GRIT: THE IDEOLOGY BEHIND VBS

Another closely related theory is that VBS is based on is the idea of GRIT- passion and perseverance for a very long term goal with short term goals along the way. GRIT is important for all athlete's to utilize during a CUDIT® training session.

GRIT is absolute focus on small goals which is extremely helpful during drill circuit progressions. The athlete works to focus on each specific drill and remain completely mindful in the task. If the athlete is focused on the task at hand, they are in the present moment. When the athlete is in the present moment, any other mental clutter dissipates which allows the athlete to be truly engaged mentally and physically.

All goals should start with small short term goals to strive to reach and achieve. If an athlete is focusing on one large goal, the road to the main goal seems extremely far and can lead to extreme disappointment within the athlete. The bigger goal must start with steps geared towards reaching small goal achievements. Once the athlete can envision their small term goals, the athlete can work towards each goal. Then, the long term goal will not seem as distant and GRIT will kick into gear.

It is of no surprise that an athlete requires dedication, a delay in gratification, hard work, and focus. More than that, athletes require passion and perseverance. Much of the VBS ideology is based on Angela Duckworth's NY Times Best Seller, GRIT- the Power of Passion and Perseverance.

GRIT is based on finding your short term goal leading to a long term goal. Once the short term goal is found, the act of sticking with that goal, for as long as it takes, with a willingness to fail at times is crucial. Each small term goal becomes the main focus at the moment until it is accomplished. Talent is not enough, Duckworth proposes, and dedicated individuals need to follow through with a commitment to learn the lessons of any mistakes.

"Self-control is the voluntary regulation of impulses in the presence of momentarily gratifying temptations." (Duckworth & Seligman, 2005; Duckworth & Steinberg, 2015). On average, individuals who are gritty are more self-controlled, but the correlation between these two traits is not perfect: Some individuals are paragons of grit but not self-control, and some exceptionally well-regulated individuals are not especially gritty (Duckworth & Gross, 2014).

Self-Control combined with a GRITTY mindset is beneficial for athletes of all ages. C.U.D.I.T.® Concentric Coaches learn GRIT training for their athletes in the Licensing Program.