Be Stronger: Mindset Matters

When it comes to fitness endeavors and athletic performance, most people focus on the visible grind—miles run, weights lifted, reps completed. But beneath every standout performance lies something less tangible and far more powerful: mindset. It's the quiet force that keeps you moving when your body begs you to quit. And according to Angela Duckworth, author of GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, this mindset—this grit—is what truly separates good athletes from great ones. We can use the same approach and attitude when it comes to physical training for health and fitness gains.

Why Grit Matters More Than Talent

It’s easy to glorify raw talent or physical gifts. But Duckworth reminds us that success isn’t about being born with something extra—it’s about building something deeper. “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare,” she writes, capturing the essence of what it means to train with true commitment. Real progress comes not from fleeting motivation, but from the relentless effort of someone who chooses to push forward despite setbacks. Grit turns ordinary routines into extraordinary results.

Training the Mind as Much as the Body

Just like strength is built under resistance, mental resilience forms under pressure. One way to train it? Embrace the uncomfortable. Set stretch goals that challenge your limits and stick with them even when the work gets hard. Duckworth notes that gritty individuals practice with intention, seek feedback, and recover from failures with more fire. This means turning off autopilot and approaching each session with focus, effort, and patience.

Make Grit Your Competitive Edge

Whether you're chasing a new PR, fighting back from injury, or just pushing through a slump, grit is your edge. It’s what keeps you consistent when motivation dips, what drives you to try again after a missed lift or a tough race. Success doesn’t belong to the most talented—it belongs to the most determined. So next time you step into the gym, or out on the track, don’t just ask, “How strong am I?” Ask, “How gritty am I willing to be?”

Let’s do this!

Helen Vanderburg

Co-owner of The ACADEMY

Member of the Sports Hall of Fame