Kyle Farran, Godly Grit: Unshakable Resilience and Grit for Life and Leadership (affiliate link). Monee, Illinois: Overflowing Ministry, 2026. 295 pages.
Kyle Farran is a missionary executive based in Portugal. I wrote a review on his earlier book Overflowing (affiliate link) and have had him as a guest on my leadership podcast. I read Angela Duckworth’s book Grit when it came out, so I wasn’t sure what Farran’s book could add to that discussion. But Farran writes from a distinctively Christian perspective, offering insightful counsel to Christian leaders. He also suggests that purpose is a better driver for leaders than is passion, as Duckworth suggests (120). Overall, I felt that Farran added plenty of helpful, practical material to the conversation surrounding leadership grit.
Farran acknowledges that challenges characterize leadership. He notes that “Strength, courage, resilience, and grit are uncommon traits in a world gone soft” (25). Certainly, in our current culture, leaders face some huge societal headwinds. Leadership isn’t for sissies! For that reason, this book is a useful resource.
I won’t give an extensive summary. Instead, I’ll highlight a few comments that resonated with me.
Farran explains that “Grit is about long-term perseverance and effort toward a goal, despite challenges and slow progress” (37). He clarifies that “When people follow us, they should be following the presence of Christ in us” (37).
He cites my book Spiritual Leadership twice, which I am always delighted to see (35, 45).
He notes that “We can actually become addicted to our thoughts because we are addicted to the feelings they produce” (47). He quotes Curt Thompson, who coined the phrase, “Neurons that fire together wire together” (47). This popular mantra suggests we can change our thinking over time. Farran argues that “One of the most challenging aspects of leadership is managing our own emotions” (53). We cannot let them derail us or lead us astray.
Much of Farran’s book focuses on helping leaders maintain the proper perspective. He advises that “Today’s overwhelming challenge will probably be next year’s fading memory” (108). It’s true that many of the problems that loomed large for me at one moment have mostly been forgotten. They were resolved, and life moved on. Remembering this important truth can help keep current problems in perspective.
Farran goes on to claim that challenges are God’s tool to strengthen and grow us. Rather than praying for God to remove them, we should strive to learn valuable lessons through those experiences. Farran states, “If God never allowed resistance or challenges, we would atrophy . . .” (109). Interestingly, Farran suggests that we not fully shield our spouse or children from life’s challenges, for they need to develop godly grit as well (113). He argues, “Challenges are the field where leaders are forged” (112).
Farran includes an interesting discussion on the value of purpose. He tells a story of going camping with his family in the rain. While in their tent, they bemoaned the discomfort the rain caused. When they attempted to climb to the mountain peak, the rain became inconsequential. He concludes, “Campers want comfort. Climbers want the summit” (116).
Farran offers helpful advice on how to take care of our body and mind to develop godly grit. He claims that if we relax our jaw, we can relax our body (161). He offers counsel on diet and foods that help or harm us (64-165). He also gives advice on the use of coffee (176). That’s an issue I’m more sensitive about! He points out that devoting even just seven minutes per day to stretching and exercise can be extremely useful (169). He recommends ending showers with cold water (170). I’m not yet convinced of that one! He also suggests taking a power nap in the afternoons. He finds that a nap of between 6-22 minutes is all he needs to feel invigorated (173).
There are plenty of other useful nuggets in this book. Farran’s style is to intersperse tidbits of wisdom throughout the pages. A danger of this approach, as I have experienced, is that in an effort to sound profound, he occasionally makes broad statements that cause the reader to stop and consider possible exceptions. Nonetheless, the book contains much wisdom.
Through the years, I have witnessed and experienced the challenges leaders face in the daily grind of their work. Criticism, opposition, and attacks can whither a leader’s soul over time. The concept of leadership grit is timely. Hopefully this book will save many leaders from becoming discouraged and quitting. I encourage you to read it!
Rating: 3
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