What separates the wannabes from the champions? Grit. Research conducted by Angela Duckworth showed that grit, more than any other factor, was the key difference between success and failure. This after setting aside gender, ethnicity or economic status, as possible intervening variables.
As I watch the Olympics, behind the world class display of athletic talent, I see grit and perseverance. Hundreds of hours of training to hone their athletic craft. Early mornings and late nights of grinding to be the best in the world.
We watch with envy, but lose sight of the sacrifices that excellence demands. We too can get better and excel. We just have to decide what are we willing to give up to be the best versions of ourselves.
About Hemant Rustogi