The Long Heel: Grit, Grief, and Growth

Grit is the perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals, even in the face of challenges, setbacks, or slow progress. It’s about staying committed and resilient when the path gets tough and not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not.

For much of my life, I was conditioned to believe I wasn’t good enough. I’m not sharing that to complain, but to acknowledge how that belief shaped my journey. It left me hopping from one thing to another, desperately trying to find something I was “good at,” when in reality, I was already doing things well, I just couldn’t see it.

I remember a family member once saying, “If you’re good enough at something, you’ll be recognized and whisked away to become a professional.” At the time, I accepted that idea. But now I see how immature and naïve it was. Recognition doesn’t always come quickly, or at all. And being “whisked away” isn’t how most meaningful work unfolds.

Thank God for great mentors. They helped me see that grit isn’t about being instantly great. It’s about showing up, trying again, and staying the course even when progress feels invisible.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned about maintaining determination for long-term goals:

1.      Consistency of Effort

Success rarely comes from one big push. It’s built through small, steady steps, showing up and putting in the work regularly, not just when it’s easy or convenient.

2.       Resilience

Failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the process. Grit means bouncing back from setbacks without losing motivation and learning from what didn’t work.

3.       Passion

A deep, enduring interest in your goal can fuel persistence. Passion doesn’t mean it’s always fun, but it gives you a reason to keep going.

4.    Self-Discipline

Distractions are everywhere. Grit requires the ability to stay focused and avoid the things that pull you away from your purpose.

5.    Optimism

You have to believe that your effort will lead to growth even when results aren’t immediate. That belief keeps you moving forward.

6.    Natural Gifting

This one’s a bit nuanced. I’m cautious about putting too much weight on the idea of “natural talent.” I’ve loved certain things with my whole heart only to find myself deeply frustrated when they didn’t come easily. It’s a humbling truth: passion doesn’t always translate to ease.

Sometimes, the things we care about most are the ones that demand the most effort. And that’s okay. Growth often lives in the tension between love and struggle.

 It’s also perfectly valid to give something your full effort and later realize that it’s just not in your natural wiring. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you were brave enough to try.

Life’s a Heel: Walking Through Change with Grit

I’ve always called Bruce my renaissance dog. He’s the kind of companion who can do a little bit of everything - obedience work, service dog tasks, and therapy visits. He’s an absolute joy to live with. But like any great partnership, our journey has had its challenges.

I’ve worked my tail off to get his heelwork just right. Sometimes it’s gorgeous - fluid, focused, prancy. And sometimes… it’s not. I remember asking my dear friend and trainer, “How long do we have to work on heelwork?” The answer: “Forever.” That truth stuck with me. It’s not about arriving at perfection; it’s about continuing the work, even when it’s hard.

We’re currently in a season of transition. Mabel’s passing left a deep ache, and now Moses has joined our pack. Bruce and I are both adjusting, trying to find a new rhythm. We’ll get there. And when we do, heelwork will return to its pre-life-changing normal, with a twist shaped by everything we’ve learned.

Have I gotten frustrated? Absolutely. Have I wanted to throw in the towel? More than once. But after some rest, I chose to maintain forward focus. My long-term goal is a prancy gait and flawless attention. It’s not that right now and that’s okay.

Bruce reminds me daily that grit isn’t glamorous, it’s quiet, steady, and deeply personal. It’s about showing up, trying again, and believing that the work matters. And in this season of change, I’m holding onto that truth more than ever.

Grit is about staying in the game, even when it’s hard. And sometimes, it’s about realizing you were already good at something, and you just needed to believe it.

Sandy