Marathon.

While talent offers a head start, it’s consistent effort that ultimately crosses the finish line. History is a

testament to this. Thomas Edison’s famous declaration, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine

percent perspiration,” underscores the immense power of perseverance. “Hard work beats talent when talent

doesn’t work hard” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a documented reality.

Gratitude acts as a powerful sustainer during this marathon of effort. When the path is long and progress

feels slow, gratitude for the journey itself—for the small steps forward, for the ability to keep trying, for the

support you have—can keep motivation alive. It shifts the focus from the enormity of the task to the privilege

of being able to pursue it.

5. Purpose Gives Struggle Meaning—Gratitude Illuminates the Path.

Your “why” is the most potent fuel when the climb is steepest. Purpose transforms struggle from a burden into

a meaningful part of your growth. Viktor Frankl, in Man’s Search for Meaning, showed that finding meaning

allowed individuals to endure unimaginable hardships. His profound insight, “He who has a why to live can

bear almost any how,” resonates deeply. When efforts align with purpose, pain refines rather than breaks. As

a popular quote reminds us, “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes

life meaningful.”

Gratitude illuminates this purposeful path. Being thankful for the opportunity to pursue a meaningful goal, for

the impact you can make, and for the very clarity of your purpose can provide profound comfort and strength

during challenging times. It connects the daily struggles to the larger, inspiring vision.

Beyond Compartments: The Interconnected Tapestry of Who You Are Becoming

It’s crucial to recognize that these areas of development—grit, willpower, mindset, effort, and purpose, all

interwoven with gratitude—are not confined to just your professional aspirations or your personal life. They are

deeply interconnected, shaping the entirety of who you are becoming. The resilience you build training for a

marathon can translate to tackling a tough project at work. The growth mindset you cultivate learning a new

skill can improve your relationships. The gratitude you practice for a supportive family can fuel your

determination in your career. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then

when you know better, do better.” This “doing better” is a holistic endeavor. Each step you take to develop in

one area ripples through all aspects of your being. You are not a collection of separate selves; you are one

integrated individual on a continuous journey of growth. Embracing this interconnectedness, and infusing it

with gratitude, allows for a richer, more fulfilling journey toward your goals and, more importantly, toward the

ever-evolving, more capable, and more appreciative person you are meant to be. So, when that path tilts

upwards, take a deep breath. Infuse your climb with thankfulness. Remember that every effort, every

challenge embraced, every lesson learned, and every moment of gratitude is contributing to the magnificent

tapestry of your life, making you stronger, wiser, and more aligned with your deepest purpose. The view from

the summit, and the person you become in reaching it, will be all the more breathtaking for it.