Thoughtful Thursday: Grit, School Sports, and Meghan Trainor
This Thoughtful Thursday isn’t about giving—it’s about grounding yourself in strength and setting boundaries. I call it GRIT, and it’s a lesson we can all use.
Being thoughtful to yourself means:
- Saying "no" without guilt.
- Protecting your time like the treasure it is.
- Accepting that you don’t need to justify your boundaries to anyone.
Grit isn’t harsh—it’s a gift. It lets you say “no” at work when others assume you’ll drop everything to help. It lets you say “no” at home, teaching your kids resilience instead of over-accommodation. From my perspective as a behavior analyst, hearing “no” and handling disappointment builds skills our kids will need to navigate life.
Learning How to Say No
Saying no isn’t easy, especially if you’ve spent years as the “yes person.” But learning to say no thoughtfully and with intention is an act of self-respect and self-care. Here are five ways to say no while maintaining grace and confidence:
1. The Polite Decline: “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m not able to commit to that right now.”
2. The Prioritization Angle: "I’d love to help, but I have other priorities that need my attention."
3. The No-Excuses Approach: "No, I can’t do that." (Sometimes, simple and direct is best!)
4. The Temporary Pause: "I can’t take that on right now, but let me revisit it next month."
5. The Boundary Reminder: "I appreciate you asking, but I need to focus on my own commitments."
Every time you say no, you’re saying yes to something that aligns with your values, priorities, and energy. Remember: saying no is a muscle—it gets stronger the more you use it.
GRIT in School Sports (and in Life)
Watching my teenager pour her heart into swimming is the perfect example of grit. Daily 2-3 hour practices, Saturday mornings at 7 a.m., balancing early practices with academics—it’s inspiring! Grit isn’t just about showing up; it’s about doing the hard things:
Swimming the stroke you hate because your team needs you.
Accepting outcomes with grace and working to improve.
Listening to feedback you didn’t ask for but know will make you better.
Now think about applying that same grit to your own boundaries. Grit means being intentional with your time and energy so you can thrive, not just survive.
Meghan Trainor’s Confidence-Building Lyrics
Why Meghan? She embodies grit and confidence in her music, her life, and her career. Her songs are a reminder to own your worth unapologetically. Meghan doesn’t just sing about confidence—she lives it. At the height of her success, she made the bold decision to step back from touring to focus on her family. She prioritized what mattered most, proving that grit isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters well.
Her life reflects the same values she champions in her music. Here are some standout lyrics to inspire your own confidence:
“Me Too”: 🎶 "If I was you, I’d wanna be me too!"
A reminder that confidence is about owning your shine without comparison.
“All About That Bass”: 🎶 "Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."
Meghan’s anthem for body positivity is a call to embrace yourself as you are.
“I Love Me”: 🎶 "I’m my own biggest fan."
Loving yourself first is the foundation of confidence and grit.
“Made You Look”: 🎶 "Even with my hoodie on, bet I made you look."
Confidence doesn’t come from designer clothes—it comes from knowing your value.
Meghan Trainor / Blossom Music Center / September 2024.
Meghan’s decision to pause and focus on family reinforces that boundaries and priorities are acts of strength, not weakness. Let Meghan’s lyrics and life choices remind you to take control of your own narrative with confidence and grit.
GRIT and Thoughtful Boundaries
Grit isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance. It’s doing what you can with all your heart while being thoughtful enough to protect yourself from burnout.
For this holiday gift-giving season, gift yourself the gift of grit. 🎁 It’s the gift that keeps on giving—helping you set boundaries, protect your time, and show up for what truly matters.
This week, I challenge you to exercise thoughtfulness by setting boundaries and saying no when it matters. Pay attention to how it feels: Did you feel empowered?
No matter how it feels initially, remind yourself that every time you say no, you’re creating space for something that builds you up. And for every thoughtful “no” you give, reward yourself with something that makes you feel good—whether it’s a cup of coffee, a walk in nature, or five minutes of quiet reflection.
For me, I’m all about feeling cozy. That’s why I love my weighted blanket—it’s like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It doesn’t just help me relax; it encourages better sleep, which fuels my ability to show up with grit and confidence the next day. When I prioritize my needs, even with something as simple as a weighted blanket, I’m investing in the best version of myself.
Remember: confidence and grit go hand in hand. By setting boundaries, you’re not just preserving your energy—you’re teaching yourself (and others) that your time and needs are valuable.
P.S. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission that supports my ongoing thoughtfulness, acts of giving, and a sprinkle of fairy dust.