Everyone Active GRIT Challenge
As part of Everyone Active’s revolutionary YOU+ wellness membership, we have worked with leading psychologist Dr Vanessa Moulton to develop the GRIT Challenge. A key facet of the Brain pillar of our YOU+ wellbeing philosophy, developing grit helps to ensure continued psychological fitness and resilience; helping you overcome challenges and optimise every part of your wellbeing.
Throughout May, YOU+ members are invited to take part in the inaugural Everyone Active GRIT Challenge. Each week you’ll be invited to try a particular element of grit. This includes trying something new – be curious about aspects of the world you’re not familiar with – speak with or spend time with people you don’t know well, try food you’re not familiar with or even give up an ingredient – such as caffeine – you perhaps have a little too much of. You’ll also be challenged to get outdoors more often and enjoy the spring weather.
Post your successes on social media each week and you’ll be in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes!
What is Grit?
Grit is a fundamental pillar of psychological fitness, which we believe is the key to unlocking your full potential across every aspect of your wellbeing journey. It provides the foundation upon which all other elements of health and performance are built. Psychological fitness is about actively understanding and managing how we think, feel, and behave – empowering us to thrive in both our personal and professional lives.
This approach marks a clear shift from traditional views of mental health.
For too long, mental health has been approached reactively – something we only address when difficulties arise. We’ve been taught to see it as a response to crisis, rather than a resource to be developed proactively.
Psychological fitness challenges this mindset. It invites us to build mental strength and emotional resilience through consistent, daily habits and by embracing curiosity. By doing so, we can better manage our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours – not only during tough times, but every day.
What is the GRIT Challenge?
Throughout May, we are encouraging you to take on the YOU+ GRIT Challenge and to be curious. Launching on 1st May, with the first challenge week beginning on 5th May, each week comprises a different challenge to help build your grit and resilience.
Week 1 – Try something new
- New group exercise/virtual class
- Use the gym or try new equipment in the gym
- Try an Everyone On Demand workout from one of our partners
- Reduce your screen time
- Try swimming or an aqua class
- Listen to an educational audio book or new genre of podcast
- Try a new activity or sport
Week 2 – Conversation with someone new
- Speak to a colleague you don’t know well
- Talk to a neighbour you don’t usually speak with
- Talk to one of the EA team in at your site
- Re-connect with old friends
Week 3 – Nutrition
- Pick 3-4 random foods to try this week
- Schedule time to take your launch and eat away from your workspace. Even if it’s just 10 minutes!
- Go caffeine free for a week
- Drink two litres of water a dayReduce your sugar intake
- Increase the number of steps you are doing, aiding digestion, supporting blood sugar level control and loads of other benefits
Week 4 – Get outdoors
- Walking meetings at work
- One 10 minute or longer outdoor walk a day
- Walk, run or cycle to a new location
- Eat your breakfast in the garden
- Try an outdoor sport
These are just suggestions – it’s up to you what you do in each week – but be sure to try and push your boundaries and try something that’s outside your comfort zone each day. That way, you’re building grit, resilience and psychological fitness, helping you to be better at dealing with challenges and barriers that you may encounter in life.
Dr Vanessa Moulton
Dr Vanessa Moulton is a leading psychologist with 15 years’ experience. Beginning her profess…ional life in the pressure-filled world of marketing, she pivoted into psychology, gaining her doctorate and initially working with those in the military and helping veterans navigate the myriad traumas from various conflicts. It was here that Vanessa first identified the need for a more proactive and preventative approach to mental health. It’s this approach that’s informed her Mindflex method, which is all about giving people practical solutions and guidance towards psychological fitness, of which grit and resilience is fundamental.
How can you take part?
To take part, all you need to do is record your efforts each week and upload them to your favourite social media channel – Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or LinkedIn – with the hashtag #Youplusgrit. Do that and you’ll be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes, including:
- A Whoop band
- A Red Letter Day worth £150
- A Theragun
- A Fitness package including a pump set, step and resistance bands