Grit is often a core ingredient in OCD treatment and is defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals. The path to recovery in OCD demands an extraordinary level of determination, bravery, and mental toughness, and this makes grit a powerful aspect of the recovery journey. Let’s take a deeper dive into the intersection of grit and OCD and explore the resilience and strength it takes to achieve recovery.
Understanding Grit
Grit was coined by Angela Duckworth and refers to having “ultimate concern” on a goal that you care so much about that it organizes and gives meaning to almost everything you do. It means holding steadfast to your goal, no matter how many times you fall down, how slow progress is, how long the journey seems. Grit is an unwavering commitment to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead is challenging.
The Challenge of OCD
For those living with OCD, the challenges are immense. OCD can cause significant distress and impairment that dominate a person’s life, with relentless obsessions leading to compulsions that reinforce its vicious cycle. These compulsions can be time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning, making it difficult for individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations. The battle against OCD is a fight for reclaiming one’s life, purpose and living in alignment with one’s values.
Where Grit Comes In
The leading evidence-based treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP involves gradually facing fears and triggers (exposure) while reducing and eliminating compulsions (response prevention). Changing the relationship with OCD through ERP can be hard work and this is where grit comes in.
Sticking with ERP, especially when it feels overwhelming, or like the road to recovery is long, takes serious perseverance. Each time one faces a fear or resists a compulsion, they’re showing grit. They’re sticking with it, even though it feels uncomfortable. This “stick-with-it-ness” hels someone with OCD move through their discomfort to regain control over their life.
Grit and the Role of Compassion
Pairing grit with self-compassion can make a monumental difference when it comes to recovery. Progress is never perfectly linear and setbacks are a normal part of the process and those setbacks can be demotivating. Practicing kindness to oneself and acknowledging wins (no matter the size) can enhance motivation and grit. Living with OCD is hard. ERP is hard work. Demonstrating grit is hard. Self-compassion can make these hard things feel a little easier.
How Therapists Can Encourage Grit
Therapists can help foster grit in clients with OCD by setting realistic goals, celebrating small victories, and reframing setbacks as chances to grow or opportunities for practice. It’s also helpful to focus on perseverance, not perfection. By helping clients build resilience, therapists can empower them to keep going, especially when the work gets hard.
Another tool therapists can use is incorporating values-based exposures into ERP work. This is where clients do exposures that align with their personal values and practice committed action. When a client feels connected to something meaningful, it’s easier to find the motivation to push through the tough moments.
In Conclusion
The link between grit and OCD is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to live with and manage OCD. The grit required to face OCD head-on is a testament to the resilience of our clients. For those living with OCD and the therapists who support them, embracing grit as part of treatment can lead to incredible growth, healing, and a life full of purpose and passion.