Some people mistake grit for sheer persistence - charging up the same hill again and again. But that's not quite what I mean by the word 'grit.' You want to minimize friction and find the most effective, most efficient way forward. You might actually have more grit if you treat your energy as a precious commodity.
Interpretation
Grit involves smart effort rather than just relentless persistence.
In this quote, Reid Hoffman emphasizes that true grit is not merely about relentless persistence in the face of obstacles, but rather about finding smarter, more efficient ways to achieve one's goals. He suggests that effective effort should focus on minimizing friction and treating one's energy wisely, as this can lead to greater success than simply charging forward without a strategy.
In practice
In a motivational speech about achieving goals in business, this quote can inspire effective strategies.
Leaders, whether in the public or the private sphere, must understand the responsibilities that come with their role. They are the most visible standard-bearers of their organizations. Holding them accountable to this responsibility protects the promise of our organizations and our communities.
The same instincts that make us good students can make us lousy entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurial journey starts with jumping off a cliff and assembling an airplane on the way down.
Any effort to make the death penalty speedier and less costly - more 'efficient' - will inevitably make it less just.
I've long believed that if you're not embarrassed by your first product release, you've released too late.
Good ideas need good strategy to realize their potential.
If you get a call to go to a certain place in the middle of the night to pick up stolen goods, and it turns out the stolen goods don't show up but the cops show up, I think you're going to have a very weak story saying, 'Well, I got swindled here.'
Never lose hope, my heart, miracles dwell in the invisible. If the whole world turns against you keep your eyes on the Friend.
Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
The wise stand out because they see themselves as part of the Whole. They shine because they don't want to impress. They achieve great things because they don't look for recognition. Their wisdom is contained in what they are, not their opinions. They refuse to argue, so no-one argues with them.
Job never saw why he suffered, but he saw God, and that was enough.
Your self-worth is determined by you. You don't have to depend on someone to tell you who you are.
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