How to Empower Yourself With More Gumption

I was reading my Grandson a book a few days ago and I came across the word “Gumption”. I knew the word but when he asked me what it meant, I could not exactly explain it. When I looked it up I decided I needed to share it. I needed to let you know how to empower yourself with more gumption.

What is gumption?  I don’t think I’ve heard gumption used since I watched Gabby Hayes and Roy Rogers.  The definition varies depending on where you look, but to me gumption involves deciding what needs doing and doing it with energy and determination. If you possess gumption, you are a motivated self-starter with nerve and drive .  You’re a “Go-Getter.”

One reference seemed to imply that Southerners adopted the phrase a long while back, and still use it as a compliment today. So if someone says you have gumption, it’s a compliment. I think of it as spunk or pluck. Actually, “English speakers have had gumption (the word, that is) since the early 1700s. The term’s exact origins aren’t known, but its earliest known uses are found in British and especially Scottish dialects (which also include the forms rumblegumption and rumgumption). “ merriam-webster.com

Why is Gumption Important?

Back in 2020 COVID pit us all to a test. Day by day more and more things closed down around us. Certain grocery staples became harder to find, students went to school on the computer and families were with each other around the clock. I believe those that survived the best demonstrated gumption. 

Musicians around the world took to doorsteps, windows, rooftops to share their music. It didn’t take long for others musicians to join them providing musical respites for many people to enjoy. What gumption it took for that first musician to open his window and play!  

There are many entrepreneurs who launched themselves on TicTok during the pandemic but hardly any more successful than B. Dylan Hollis A musical student at the University of Wyoming, and collector of old cookbooks. Bored one day early in the pandemic he stumbled into both baking and social media fame at once when he filmed an investigation of an old cookbook he had collected from an estate sale. Hundreds of recipes later, Dylan now entertains millions across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram with his unique style and fast jokes. His first cookbook will hit the stores in July 2023. What gumption it took to post that first video. 

Many people showed gumption and resiliency during COVID. Using gumption they moved past fear and became a leader for themselves and often many others benefitted. They decided what they wanted to do and with energy, common sense and intelligence, they moved past whatever was in their way. 

Whether you call it “Resiliency” or “Grit” or “Gugumption,” having it will help you bounce back from trouble, and help to achieve your goals despite adversity. 

5 Steps to More Gumption

Children often exhibit more gumption than adults. They haven’t learned to doubt themselves, so they can keep trying and trying things til they are successful.  What can you do as an adult to step up and use your gumption or perhaps you need to get your gumption back. There are a few steps you can take. 

Believe

Followers of the show about soccer coach Ted Lasso know one of the steps is to achieving  gumption is to BELIEVE. You must have confidence in your ability. Believing may have more to do with accomplishment than actual ability. 

Set a Goal

Having a long-term goal and sticking to it builds gumption. Just like kids building with blocks, sticking to the goal and trying new things if you fail, contributes to both your well-being and your self-confidence. 

Learn from Mistakes

If you do not learning from your mistakes then you will certainly repeat them. When a mistake happens, ask yourself three questions: 

• Why did I do what I did? A good idea gone bad or just a bad idea?
• What went wrong?
• If the same occasion comes my way what will I do differently? 

By analyzing your mistakes you will learn from them and you’ll be increasing your gumption. 

Pat Yourself on the Back

Give yourself a high five, a positive out loud affirmation or just a mental pat on the back. This will keep your spirits up and reinforce your gumption. Celebrate any success, no matter how small.

Empower Yourself With More Gumption

No matter what you call it, Resilience, Grit, Boldness, Guts, Moxie or Gumption, it is all about doing that thing that needs to be done. You need to empower yourself with more gumption. After all, “There are only 3 things that can make your dreams come true: your thoughts, your words, and your actions.”- Author: Mike Dooley

Related Article: Setting Goals

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