Angela Duckworth in her book Grit, The Power of Passion and Perseverance examines what grit is and how to get it. She teaches that grit is fueled by a passion for what you do, which enables you to persevere through challenges and setbacks consistently because of a compelling purpose.

The story is told of three bricklayers who were asked what they were doing. The first said he was doing a job. The second said he was building a wall. But the third said he was building a cathedral. Although the three of them were in the same role, their perspectives, and hence their results, were different. One thought of it as only a job, the second as a career and the third as a calling. A calling provides purpose and enables grit.

I am sure you have noticed that in certain residential communities some owners have unkempt lawns while others have well-manicured lawns. Some even add the extra touch of flowers and lush plants. The difference is in the level of pride each owner takes in their landscape and how much they enjoy maintaining it. Pride and enjoyment in what you are doing promotes grit.

Does your brand indicate you have grit? Do you have a passion for what you are doing? Have you found your purpose? If you are not functioning in your calling now allow your vision of doing so to fuel your drive to get to that sweet spot. Sometimes finding passion in your occupation may even take time, according to Angela. Let your vision enable your grit.

Whether you realize your purpose immediately or need to embark on a journey of discovery to find it, strive to perform your role as if it is your calling. With such a work ethic, your personal brand will thrive, and you may even be rewarded with opportunities you never imagined. Even if you are lower than you want to be on the grit scale now, you can still grow.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

For a seed to successfully germinate into a plant it requires the appropriate conditions, which include moisture, oxygen, and temperature. Moisture is the most important. With too little water the seed can remain dormant and with too much it will rot. Oxygen is also critical which is why the soil should not be soaked. Soaking impedes air flow to the growing seed. The optimum temperature depends on the species of the seed. For example, to germinate, tomato seeds require a range of 70- to 95-degrees Fahrenheit, but spinach seeds require from 45 to 75 Fahrenheit. The right amount of soil depth as well as sunlight are also important, and the amount needed also depends on the type of seed.

This need for the right environment is also critical for us as humans. Under optimum conditions we can grow and reach our full potential. So, it makes sense that if we are missing the mark, our ecosystems are out of balance. Time would fail me to note all the possible permutations for what the right balance for us could be. But we can be observant enough to notice and consistently apply those ideal behaviors which promote our growth.

We tend to resist change. Although we may notice or even know that a particular new practice works to our advantage, we choose to cling to what we know. If we perceive that our thinking is positively different, even in the slightest, it indicates the right seed was planted in the subconscious and germination may have already started. The deposit may have been from a book, audio, video or even a live speaker. Let us water the seed because we may be pleasantly surprised to realize what new habit, indeed what new plant our seed can grow into. Here’s to our growth.

So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

“Which one is better, one or two? This is a common question among optometrists when they ask their patients to pick out which image is clearer? As the doctor homes in on which lens is better to correct your blurry vision, the clearer image becomes more difficult to ascertain. But that improved lens with even a slightly sharper clarity provides an edge.

The Olympics is the preeminent stage to witness feats in physical fitness and skill. A close race keeps us at the edge of our seats or even standing, with eyes glued to the screen. In 2008, Michael Phelps won his seventh gold medal in swimming by a fingertip. Yet even though the margin was this small, he had the edge and it counted. With a gold medal win, the first-place medalist receives more prize money, endorsements, and notoriety.

You may think you are a long way off from reaching your desired goal. But you may not be as off course as you think. If you were traveling down the highway toward, say, New York city, would you eventually reach your destination even if there was traffic along the way? Yes. What if you were heading in the opposite direction to the city with all green traffic lights, would you get there faster? No. You would not get there at all. In other words, your trajectory or path matters. If you are on the right path, even if you must course-correct like a plane, you will get there. Keep working and make good decisions. The better they are, the more your edge.

Your choices determine which path you will follow and inevitably, the end you reach. Which one is better, one or two? Choose the one which gives you the edge because it’s the difference between good and great!

If you need guidance in making better choices, God can give you wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Over the weekend family and friends celebrated with my parents their 50-year and golden anniversary. The effort that went into planning this event and travelling to get there was well worth it. Also, it had been years since the entire family had gotten together in person and even taken a family photo. This is a memory to cherish.

Family and even friends are those special people who will still love you for who you are no matter your quirks. They still stick by you in the good and tough times. We can call when we need them knowing they will be there, and they can count on you to do the same. You can be assured that these people will be straight with you and have your best interest at heart. Proverbs 18:24 says that unreliable friends can be our downfall but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Today celebrate that special person or persons with a word or gesture that expresses your appreciation for being blessed with them in your life. Cheers!

Family & Friends

by Lizzy Pureheart

We all have a cherished garden we tend –

It is planted with love of family and friends.

The memories and dreams we treasure and share

Are like beautiful roses found blooming there.

The comfort and care on which we depend

Is given with love between family and friends.

The sunshine of laughter and rain of a tear

Only make our love grow with each passing year.

We may all be ourselves with no need to pretend

Because of the love of family and friends;

They notice the rainbows and weather the showers.

They overlook weeds and praise all our flowers.

The most valuable thing is the time that we spend

Tending this garden with family and friends.

When counting our blessings, we know from the start

That family and friends come first in our heart.