Angela Duckworth became famous a few years back for her research and subsequent book: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” In it, she warned that an important aspect of becoming “gritty” is a strategy for dealing with disappointment and discouragement.
She suggests that “The difference between being all in versus anything else comes down to whether or not you’ve crossed the Rubicon.”
The Rubicon is the river in Italy that Julius Caesar crossed in 49 BC, violating an ancient Roman Law prohibiting a general leading troops from crossing it when returning to Rome. His decision ultimately led to his becoming Rome’s first dictator, his own death at the hands of his fellow Romans and the transition of Rome from a republic to an empire. Actions have consequences.
Dr Duckworth finds this a helpful metaphor for dealing with the discouragement that even “gritty” people encounter. She compares such situations to Caesar at the Rubicon: “On one side of the river, you’ve got options. On the other, you’re committed.”
Check out her blog post “Even gritty people get discouraged” for some insights that might help you the next time you have to cross your own Rubicon.”
