Written by Mitchell Hollis | Upward Running National Director
Hello everyone, Mitchell Hollis here with Upward Running.
I recently read a quote from Angela Duckworth, who completed a study at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research indicated that “grit” is the number one indicator of success. It’s not talent, title, wealth, or good looks. It’s grit—the ability to work hard for long periods of time toward a goal; to persevere, to overcome, and to keep moving forward in the face of adversity, failure, rejection, and obstacles.
“One characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success… It was grit. Grit is passion and perseverance for very long‑term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out… not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years.” – Angela Duckworth
As many of you know, I used to coach a team of young triathletes, and this was a topic of discussion within our coaching team for years. We understood this principle. I had the opportunity to observe young triathletes for more than 10 years, and I can tell you—there were athletes with grit, and athletes without it. Sometimes it was hard to tell which was which… until it was time for the sport to become their own.
So what do I mean?
I don’t believe kids get burned out on a sport. Now, I know that can be a bold statement because we hear it so often, but hear me out.
I believe kids eventually come to a point of honesty about their level of grit for the sport.
It’s either there, or it’s not. I’ve seen incredibly talented athletes leave because of a lack of grit. And I’ve seen athletes with less natural ability rise to the top because they had it in abundance. Let’s not confuse grit with motivation. Grit is the spark—motivation is the fuel.
One weekend, my son Lane had to leave at 7:15 a.m. Saturday to catch a plane with his buddy Easton to Tucson, AZ, where they spent the next four days biking through some of the most beautiful places in the country. Friday afternoon, I asked Lane if he’d thought about his long run, which was scheduled for Saturday. He was leaving at 7:15 and would be traveling all day. When I suggested a 5:00 a.m. start, the motivation was definitely not there—I could see it in his eyes. He just wanted to sleep.
But here’s what I had learned from years of coaching: these athletes had grit. Lane got up and ran at 5:00 that morning. Easton got his run in late that evening, while everyone else rested. That’s grit.
So how does this relate to our walk with Christ?
I believe many churches today are full of motivated people. They love a good sermon. They love showing up to help others. They love telling people where they go to church. But many have no grit. And because they have no grit, they’re walking away from the church at an alarming rate.
“I got burned out.”
“I just needed a break.”
“I didn’t feel connected anymore.”
We’ve all heard these phrases. Statistics show that 75% of young people leave the church when they leave home. Why? I believe it’s because they lack grit—spiritually speaking.
What does grit look like in our faith?
Grit is Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the constant when motivation is gone. Let me say that again:
Jesus is the constant when motivation is gone.
Let’s be honest—living a life that appears Christian is hard. This ministry, now known as Upward Running, is not always easy. The enemy is active. People whisper when they see our shirts. Old friends distance themselves. Doors close because we’re “faith-based.” It’s hard.
Why do I say “appears” Christian?
Because, just like in sports, there are external motivations—success, coaches, recognition, dreams. But when those things fade, when defeat comes, when schedules get overwhelming—what keeps you going?
It’s grit.
Upward Running gets a lot of encouraging motivation…letters from people whose lives have been changed, decisions for Christ from across the country, stories from prisons and churches alike. These things remind us we’re on the right path.
But motivation doesn’t last forever.
Sometimes, the next email is negative.
Sometimes, the support isn’t where we hoped it would be.
Sometimes, it’s personal…a sick loved one, a financial burden, a deep disappointment.
Those are the moments where grit carries you.
Those are the moments where Jesus takes your hand and walks with you through it.
Just like an injured athlete can come back stronger, a believer with spiritual grit—rooted in Christ—can come through adversity wiser, more faithful, and more equipped. Jesus doesn’t promise to take away the valley—He promises to walk through it with us. Without Him, we’re defeated, burned out, and walking away.
So let me ask you:
Are you living the Christian life?
Or are you living the appearance of a Christian life?
God has been pressing on my heart to ask a hard but vital question:
Do you know that you know where you’ll spend eternity?
Are you just going through the motions?
Are you riding the coattails of your parents’ faith?
Are you tired, burned out, wondering what it’s all for?
These aren’t easy questions. But if you’re living just for the appearance of faith, these questions might just be your wake-up call.
I challenge you to consider where Jesus stands in your life—not just church, not just Christian language, not just appearances. Jesus. Is He real in your life?
Friends, I love you—but more importantly, God loves you. Now go tell someone about Jesus today.
—Mitchell