The Art of Grit

(5 Minutes)

As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves at a unique vantage point—a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. The end of the year is like standing at the base of a great mountain, with its peaks and valleys stretching behind and before us. It’s a time to acknowledge the trails we’ve walked, the strength we’ve gained, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Too often, we look at this mountain and see only its weight: the unfinished projects, the setbacks, or the moments that didn’t go as planned. But what if this mountain isn’t a burden to carry? What if it’s an opportunity to climb?

Najwa Zebian, the poet and author whose words have inspired so many, offers us a profound perspective on this. She once wrote, “These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” Her story is a testament to what happens when we shift our focus from the weight of the past to the potential of the future.

As we prepare for the new year, we too can see our mountains differently—not as something to bear but as something to conquer.

1. Celebrate the Journey So Far

Every climb starts with acknowledging how far you’ve already come. But when was the last time you truly paused to celebrate your own resilience? We often rush from one challenge to the next without giving ourselves credit for the steps we’ve taken.

Think back to this past year. Were there moments when you doubted yourself but pushed forward anyway? Did you have a breakthrough, however small, that helped you move closer to becoming who you want to be? Maybe it was a decision you made, a habit you broke, or simply showing up on a hard day.

For me, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s quiet—a subtle shift in perspective or a choice to keep going despite the weight of uncertainty. What about you? What do you see when you look back at your journey this year?

2. Shift Focus to What’s Possible

Standing at the foot of a mountain can be overwhelming. The peak seems distant, the climb steep. But what if we stopped measuring the distance and instead focused on the next step?

As the new year approaches, take a moment to think about what’s possible for you. Not in terms of massive, life-altering resolutions, but small, meaningful steps. What do you truly want for yourself? Maybe it’s more peace, a sense of purpose, or deeper connections.

I’ve often found that clarity comes not in figuring out the entire path but in choosing where to place my foot next. What would your next step look like? What’s one thing—however small—you can do to move forward in a way that feels right to you?

3. Transform Pain into Purpose

Najwa Zebian’s story is a reminder that the heaviest parts of our lives can become our greatest teachers. She turned her struggles into poetry, and her vulnerability became a source of strength—not just for her, but for countless others.

What about your own story? What pain or challenge have you endured this year that might hold the seeds of something meaningful? Perhaps it’s a lesson you’ve learned, a strength you’ve discovered, or a new direction you feel called to explore.

I’ve come to believe that the weight we carry isn’t meant to define us—it’s meant to shape us. What if the very thing you’ve struggled with could inspire a new purpose or connection?

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let’s approach our mountains with hope and intention. Let’s celebrate the steps we’ve already taken, focus on what’s possible in the moment, and embrace the idea that even our heaviest burdens can hold the potential for growth.

How about you? As you reflect on the year gone by, what’s one thing you’re proud of? And as you look ahead, what’s one step you’re ready to take toward your climb?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your reflections below—let’s start this journey together.