08/02/2024
What is Grit?
Grit is a psychological quality characterized by sustained perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It involves a combination of resilience, determination, and consistent effort, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Individuals with high levels of grit are able to stay focused and motivated over long periods, which aids them in achieving their goals.
Yep – I came up with that on my own… thanks Chat.
The real question is: Who has grit? Is it a leaned trait? I personally think some are born with it and others learn it – or both. If you have grit and don’t use it, what is the point?
I was going through my storage unit (that I have been renting for years to keep my “stuff” safe) and I found my hockey trophy. Even after YEARS of competing with horses and rodeo, I would have to say this is ONE of the bravest things I have done in my life (so far.)
2001: My friend, Angie Jones called me and said they were short on people needed to have their hockey game THAT EVENING. I had an infant at home, wasn’t working and thought it sounded fun. Now – please keep in mind that I had never even been to a live hockey game OR watched one on TV either. I KNEW NOTHING about the game. Oh, and I didn’t know how to skate. So there’s that… see where this is going?
I went to Angie’s house and she fitted me for all the gear – everything fit pretty well… except the skates. They were about two sizes too big. Little did I know that big skates are not like wearing big cowboy boots. Thanks, Ang.
She told me – we just need a body so we have enough players – I probably don’t even need to get on the ice. BUT, just in case… here is how you get up if you fall on the ice. Hockey stick in front, balance on the stick… one foot at a time.
Okay. Easy. Got it.
Game time – and guess what? Yep, on the ice. Oh, and may I remind you how tall I am? I am 5’11” and with skates I was about 6’3 inches tall! It didn’t take me long to figure out that most of the hockey players were shorter – closer to the ice and very talented skaters. They would skate right at me, zig-zag then go right past. As I would try to follow, I would fall. I was embarrassed, but not hurt… so started the drill of getting up: Stick out in front, balance… then one foot at a time.
Guess what, seems when I put the stick out in front of me, I was called “intentionally” tripping players. Huh? I immediately had a whistle and told to go to the penalty box. Angie being team captain and my friend started a fight with the ref. I just asked the ref where the penalty box was located and started my way off the ice.
Fun fact: I led the season with the most penalties in the league until the last game. I was 2nd place. I never had an intentional trip. I was just trying to get up!
However, I took a power skating lesson/clinic from Robby Glantz and my family would take me to the rink and skate with me. I NEVER became a good skater, but I actually made it through the season and our team, the Lady Labatts WON 1st place!
So, this trophy means A LOT to me. It is my trophy of GRIT. It’s in my character and DNA… I use it every day in life and in real estate.
If you want a REALTOR with GRIT – I am your gal. I never give up and I love a challenge. Just like Chat described it above.
Well… I did hang up my skates for my hockey “career” halfway through the next season …. HOWEVER, it wasn’t because I GAVE UP … it’s because I was invited to ride in the 2002 Winter Olympiad Rodeo that was held in conjunction with the Olympics in Salt Lake City.
That’s a story for another post.
I would love to hear your grit story.
Happy Friday everyone.
Julia Shoemaker
Partner / REALTOR / Hockey Player
Amherst Madison Real Estate Advisors
208-870-1793
[email protected]
