Core Message - Grit, defined as perseverance, is the number one determining factor in success, outweighing passion [1] - Grit is not innate but can be honed through adversity [2] - The speaker shares personal stories of overcoming abuse, financial collapse, and a spouse's cancer diagnosis to illustrate the principles of grit [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Three Rules of Grit - Comparison: Avoid comparing oneself to others, as it leads to discouragement [12][13][14] - Purgatory: Recognize that the middle stage of pursuing a goal is difficult and requires pushing through despite fading passion [14][15][16] - Goats: Don't let others "get your goat," meaning don't allow others to agitate or distract you; instead, "be the goat," offering stability and guidance to others [16][17][18][19] Grit Promise - Life is challenging and unfair, but one must persevere through setbacks [20][21] - Scars and visible cracks are proof of survival and resilience [22] - By embracing grit, individuals can rise from adversity and rebuild themselves [22]