It’s easy to work hard when you feel good. True grit is showing up when you don’t.

Your dream won’t tap you on the shoulder — you have to chase it when no one’s watching.

Tough moments aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities to separate yourself from the crowd.

Alex Morgan: "Keep working even when no one is watching. It’s called character."

Jerry Rice: "Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't."

Praise effort and persistence, not just results. "I’m proud of how hard you worked" carries more weight than "Good job winning."

Let your athlete struggle a little. If you rescue them too soon, you rob them of the strength they haven’t built yet.

Model perseverance yourself. Your kids watch how you handle stress, setbacks, and success — every day.

Carol Dweck: "The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life."

Thomas Edison: "Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

Normalize struggle. Let athletes know early: if it’s hard, they’re exactly where they should be.

Celebrate resilience. Spotlight the players who battle back from adversity — not just the ones who shine easily.

Set long-haul goals, not just short-term wins. Help athletes play the long game mentally.

Bill Walsh: "Champions behave like champions before they are champions."

Angela Duckworth: "Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals."