Rejection and setbacks are inevitable parts of any meaningful journey, but they don't have to derail your progress. Drawing from personal experience as a former felon who overcame addiction and depression to become a respected professor, I share how embracing rejection transformed my life and can change yours too.
The core message is refreshingly simple yet powerful: "I've heard 'no' more than I've heard 'yes,' but I don't let it stop me." This mindset shift creates what I call the "grit advantage" – the resilience that propels you forward when others give up. I explain why receiving anything other than a hard "no" means you're already halfway to success, and how to use this perspective to maintain momentum toward your goals.
Through stories from my hometown of Tacoma (nicknamed "Grit City") and my experiences mentoring college students, I reveal why employers consistently choose candidates with positive attitudes over those with superior technical skills. This insight is crucial for anyone navigating their career path: effort and perseverance matter more than natural ability in the long run.
The most practical section covers how to build your own grit through specific strategies: establishing a consistent morning routine (which pulled me out of depression), taking small daily actions, practicing delayed gratification, reflecting on progress, and celebrating incremental wins. I share how these techniques helped me complete my doctorate even after quitting multiple times, and how a simple "Don't quit" note from a colleague kept me going.
Take a moment to reflect on your own grit journey. What obstacles have you already overcome? You're likely more resilient than you realize. Try journaling about these experiences to recognize your inner strength and prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead.
