The Power of Grit & Sticking to Plan A

The secret sauce behind the world’s greatest strategists, leaders, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and women is consistently taught — but very few actually listen.

I am big on pattern recognition. I believe the ability to identify patterns and trends is essential to understanding the big picture. When you notice that certain behaviors consistently lead to a specific result, you become far more likely to imitate, refine, and eventually master them.

From Kobe Bryant and Eddie Murphy to Steve Jobs, Serena Williams, and Oprah Winfrey, a consistent theme emerges across all their stories:

The power of grit and sticking to Plan A.

Grit does not mean overworking yourself.
Grit does not mean self-punishment.

Grit does not mean waking up at 4:00 AM simply because someone on the internet told you to.

Grit means showing up for yourself — repeatedly, intentionally, and especially on the days you don’t feel like it.

Grit is the disciplined commitment to see things through, to stay long enough to experience the fruits of your labor.

We often hear people preach the importance of having a Plan B, C, or D “in case Plan A doesn’t work.” But beneath that logic is an unspoken message:

If Plan A feels too far-fetched, give up and choose a new destination.

But what if the issue isn’t the destination? Only the route?

Imagine you’re driving and you hit a “Road Closed” sign on the way to where you’re going.
Do you abandon the trip? Or do you simply take another route?

Maybe there’s a detour you didn’t see before.
Maybe the mountain path looks intimidating — but it still leads to the same place.
Maybe the journey gets harder, but the destination remains worth it.

Grit is choosing the mountain path.

Grit is putting one foot in front of the other in times of uncertainty.
Grit is holding onto your North Star even when the terrain changes.
Grit is the willingness to stay with Plan A while adjusting your strategy.

So what’s the payoff?

How about becoming one of the greatest athletes, innovators, artists, or communicators of our time?
How about becoming one of the most trusted thinkers in your department, or one of the most reliable leaders in your organization?
How about having the deep, private satisfaction of knowing that you proved yourself right?

Grit doesn’t just get you there. It transforms you along the way.