The Playbook Followed By People With Unwavering Grit And Determination

The Playbook Followed By People With Unwavering Grit And Determination

Some people don’t just talk about success—they chase it down, wrestle it into submission, and refuse to let it slip through their fingers. They’re not waiting for motivation to magically appear; they create their own. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the relentlessly determined from the rest of the world, here’s the playbook they follow to stay ahead of the game.

1. They Wake Up At Ridiculous Hours Just To Get Ahead

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While everyone else is hitting snooze for the third time, these people are already up, moving, and tackling their goals before the sun even thinks about rising. They understand that the early hours are where the magic happens—no distractions, no excuses, just uninterrupted time to get things done. They’re not waking up early because they have to; they’re doing it because they know those extra hours give them an edge. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, people who wake up early tend to be more productive than those who sleep in, with early risers also displaying higher levels of confidence, positivity, and assertiveness.

They treat the morning like a head start on the competition. Whether it’s squeezing in a workout, getting a jump on their projects, or just mentally setting the tone for the day, they use this time wisely. While others are still groggy and scrolling through their phones in bed, they’re already making moves. For them, waking up before the world does isn’t a chore—it’s a strategic advantage.

2. They Make Bets With Themselves And Actually Follow Through

They don’t need outside pressure to perform—they create it for themselves. Whether it’s a reward for hitting a goal or a consequence for slacking off, they turn their own ambitions into a game. They set challenges, push their limits, and make sure there’s always something at stake. If they say they’re going to accomplish something by a certain date, they don’t just hope for the best—they make sure it happens. According to research from Psychological Science, activating good-luck-related superstitions through familiar sayings or actions can significantly enhance performance across various tasks, including golfing, motor dexterity, memory, and anagram games.

And the best part? They actually follow through. There’s no backing out, no changing the terms when things get tough. They hold themselves accountable in ways most people don’t. To them, every goal is a test of discipline, and losing to themselves is simply not an option.

3. They Get Competitive Over Things No One Else Cares About

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They don’t just want to win at big, flashy goals—they want to win at everything. If they’re walking down the street and someone unknowingly starts keeping pace with them, congratulations, that stranger is now in a race. If they’re playing a casual board game, it suddenly becomes a high-stakes championship. They can’t help it—competition fuels them. According to Pete Carroll, former NFL coach and author of “Win Forever,” adopting an “Always Compete” mindset can give you an advantage in whatever you’re trying to accomplish, encouraging you to constantly ask yourself, “How can I do this better than it’s ever been done before?”

It’s not even about proving something to others. They’re not trying to impress anyone; they just thrive on the challenge. Every minor task, every small achievement—it’s all an opportunity to sharpen their edge. Where others see pointless effort, they see a chance to practice discipline, focus, and mental toughness.

4. They Wear The Same Lucky Outfit Until It Falls Apart

Rational? No. Effective? Absolutely. People with unwavering determination don’t question what works—they just keep doing it. If they wore a certain shirt during their biggest win, that shirt is now part of the success formula. If a specific pair of shoes carried them through their hardest challenges, those shoes are getting worn until they physically can’t be anymore. According to Stuart Vyse, author of “Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition,” positive, luck-enhancing superstitions can provide a psychological benefit that improves skilled performance, offering comfort in the form of illusory control in situations where it may be lacking.

It’s not about superstition—it’s about consistency. They associate their mindset with certain routines, and if something helped them win once, they’ll use it again and again. The logic may not be sound, but the results speak for themselves. And if that means holding onto a tattered hoodie because it “feels lucky,” so be it.

5. They Take Freezing Showers To Kickstart Their Day

Most people ease into their mornings, but those with unshakable grit go straight into battle mode. They know that a freezing shower isn’t just a wake-up call—it’s a mental test. If they can handle the shock of ice-cold water first thing in the morning, they can handle anything the day throws at them.

It’s not about comfort—it’s about control. They understand that pushing through discomfort builds mental resilience. The shower isn’t pleasant, but that’s the point. It’s a small way to train themselves to embrace challenges instead of shying away from them. And while everyone else is still grumbling into their coffee, they’re already wide awake, sharp, and ready to attack the day.

6. They Hype Themselves Up In The Mirror Before A Big Day

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They don’t wait for someone else to give them a pep talk—they do it themselves. Before a big event, they look in the mirror and talk themselves into the right mindset. It’s not just about self-confidence—it’s about setting the tone. They know that how they speak to themselves matters, so they make sure every word they say is reinforcing their belief in their own success.

They might recite affirmations, remind themselves of past wins, or just stare themselves down until they feel unstoppable. Whatever it takes, they do it. They understand that mentality is half the battle, and they refuse to walk into any situation without making sure their mindset is locked in first.

7. They Chase Success Instead Of Sitting Around Manifesting It

While some people sit around visualizing their dream life, those with real determination are out there making it happen. They don’t believe in waiting for the universe to hand them opportunities—they create their own. Manifestation, in their eyes, is nothing without action.

They understand that success is built on effort, persistence, and strategy. Wishing for something won’t make it happen—grinding for it will. Instead of hoping that their goals magically come to life, they’re out there taking steps, making moves, and proving that action beats intention every single time.

8. They Eat The Same Meal Every Day To Save Brainpower

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They know that decision fatigue is real, and they refuse to waste their mental energy on trivial choices. If eating the same meal every day simplifies their life and lets them focus on more important things, they’ll do it. It’s not about the food—it’s about efficiency.

They take the same approach to everything: if something works, why change it? They don’t waste time debating what to eat, what to wear, or how to structure their day. The more decisions they can automate, the more energy they have for what actually matters—winning.

9. They Turn Petty Grudges Into Motivation

They don’t waste time stewing over past slights—they channel that energy into something productive. If someone doubted them, underestimated them, or told them they’d never make it, congratulations, that person just became fuel for their success. They don’t just want to prove people wrong—they need to.

They remember every snide comment, every dismissal, every moment someone made them feel like they weren’t good enough. And instead of letting it break them, they turn it into drive. They don’t dwell on negativity, but they never forget who gave them something to prove.

10. They Talk To Themselves Like A Personal Trainer

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While most people rely on external motivation, those with unwavering grit know that the most important voice in their head is their own. When they’re struggling, tired, or tempted to quit, they don’t wallow in self-pity—they start coaching themselves through it. Their inner monologue isn’t passive; it’s like having a relentless personal trainer who refuses to accept excuses.

They hype themselves up, push themselves harder, and remind themselves why they started in the first place. If they’re on the brink of giving up, they don’t just accept defeat—they counter it with self-talk that forces them to keep going. Where others would fall into doubt, they speak to themselves with the same intensity they’d expect from a coach who refuses to let them fail.

11. They Keep A Playlist For When They Feel Like Quitting

When willpower starts to fade, they don’t just sit in their frustration—they hit play on the exact songs that have carried them through tough moments before. They know that music has a way of flipping a mental switch, turning exhaustion into adrenaline and hesitation into action. Their playlist isn’t just for background noise—it’s their emergency fuel reserve.

They have specific songs that remind them who they are, what they’re fighting for, and why quitting is not an option. When motivation starts slipping, they don’t wait for it to come back on its own—they trigger it. To them, music is more than entertainment; it’s a weapon they use to reignite their fire and push forward when it matters most.

12. They Never Take Rejection Personally

Rejection doesn’t phase them because they see it for what it is—a stepping stone, not a roadblock. While others take a “no” as a sign to stop trying, they take it as proof that they’re in the game. They know that every person who has ever achieved something great has been turned down, dismissed, or ignored at some point. Instead of letting rejection shake their confidence, they use it to sharpen their focus.

They don’t waste time obsessing over why they weren’t chosen. Instead, they ask themselves how they can improve, what lesson they can take from it, and how they can come back stronger. They don’t let someone else’s opinion define their worth or derail their goals. They see rejection as a test of resilience—and they always pass.

13. They Plan For Success Like It’s A Military Strategy

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They don’t just hope things work out—they map out every possible outcome, anticipate obstacles, and make contingency plans. They approach their goals with the same level of precision and discipline that a strategist would use in battle. Every move is intentional, every setback is accounted for, and every failure is just data they use to refine their approach.

They understand that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. They analyze their strengths, study their competition, and prepare for every challenge in advance. While others go in blind and hope for the best, they enter every endeavor with a blueprint that ensures they come out on top.

14. They Run On Spite, Stubbornness, And Caffeine

At the core of their relentless drive is a combination of pure grit, a refusal to back down, and just enough caffeine to keep them operating at maximum efficiency. They don’t just work hard because they enjoy it—they work hard because something inside them won’t let them quit. Whether it’s proving people wrong, chasing an impossible goal, or just refusing to let themselves fail, their persistence is fueled by something deeper than motivation.

They don’t always feel like grinding, but they do it anyway. They don’t always have energy, but they find a way to push through. They don’t rely on perfect conditions—they make progress whether they’re feeling inspired or not. And when all else fails, they pour another cup of coffee, dig their heels in, and keep going—because giving up simply isn’t in their DNA.

Georgia is a passionate story-teller and accomplished lifestyle journalist originally from Australia, now based in New York City. She writes lifestyle content for Bolde Media, publishers of Bolde, Star Candy and Earth Animals.