Fortitude • Decision-Making • Perseverance

What hardships have you endured? How have you navigated those hardships? And how did you maintain your effort to get to the other side of your challenge?

If you’re like most people, you’ve endured more hardships than you realize. We remember the BIG hardships and discount the smaller ones. But there’s something to be learned from every challenge you encounter.

To deal effectively with your business, life, or leadership challenges there are foundational traits that drive remarkable outcomes in any endeavor. Three of those foundational traits are fortitude, decision-making, and perseverance.

Fortitude is the inner strength to endure hardships and remain focused, even when challenges arise. It gives individuals the mental and emotional stamina to keep moving forward, especially when the road ahead seems uncertain or difficult. With fortitude, a person can face adversity without losing hope, knowing that enduring tough moments is essential for growth.

Decision-making, on the other hand, plays a critical role in navigating those challenges. Making thoughtful, informed decisions determines the course of action that leads toward success. Strong decision-making skills allow people to evaluate risks, consider options, and choose the best path—even under pressure. Coupled with fortitude, decision-making ensures that setbacks don't become permanent roadblocks but rather opportunities to adjust course.

Finally, perseverance is the steady commitment to see things through despite the obstacles or the time it takes. It turns intentions into achievements by maintaining effort day after day. Those who persevere keep pushing toward their goals, understanding that the journey may be long, but consistent effort yields progress. When fortitude supports the mindset, decision-making guides the direction, and perseverance sustains the journey, remarkable outcomes become not just possible, but inevitable.

So, what is the strength of your fortitude, decision-making capability, and perseverance? Assign a score between 0-10 with 10 being outstanding and 0 being non-existent for each of these three traits. Identify which one you are most comfortable practicing and consider why.

Then, look at the flip side of your scores. Which one are you least likely to utilize? Again, reflect on which one(s) you tend to neglect or negate most. One is likely to stand out based on you not feeling comfortable with it. 

Fortitude may tax your mindset and emotional intelligence. Decision-making forces you to analyze options and choose pathways that guide you out of your current situation. Perseverance requires a sustained effort over time with a never-quit attitude.

Looking at the attributes that each foundational trait provides will help you understand which aspects about it you like or dislike. Continue practicing and applying the one(s) you like most. Make a commitment to reinforce and improve the one(s) that don’t naturally resonate with you.

Each trait can be learned and enhanced with deliberate practice. Once you improve your capability with all three traits you will more effectively navigate those hardships to generate the outcomes you desire most.