Nothing But Grit: What Does a Pearl's Origin Story Tell Us About Success?

Did you know every pearl starts out as just an itty-bitty piece of grit? The oyster reacts to the grit by covering it with layer upon layer of beautiful iridescent nacre until - some years later - a beautiful pearl awaits discovery. Maybe this is why I like pearls so much?

Their origin story is the origin story of every human with determination to get something done, be somebody, make the world a better place. It all starts with grit. Without grit, it doesn't matter what environment we're raised in or nurtured by. And interestingly, with that grit, it also doesn't matter what environment we're raised in or nurtured by. I know people reared in extreme wealth and privilege who do nothing but tear down everything around them.

And I know people who didn't have shoes until there were practically teenagers but bought their first home in their mid-twenties. The difference, I think, is grit. Before you all tell me grit doesn't overcome everything - I do know that. But I also know without it, it's difficult to overcome or achieve anything. 

Embrace and celebrate your own special bit of grit. Share it with others and model what's possible. Grit is spectacularly beautiful.

So wear your pearls.