Persistence – Having the internal Grit – to plan, execute and complete the task at hand – usually long term with follow through. It allows for adjustment and change and creates successful outcomes.

This “Grit”  trumps the family you were born into, rich or poor, your skill sets or IQ, this trumps friends or religion –

Grit is akin to your personal constitution; its traits are understanding deeply, for the long term, and following that goal to its end.

the word is “grit” – this came to me from a TED talk conversation –  Here it is  –

http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit.html

… and since this is Howard Theories – I reference the old John Wayne classic “True Grit”.  (not the new version)  – Not trying to be humorous or pass judgment on acting skills. He did become the caricature of Grit.