What is Grit and How to Develop It
Is it something that you are born with, or something that you can learn?
Is it something that you are born with, or something that you can learn?
What is Grit and How to Develop It. Have you ever wondered what makes some people succeed and others fail? What is the secret ingredient that allows some people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, while others give up or settle for less? Is it talent, luck, intelligence, or something else?
The answer, according to a groundbreaking book by psychologist Angela Duckworth, is grit. Grit is the combination of passion and perseverance for a singularly important goal. Grit is the willingness to learn from your mistakes and improve yourself, rather than blaming yourself or others. Grit is the courage to try again and again, until you succeed.
I first read the book Grit a few years ago, and it changed my life. I was fascinated by the stories and research that Angela Duckworth presented, and how she showed that grit is more important than talent or IQ in predicting success in various domains, such as education, sports, business, and art. She also showed that grit can be measured, learned, and cultivated, and that anyone can develop it with the right mindset and habits.
I was especially inspired by one of her favorite moments in the book, where she described an experiment with West Point cadets. However, every year, many of them drop out or fail to graduate, because of the rigorous and demanding training and curriculum.
Angela Duckworth and her colleagues wanted to find out what made some cadets succeed and others fail. They devised a test called the Grit Scale, which consisted of 12 questions that measured how passionate and persistent the cadets were for their long-term goals.
The surprising result was that the Grit Scale, not the physical fitness test, was the best predictor of who would stay and who would leave West Point. The cadets who scored high on grit were more likely to survive the grueling first summer of training, known as Beast Barracks, and to graduate four years later. The cadets who scored low on grit were more likely to quit or be dismissed, regardless of how fit or smart they were.
The treadmill was set to increase the speed and incline every minute, until it reached a level that no human could endure. The real test was not how long the cadets could run, but how they reacted to failure. The gritty cadets were the ones who showed up the next day, ready to try again, and to learn from their experience.
This story resonated with me, because it reminded me of some of the challenges and failures that I had faced in my own life, and how I had to overcome them with.
How You Can Develop Grit
How do you develop Grit?
Is it something that you are born with, or something that you can learn?
The good news is that grit is not a fixed trait that you either have or don’t have. Grit is a skill that you can develop and improve, with the right mindset and self-discipline.
Grit is not about working hard, but working hard for something that you care about deeply. To find your passion, you need to explore your interests, and discover what makes you curious, excited, and fulfilled. Finding your passion may take some time and experimentation, but it is worth it, because it will give you a direction and a motivation for your life.
It’s not about having a vague vision, but having a clear and specific goal that you want to achieve. To set your goals, you need to break down your vision into smaller and more manageable steps, and plan how you will accomplish them. Setting your goals will help you focus your efforts, and measure your results.
Not just about practicing a lot, but practicing well. To practice deliberately, you need to identify your weaknesses, and work on them systematically. Practicing deliberately will help you improve your skills, and reach your potential.
Grit is not just about having a fixed mindset, but having a growth mindset. A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities are innate and unchangeable. A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities can be developed and improved through effort and learning. To cultivate a growth mindset, you need to embrace challenges, rather than avoid them. Cultivating a growth mindset will help you overcome obstacles, and become more resilient.
It’s not just about being independent, but being interdependent. To seek support, you need to surround yourself with people who share your passion and goals, and who can inspire, encourage, and help you. You also need to be supportive of others, and contribute to their success. Seeking support will help you build your network, and enhance your relationships.
Grit is the combination of passion and perseverance for a singularly important goal. Grit is the ability to keep working hard and stay focused on your vision, even when you face obstacles, setbacks, or failures. Grit is the willingness to learn from your mistakes and improve yourself, rather than blaming yourself or others.
It’s not something that you are born with, but something that you can develop and improve, with the right mindset and habits. You can develop grit by finding your passion, setting your goals, practicing deliberately, cultivating a growth mindset, and seeking support.
Grit is not a guarantee of success, but it is a powerful predictor of success.
