2 Grit
“I have a feeling tomorrow will be better” is different from “I resolve for tomorrow to be better.”
Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance
Passion and Perserverance
Grit, which is defined through the research of Dr. Angela Duckworth as passion plus perseverance, has been shown to be a predictive factor in achievement of difficult goals, including academic achievement.
Essential to grit is persistence, both persistent effort and persistent interests across time, demonstrated as sustained passionate commitment to a goal. Effort is a specific area where we can choose to commit to and act on an important goal, regardless of current talent or skill level. Growth mindset, believing our talents can be developed through effort, contributes to working harder and achieving more than those with a fixed mindset.
Talent x Effort = Skill
Skill x Effort = Achievement
Effort counts twice!
Grit Inside and Out
Grit can be developed regardless of talent level, IQ, or circumstances; however, simply telling students to “work harder” is not the answer. Dr. Duckworth framed a model of Interests, Practice, Purpose and Hope to grow grit from the inside out.
We should discover and develop interests that we find intrinsically motivating so that we can sustain them over time, and do this before we try to address any weaknesses. This passionate interest should be deliberately and faithfully practiced with incrementally difficult challenges to build our ability, including our capacity to fail and overcome it, and learn to improve.
Our passion should also be linked to a higher-level purpose, which connects us to greater meaning in our everyday efforts. This purpose can serve to motivate us to continue practice and effort, even if it is challenging.
Finally, we must cultivate hope, in the form of the belief that we can always get better, that our effort counts and will lead to better outcomes in the future. By building grit in connection with the cultivation of our deepest interests and a clear higher purpose, supported by persistent effort and incremental growth of ability, we are paving the path toward achievement of our most important goals.
I have goals that mean a lot to me
+ I am willing to work hard
= I believe I will reach my goals
REFLECT AND ASSESS ACTIVITY
Reflect
Reflect on the following statements to calibrate your grittiness.
- I am working towards a very long-term goal
- What I do each day is connected to my deepest personal values
- There is at least one subject or activity that I never get bored of thinking about
- Setbacks don’t discourage me for long
- I am a hard worker, and I finish whatever I begin
- I never stop working to improve
What are some examples of your grittiness?
Assess
Now, go to the Grit Scale to take the assessment and get your Grit score.
Reflect on your score and areas in which you can improve to increase your grittiness.
Grit: the power of passion and perseverance
WATCH AND REFLECT ACTIVITY
As you watch the videos below, answer the following questions.
- Why is it important to develop your grit while you are in college?
- Think about your own grit level – what is your purpose for being in college and how much effort are you willing to put in to achieve it?
- What are some ways you can strengthen your passion and perseverance?
